Hana

Key features:

Effective Contraception: Hana is a progestogen-only pill with 75mcg of desogestrel, effectively preventing pregnancy by stopping egg cell ripening.

Convenient Daily Use: Designed for easy daily intake at the same time each day, Hana comes in 28-pill strips with clearly marked days, ensuring straightforward tracking.

Breastfeeding-Friendly: Hana is suitable for use during breastfeeding, as it does not affect the production or quality of breast milk.

Minimal Hormonal Impact: Being a mini-pill without oestrogen, Hana is associated with fewer hormonal side effects compared to combined contraceptive pills.

What is HANNA?

Hana is a progestogen-only contraceptive mini-pill, containing 75mcg of desogestrel. It is designed to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the ripening of egg cells. Suitable for daily use and breastfeeding women, Hana offers an effective birth control option with minimal hormonal impact, as it does not contain oestrogen.

Summary of Hanna.

Condition this medication is prescribed for: Hana is prescribed for contraception. It is used to prevent pregnancy.

Class of drug: Hana belongs to the class of drugs known as progestogen-only pills (POPs), or mini-pills.

Active Ingredient: The active ingredient in Hana is desogestrel, a synthetic version of the female sex hormone progestogen.

Available Strengths: Hana is available in a strength of 75 micrograms of desogestrel per tablet.

Possible Side Effects: Common side effects of Hana may include mood changes, depressed mood, low libido, headache, nausea, acne, breast pain, irregular or no periods, and weight increase. Serious side effects to watch out for include symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, thrombosis, and liver problems. It’s important to seek medical attention if any serious symptoms are experienced.

How Hanna works:

Hana is a progestogen-only contraceptive mini-pill, functioning primarily by preventing pregnancy through its active component, desogestrel. Distinct from combined contraceptive pills, Hana lacks oestrogen. Its principal mechanism involves inhibiting the maturation of egg cells, a critical aspect of the fertility process. By stopping eggs from ripening, Hana effectively reduces the chance of fertilisation.

Moreover, as a progestogen-only pill, Hana may also thicken the cervical mucus, further hindering sperm from entering the womb. This dual approach – preventing egg ripening and thickening cervical mucus – enhances its effectiveness as a contraceptive.

It’s essential to take Hana daily at the same time for optimal contraceptive efficacy. Commencing the pill on the first day of the menstrual cycle can provide immediate protection, while starting at other times might necessitate additional contraceptive methods for the initial seven days. Hana’s regimen of daily intake without a break offers a continuous method of contraception, differing from the approach used with combined pills.

 Patient Information Leaflet.
For comprehensive information on usage, side effects, contraindications, and precautions, consult the patient information leaflet accompanying Hanna.

How do I use Hanna?

To use Hana, the progestogen-only contraceptive mini-pill, follow these guidelines:

1. Consistent Daily Intake: Take one Hana pill every day at the same time. Consistency is key to maintaining its effectiveness.
2. Starting Hana: If you are not switching from another form of hormonal contraception, it’s best to start Hana on the first day of your menstrual cycle. This ensures immediate contraceptive protection.
3. If Starting Mid-Cycle: If you begin Hana at any other time in your cycle, use an additional method of contraception, like condoms, for the first 7 days of taking Hana.
4. No Breaks Between Packs: Unlike some other contraceptive pills, there is no break between packs of Hana. When you finish a pack, you should start the next pack the following day.
5. Missed Pill Protocol: If you miss a pill and are less than 12 hours late, take it as soon as you remember and then continue as normal. If you’re more than 12 hours late, take the most recent missed pill immediately and use additional contraception for the next 7 days.
6. Follow the Strip: Hana comes in strips of 28 pills, with days of the week marked to help you track your intake.
7. Consult Healthcare Providers: Before starting Hana, consult with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have any health concerns or are taking other medications.

Remember, Hana is most effective when taken correctly, so adherence to these guidelines is crucial for optimal contraceptive protection.

Safety and precautions.

When using Hana, the progestogen-only contraceptive mini-pill, it’s important to be aware of the following safety precautions and considerations:

1. Medical History and Conditions: Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have or had breast cancer, liver cancer, thrombosis, diabetes, epilepsy, tuberculosis, high blood pressure, or chloasma (yellowish-brown pigmentation patches on the skin).
2. Allergies: Do not take Hana if you are allergic to desogestrel or any other ingredients in the pill.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Hana should not be used if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. While Hana is generally considered safe for breastfeeding women, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
4. Other Medications: Some medicines or herbal remedies can affect how Hana works. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medications.
5. Thrombosis Risk: Be aware of the symptoms of thrombosis (blood clots), such as severe pain or swelling in the legs, unexplained chest pain, breathlessness, and coughing up blood.
6. Liver Disease: If you have severe liver disease or jaundice, Hana may not be suitable for you.
7. Cancer: Avoid Hana if you have cancer that grows under the influence of sex hormones, like certain types of breast cancer.
8. Unexplained Vaginal Bleeding: If you experience unexplained vaginal bleeding, consult a healthcare provider before using Hana.
9. Regular Check-Ups: Regular medical check-ups are recommended while using Hana, especially if you have any of the conditions mentioned above.
10. Missed Pills: Follow the specific guidelines for missed pills to maintain contraceptive effectiveness.
11. Storage: Store Hana in its original packaging, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and at room temperature.
12. Expiry Date: Do not use Hana past its expiry date.

Remember, while Hana is a safe and effective contraceptive method for many women, individual suitability can vary. It’s always best to discuss with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right choice for your specific health needs and circumstances.

For comprehensive information on usage, side effects, contraindications, and precautions, consult the patient information leaflet accompanying Hanna.

Common side effects.

Hana, the progestogen-only contraceptive mini-pill, can have side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Common side effects include mood changes, such as feeling depressed or experiencing mood swings, and a decreased libido. Some women may experience headaches, nausea, and acne. Breast pain and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, such as irregular bleeding or the absence of periods, are also reported. Additionally, there can be an increase in weight. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms indicative of serious conditions, such as severe abdominal pain, which could suggest an ectopic pregnancy, signs of thrombosis like severe leg pain or swelling, difficulty breathing, or unusual coughing, which could indicate a blood clot. Liver problems, characterised by severe stomach ache, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine, are also serious side effects that require prompt medical intervention. While these side effects can be concerning, many women use Hana without experiencing significant issues. However, it’s always advisable to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare provider and report any unusual symptoms or concerns.

For comprehensive information on usage, side effects, contraindications, and precautions, consult the patient information leaflet accompanying Hanna.

When should Hanna not be used?

Hana, the progestogen-only contraceptive mini-pill, should not be used in certain circumstances. It is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or suspect they might be pregnant. Additionally, individuals with a known allergy to desogestrel or any other components of the pill should avoid it. Hana is not suitable for those with a history of thrombosis, such as blood clots in the veins (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), as well as for women with severe liver disease or jaundice. It’s also advised against use in cases of hormone-sensitive cancers, like certain types of breast cancer, which grow under the influence of sex hormones. Furthermore, if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, it’s important to resolve this issue with a healthcare provider before starting Hana. Women with certain pre-existing conditions, such as severe diabetes with blood vessel damage, should also exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional to assess the suitability of Hana for their contraceptive needs.

For comprehensive information on usage, side effects, contraindications, and precautions, consult the patient information leaflet accompanying Hanna.