Description
Monthly combined hormonal injectables have been available in many countries for several
years; however, they were not available in the United States until recently. The US Food and Drug Administration approved monthly injection with the brand name of Lunelle.
How It Works
Lunelle contains 25 milligram of medroxyprogesterone acetate and 5 milligram of Estradiol Cypionate in half a milliliter of aqueous solution. Lunelle is highly effective with the first year failure rate of 0.1 to 0.22 percent.
The first injection is given within the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle or immediately after a first trimester abortion.
In order to get maximum effectiveness, the injection should be repeated at the interval of 28-33 days. The maximum injection free interval should not be greater than 10 days. If reinjection is delayed by more than 10 days, pregnancy should be ruled out before
reinjection.
The most common reasons for discontinuation of Lunelle are menstrual disturbances and weight changes.
Advantages and Precautions
Advantages, limitations, indications, precautions and mechanism of action of Lunelle are similar to other combined hormonal contraceptives.
