In the modern world, there are a large number of methods of contraception. Of course, those who respect their partner and know what they really want in life choose not only safe sex, but also reliable sources of contraception.
Let us dwell in more detail on this method of contraception using hormonal pills. As is already clear, we will talk about contraceptive drugs, of which there are quite a lot today.
Drug Jess
Manufacturers can offer a wide selection of hormonal drugs, the main function of which is contraception.
Of course, it’s quite difficult to find something you need the first time:
- Firstly, this can be explained by the fact that hormonal drugs have their own characteristics . Not every woman will be able to positively perceive a hormonal drug and get the desired effect.
- Secondly, many ladies worry about sudden changes in body weight and this is also important. Of course, all hormonal drugs can cause a completely unexpected reaction in the body - this could be nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and lack of strength, as well as loss of performance.
Perhaps one of the most famous contraceptive drugs released today is Jess . This drug is familiar to many women faced with the choice of contraceptive drugs.
As you know, the drug Jess has quite a few analogues, differing in price category, as well as in manufacturer. What is this drug?
Jess represents a single-phase type of contraceptive, one of the microdosed drugs. This drug is classified as a modern generation drug.
Why can this particular contraceptive achieve the desired result? This is explained, first of all, by the fact that the medicine contains a microscopic content of hormones. The big advantage is that while taking Jess, the lady does not have to worry about the side effects inherent in such medications.
Compound
Analyzing the composition of the Jess contraceptive, it should be noted that the basis of the drug is the active substance, which is responsible for the most important function - to protect a woman from unwanted pregnancy.
When taking the pill, the first thing that changes is the cervix, and the process of suppressing ovulation also begins.
Thus, thanks to these functions, a woman does not have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy.
The active ingredients in the drug Jess are ethinyl estradio and drospirenone.
In terms of content volume, drospirenone significantly exceeds the content of ethinyl estradio. As with all medicines, in addition to the active components, there are also auxiliary ones.
They create a “substrate” for high activity components. Thanks to the combination of these components, the drug is tolerated quite easily and does not cause discomfort or side effects when consumed, which is important when taking the drug.
The auxiliary components, as in all medicines, are corn starch, lactose and cellulose.
Jess or Yarina - which is better?
Many doctors prescribe two drugs for women to choose from: Jess and Yarina, saying that they are the same thing. Indeed, their composition is almost identical, but there is still a difference and it lies in the fact that one tablet of Yarina contains 10 mcg more ethinyl estradiol. That is, Yarin contains more of the hormone, which does not please everyone, but it is believed to be more effective.
What exactly to take, each woman decides for herself, or after consulting with a gynecologist. Although, usually, in women, if any side effects appear on one of these drugs, similar ones will appear on the second. There are women who do not have any side effects, but they consciously give their preference to Jess, because it contains less of the main substance, therefore, there is much less risk of side effects. In general, in terms of effectiveness, these drugs are the same. They cope well with their main function - protecting against unwanted pregnancy. But we must not forget about the side effects that may occur.
Drug Jess Plus
Often, pharmacists ask women which drug is needed: Jess or Jess Plus? What is the difference and why are these drugs often compared?
Jess Plus is a combination type drug.
This is a contraceptive containing the following components:
- estrogen;
- gestagen;
- calcium levomefolate.
Jess Plus consists of such components .
In the same way as the drug Jess, the contraceptive is taken to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Compound
The composition of Jess Plus is filled with an active substance in the form of a component such as ethinyl estradiol , which can suppress the period of ovulation, during which, as is known, a woman has a high probability of conceiving a child. As you can see, the composition is identical to the Jess contraceptive.
The composition contains auxiliary components in the form of a vitamin complex. Vitamins play a supporting role and have a beneficial effect on a woman’s health, which is important when taking a contraceptive.
What is the difference between Jess and Jess+?
The difference between Jess and Jess Plus lies in the components that fill the composition of the drugs.
To be more precise, the Jess Plus contraceptive contains a component such as calcium levomefolate, while the Jess drug does not have such a component.
First of all, it should be noted that such a component plays a rather important role primarily for the woman.
The function of the component is to prevent the development of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, if the woman still plans to become pregnant.
This is quite important for the future baby and the manufacturer took care of this in advance.
If we take into account the age factor, then, of course, for those who are planning to conceive a baby in the near future, it is better to choose Jess Plus.
Actually, this is the difference between the Jess Plus contraceptive and Jess.
The choice of drug should be made taking into account individual preferences and plans for the future. After all, hormonal drugs can have a serious impact on a woman’s health, including reproductive function. Before choosing a contraceptive, you need to carefully study the composition, as well as find out which components have an impact on health directly in the reproductive sphere.
Why is levomefolate needed in contraceptives?
If a woman takes oral contraceptives for their intended purpose (to protect against unplanned pregnancy), then most likely she has a permanent sexual partner, and taking contraceptives is only a temporary solution. When plans change and the couple decides to have a child, the appointment ends. For such cases, it is better to choose Jess Plus, since with it the body of the expectant mother receives levomethylfolate, which is important for the normal development of the fetus, in advance. Folates play a major role in a healthy pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. It is desirable that by this time the mother’s body is supplied with a sufficient amount of this vitamin. This is why gynecologists recommend starting to take folic acid 1-3 months before conception. Thus, the recommendation will be followed when stopping contraception in order to have a child.
In all other cases: when pregnancy is not planned even in the distant future or COCs are used for another purpose, for example, to treat acne, the use of Jess Plus is inappropriate and will not be any different from a simple one. They contain exactly the same number of active components, so that it is possible to safely replace one with another. You can switch from Jess Plus to regular Jess when the time comes for a new package or at any stage of the cycle, following the already started order of administration.
Precautionary measures
Despite the improved safety profile and relatively rare side effects compared to previous generations of progestins, Jess has many contraindications. Before taking it, it is important to be examined by a gynecologist to rule out diseases of the internal genital organs, mammary glands, cardiovascular system and blood. A number of drugs, including herbal ones (St. John's wort), reduce the effectiveness of contraception if taken in parallel. Alcohol while taking any Jess may worsen the metabolism of ethinyl estradiol in the liver, but you should not skip taking a pill because of this.
Indications for use of Jess and Jess+
As is already known, both Jess and Jess Plus are contraceptive drugs. The main function of such medications is to protect partners from unwanted pregnancy. Of course, this is one type of contraception and indications for use - protection of a couple during sexual intercourse.
These drugs are prescribed for problems such as:
- Acne. As you know, rashes of various kinds on the face can develop very actively and sometimes have to be fought only with the use of hormonal drugs;
- PMS . Perhaps every woman has at least once encountered increased irritability, as well as other symptoms inherent in the premenstrual period.
At this time, a woman needs to find peace and hormonal medications will help cope with this.
In most cases, hormonal drugs are contraceptives and are intended not only for contraception, but also for treating acne and mitigating the period of PMS.
Barrier methods
Condoms
pros
- reliable protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy (if used correctly)
- affordable price
- no systemic effect on the body
- ideal for those who have an irregular sex life
- do not require preliminary examinations for selection
Minuses
- decreased sensitivity
- Possible allergy to latex
Spermicides
Spermicides are substances that immobilize sperm, preventing them from penetrating into the uterine cavity.
pros
- partial protection against sexually transmitted infections (not effective against some viruses)
- suitable for those who cannot use hormonal and intrauterine contraception
Minuses
- low efficiency (60–70%), this method cannot be used as an independent method
- very strict control over compliance with the rules of use is required
- Possible irritation, allergic reactions of the skin of the genital organs
Contraindications
There are many contraindications for such drugs:
- thrombosis of venous or arterial type;
- syndromes preceding thrombosis;
- migraine;
- diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, aggravated by vascular type symptoms;
- at the slightest risk of arterial and venous thrombosis;
- pancreatitis;
- diseases associated with liver dysfunction;
- malignant tumors in the liver;
- neoplasms dependent on a woman’s hormonal levels;
- increased sensitivity to the components of the drug;
- lactation period;
- signs of pregnancy (even not confirmed);
- with uncertain vaginal discharge.
As you can see, there are quite a lot of restrictions on taking medications. If there is at least one of the above points, then it is better not to risk it and consult a doctor about taking this type of contraceptive.
Side effects
Many hormonal drugs have a number of side effects, from which, unfortunately, many women suffer.
Has the following side effects:
- vomit;
- menstrual irregularities;
- bleeding from the vagina;
- pain in the mammary glands.
However, the list does not end there and occurs in rare cases:
- thromboembolism, manifested both arterial and venous.
It occurs extremely rarely:
- neoplasms;
- hypertension;
- liver dysfunction;
- symptoms of high sensitivity.
Instructions for use Jess and Jess+
Each drug has instructions for use:
- You need to drink Jess at the same time every day , thoroughly washing it down with water.
- Jess should be taken daily for twenty-eight days.
- Taking the contraceptive from a new package should begin the day after the last pill from the previous package was taken.
- After stopping the drug, bleeding may begin on the second or third day. There is no need to be afraid of this. This is normal.
- It should also be noted that if a woman did not take contraceptives in the previous month , then it is best to start taking Jess from the second to fifth day of the cycle.
However, in parallel it is required to use barrier contraception as a supplement. It is also necessary not to skip contraceptives while taking medications. In the event of a violation, it will be quite difficult to restore the consumption pattern in the future.
As for taking Jess Plus, you must adhere to the same rules as when taking the contraceptive Jess.
Method of administration
- The contraceptive must be taken strictly at the same time every day for twenty-eight days.
- The medicine must be taken with clean water in a small volume.
- It is prohibited to skip taking pills due to difficulties in restoring the consumption regimen.
- If you have not previously taken any contraceptives, you can start taking Jess from the first day of your cycle.
Dosage
The dosage of the drug is universal for everyone - one tablet daily for twenty-eight days.
Overdose
As such, no cases of overdose have been recorded, however, in rare cases, vomiting, weakness and the appearance of spotting may be caused.
Interaction with other drugs
- When the drug interacts with other drugs, the reliability and effectiveness of the drug is lost, and bleeding is also possible.
- In addition, increased clearance of sex hormones may be caused.
- When interacting with antibiotics, enterohepatic circulation cannot be ruled out. Taking Jess can have a significant impact on the metabolism of other medications consumed simultaneously.
To determine the interaction of other drugs with Jess, you need to study the instructions for the drug.
Jess Plus, 28 pcs., film-coated tablets
If any of the conditions, diseases and risk factors listed below currently exist, the potential risks and expected benefits of using Jess®Plus should be carefully weighed in each individual case and discussed with the woman before she decides to start taking of this drug.
Violations by the SSS
The results of epidemiological studies indicate a relationship between the use of COCs and an increased incidence of venous and arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism (such as DVT, PE, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disorders) when taking COCs. These diseases are rare.
The risk of developing VTE is greatest in the first year of taking COCs. An increased risk is present after initial use of a COC or resumption of use of the same or a different COC (after a dosing interval of 4 weeks or more). Data from a large prospective study involving 3 groups of patients indicate that this increased risk is predominantly present during the first 3 months.
The overall risk of developing VTE in women taking low-dose COCs (ethinyl estradiol <0.05 mg) is 2-3 times higher than in non-pregnant patients not taking COCs, however, this risk remains lower than the risk development of VTE during pregnancy and childbirth.
VTE can be life-threatening or fatal (in 1–2% of cases).
VTE, manifested as DVT or PE, can occur with all COCs.
It is extremely rare when using COCs that thrombosis of other blood vessels occurs, such as hepatic, mesenteric, renal, cerebral veins and arteries or retinal vessels.
Symptoms of DVT:
unilateral swelling of the lower limb or along a vein in the lower limb, pain or discomfort in the lower limb only in an upright position or when walking, local increase in temperature in the affected lower limb, redness or discoloration of the skin on the lower limb.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism:
difficulty or rapid breathing; sudden cough, incl. with hemoptysis; sharp pain in the chest, which may intensify with deep inspiration; sense of anxiety; severe dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat. Some of these symptoms (eg, shortness of breath, cough) are nonspecific and may be misinterpreted as signs of other more or less severe conditions (eg, respiratory tract infection).
Arterial thromboembolism can lead to stroke, vascular occlusion, or myocardial infarction.
Symptoms of a stroke:
sudden weakness or loss of sensation in the face, limbs, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, problems with speech and understanding; sudden unilateral or bilateral vision loss; sudden disturbance in gait, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; sudden, severe or prolonged headache for no apparent reason; loss of consciousness or fainting with or without an epileptic seizure.
Other signs of vascular occlusion:
sudden pain, swelling and slight blueness of the limbs, acute abdomen.
Symptoms of myocardial infarction:
pain, discomfort, pressure, heaviness, a feeling of compression or fullness in the chest or behind the sternum, radiating to the back, jaw, left upper limb, epigastric region; cold sweat, nausea, vomiting or dizziness, severe weakness, anxiety or shortness of breath; fast or irregular heartbeat.
Arterial thromboembolism can be life-threatening or fatal.
In women with a combination of several risk factors or high severity of one of them (including complicated heart valve diseases, uncontrolled arterial hypertension, extensive surgical interventions with prolonged immobilization), the possibility of their mutual reinforcement should be considered. In such cases, the total value of the existing risk factors increases. In this case, taking Jess® Plus is contraindicated (see “Contraindications”).
The risk of developing thrombosis (venous and/or arterial), thromboembolism or cerebrovascular disorders increases:
- with age;
- in smokers (with an increase in the number of cigarettes or an increase in age, the risk increases, especially in women over 35 years old);
in the presence of:
— obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2);
- family history (including venous or arterial thromboembolism ever in close relatives or parents under the age of 50 years). In the case of a hereditary or acquired predisposition, the woman should be examined by an appropriate specialist to decide on the possibility of taking the drug Jess® Plus;
- prolonged immobilization, extensive surgery, any operation on the lower extremities or major trauma. In these situations, it is necessary to stop taking the drug Jess® Plus (in the case of a planned operation, at least 4 weeks before it) and not to resume taking it for 2 weeks after the end of immobilization. Temporary immobilization (eg, air travel lasting more than 4 hours) may also be a risk factor for the development of VTE, especially in the presence of other risk factors;
- dislipoproteinemia;
- arterial hypertension;
- migraine;
— diseases of the heart valves;
- atrial fibrillation.
The use of any combined hormonal contraceptives increases the risk of developing VTE. The use of drugs containing levonorgestrel, norgestimate or norethisterone carries the lowest risk of developing VTE. The use of other drugs, such as Jess® Plus, can lead to a twofold increase in risk. The choice to use a COC with a higher risk of developing VTE can only be made after consultation with the patient to ensure that she fully understands the risk of VTE associated with the use of Jess® Plus, the effect of the drug on her existing risk factors and that The risk of developing VTE is greatest during the first year of using the drug. According to some data, an increased risk is observed when COC use is resumed after a break of 4 weeks or more.
Approximately 9–12 out of 10,000 women taking COCs containing drospirenone may develop VTE within a year, compared with about 6 in 10,000 women for COCs containing levonorgestrel.
The possible role of varicose veins and superficial thrombophlebitis in the development of VTE remains controversial.
The increased risk of thromboembolism in the postpartum period should be taken into account.
Peripheral circulatory disorders may also occur in diabetes mellitus, SLE, hemolytic uremic syndrome, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) and SCD.
An increase in the frequency and severity of migraine during use of the drug Jess®Plus (which may precede cerebrovascular disorders) is grounds for immediate discontinuation of the drug.
Biochemical indicators indicating a hereditary or acquired predisposition to venous or arterial thrombosis include: resistance to activated protein C, hyperhomocysteinemia, antithrombin III deficiency, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant).
When assessing the risk-benefit ratio, it should be taken into account that adequate treatment of the relevant condition can reduce the associated risk of thrombosis. It should also be taken into account that the risk of developing thrombosis and thromboembolism during pregnancy is higher than when taking low-dose oral contraceptives (ethinyl estradiol - <0.05 mg).
Tumors
The most significant risk factor for developing cervical cancer is persistent human papillomavirus infection. There are reports of a slight increase in the risk of developing cervical cancer with long-term use of COCs. However, the connection with taking COCs has not been proven. The possibility of the relationship of these data with screening for cervical diseases and with characteristics of sexual behavior (less frequent use of barrier methods of contraception) is discussed.
A meta-analysis of 54 epidemiological studies showed that there is a slightly increased relative risk of developing breast cancer diagnosed in women currently taking COCs (relative risk - 1.24). The increased risk gradually disappears within 10 years of stopping these drugs. Because breast cancer is rare in women under 40 years of age, the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in current or recent COC users is small relative to the overall risk of breast cancer. Its connection with COC use has not been proven. The observed increased risk may be a consequence of careful monitoring and earlier diagnosis of breast cancer in women using COCs. Women who have ever used COCs are diagnosed with earlier stages of breast cancer than women who have never used them.
In rare cases, during the use of COCs, the development of benign, and in extremely rare cases, malignant liver tumors, which in some patients led to life-threatening intra-abdominal bleeding, was observed. If severe abdominal pain, liver enlargement, or signs of intra-abdominal bleeding occur, this should be taken into account when making a differential diagnosis.
Other states
Clinical studies have shown no effect of drospirenone on the concentration of potassium in the blood plasma of patients with mild to moderate renal failure. However, in patients with impaired renal function and the initial potassium concentration at ULN, the risk of developing hyperkalemia while taking drugs that lead to potassium retention in the body cannot be excluded.
Women with hypertriglyceridemia (or a family history of this condition) may have an increased risk of developing pancreatitis while taking COCs.
Although slight increases in blood pressure have been described in many women taking COCs, clinically significant increases have rarely been observed. However, if a persistent clinically significant increase in blood pressure develops while taking Jess®Plus, this drug should be discontinued and treatment of arterial hypertension should be started. The drug can be continued if normal blood pressure values are achieved with antihypertensive therapy.
The following conditions have been reported to develop or worsen both during pregnancy and while taking COCs, but their relationship with COC use has not been proven: jaundice and/or pruritus associated with cholestasis; formation of gallstones; porphyria; SLE; hemolytic-uremic syndrome; chorea; herpes during pregnancy; hearing loss associated with otosclerosis.
Cases of worsening the course of endogenous depression, epilepsy, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis during the use of COCs have also been described.
In women with hereditary forms of angioedema, exogenous estrogens may cause or worsen symptoms of angioedema.
Acute or chronic liver dysfunction may require discontinuation of Jess®Plus until liver function tests return to normal.
Recurrence of cholestatic jaundice, which developed for the first time during a previous pregnancy or previous use of sex hormones, requires discontinuation of the drug Jess®Plus.
Although COCs may have an effect on insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, there is usually no need to adjust the dose of hypoglycemic drugs in patients with diabetes mellitus using low-dose oral contraceptives (ethinyl estradiol - <0.05 mg). However, women with diabetes mellitus should be carefully monitored while taking COCs.
Chloasma can sometimes develop, especially in women with a history of chloasma during pregnancy. Women with a tendency to chloasma while taking Jess®Plus should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and exposure to UV radiation.
Folates may mask vitamin B12 deficiency.
Laboratory tests
Taking Jess®Plus may affect the results of some laboratory tests, including indicators of liver, kidney, thyroid, adrenal function, the concentration of transport proteins in plasma, indicators of carbohydrate metabolism, parameters of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. Changes usually do not go beyond normal values. Drospirenone increases plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentrations, which is associated with its antimineralocorticoid effect.
Reduced efficiency
The contraceptive effectiveness of Jess®Plus may be reduced in the following cases: when pink pills are missed, gastrointestinal disorders while taking pink pills, or as a result of drug interactions.
Frequency and severity of menstrual-like bleeding
While taking the drug Jess®Plus, during the first few months, irregular (acyclic) bleeding from the vagina (spotting and/or breakthrough uterine bleeding) may be observed. You should use hygiene products and continue taking your tablets as usual. Any irregular bleeding should be assessed after an adaptation period of approximately 3 cycles.
If irregular bleeding recurs or develops after previous regular cycles, careful evaluation should be performed to rule out malignancy or pregnancy.
No regular menstrual bleeding
Some women may not develop withdrawal bleeding while taking the light orange booster tablets. If Jess®Plus was taken as recommended, it is unlikely that the woman is pregnant. However, if the Jess®Plus regimen is not followed and there are no withdrawal bleedings in a row, the drug cannot be continued until pregnancy has been ruled out.
Medical examinations
Before starting or resuming use of the drug, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the woman’s life history, family history, conduct a thorough physical examination (including measuring blood pressure, heart rate, determining BMI, examining the mammary glands), gynecological examination, cytological examination of the cervix (Papanicolaou test), and exclude pregnancy. . When resuming taking the drug Jess®Plus, the volume of additional studies and the frequency of control examinations are determined individually, but at least once every 6 months.
It must be borne in mind that the drug Jess®Plus does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Conditions requiring medical consultation:
- any changes in health, especially the occurrence of conditions listed in the sections “Contraindications” and Precautions
;
— local compaction in the mammary gland;
- simultaneous use of other medications (see “Interaction”);
- if prolonged immobility is expected (for example, a cast is applied to the lower limb), hospitalization or surgery is planned (at least 4 weeks before the proposed operation);
- unusually heavy bleeding from the vagina;
- missed a pill in the first week of taking the package and had sexual intercourse 7 days or less before;
- absence of regular menstrual-like bleeding 2 times in a row or suspicion of pregnancy (you should not start taking pills from the next package before consulting your doctor).
You should stop taking the tablets and consult your doctor immediately if there are possible signs of thrombosis, myocardial infarction or stroke: unusual cough; unusually severe pain behind the sternum, radiating to the left arm; unexpected shortness of breath, unusual, severe and prolonged headache or migraine attack; partial or complete loss of vision or double vision; slurred speech; sudden changes in hearing, smell, or taste; dizziness or fainting; weakness or loss of sensation in any part of the body; severe abdominal pain; severe pain in the lower limb or sudden swelling of any of the lower limbs.
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and machinery.
There have been no reported cases of adverse effects of the drug Jess®Plus on the speed of psychomotor reactions; No studies have been conducted to study the effect of the drug on the speed of psychomotor reactions.
Terms of sale
As you know, the sale of medicines is now under special control, and getting any medicine without a prescription is quite difficult and, to be more precise, impossible.
As for purchasing contraceptives Jess, I must say that you can buy such a hormonal drug only with a prescription.
Therefore, if you have decided on this method of contraception, then you cannot do without the help of a doctor.
It is necessary to visit a doctor, consult with him and obtain an appropriate prescription in order to purchase a contraceptive.
When choosing contraceptives, take into account your individual health characteristics.
