💊 Ormeloxifene (Centchroman) Tablet 30 mg – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Ormeloxifene, also known as Centchroman, is a non-hormonal oral contraceptive. It is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) used primarily for birth control and also for the management of dysfunctional uterine bleeding and menstrual disorders in women.
💊 Prescription / Use:
- Indications:
- Regular contraception (non-daily pill)
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)
- Menorrhagia and other menstrual irregularities
- Dosage (for contraception):
- First 12 weeks: One 30 mg tablet twice a week (e.g., Sunday & Wednesday)
- After 12 weeks: One 30 mg tablet once a week
- Route: Oral
- Form: Tablet
- Strength: 30 mg Ormeloxifene
🔬 Nature:
- Non-steroidal, non-hormonal contraceptive
- Belongs to the class of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
- Mechanism of action:
- Alters uterine lining and ovulation
- Prevents implantation without inhibiting ovulation
🌟 Advantages:
- Once-a-week dosing after initial phase
- No hormonal side effects seen with estrogen/progestin-based pills
- No impact on libido or lactation (can be used by breastfeeding women)
- Well-tolerated and reversible fertility after discontinuation
- Approved and promoted under national family planning programs in India (often distributed as Saheli)
📦 Common Packaging:
- Pack of 8 or 10 tablets (30 mg each)
- Blister or strip packaging with labeled days for easy tracking
- May be branded as:
- Saheli (CDRI, India)
- Chhaya under national program
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 15–30°C
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep in original packaging
- Keep away from children
⚠️ Precautions:
- Not suitable in:
- Pregnancy
- History of deep vein thrombosis or vascular disease
- Liver dysfunction
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in some cases
- Irregular menstrual cycles (use with caution)
- Side Effects May Include:
- Delayed or irregular periods (common in early use)
- Mild headaches or dizziness
- Breast tenderness (rare)
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Start the pill on the first day of menstruation
- Follow strict twice-weekly schedule for the first 12 weeks
- Switch to once-a-week schedule from 13th week onwards
- Take it on the same day every week for effectiveness
- If a dose is missed, use backup contraception (like condoms)
- Can be safely used during breastfeeding
- Not to be used if you are already pregnant
- Not an emergency contraceptive