Widely used throughout South America, Mexico, Egypt, parts of Europe and China since 1962, and now approved by the USFDA, Lunelle is a once-a-month contraceptive injection. It contains ingredients similar to the estrogen and progesterone hormones that naturally regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. The benefits and side effects of Lunelle are similar to those of birth control pills. When given within the first five days following the start of a normal menstrual period, Lunelle provides immediate contraceptive effectiveness. When you receive your injection each month on time, Lunelle gives you over 99.8% protection against pregnancy.
Studies show that 73 percent of American women want alternatives to current hormonal contraceptives, and 90 percent of the 5,300 patients in clinical trials said they would recommend Lunelle to a friend. In addition to the high rate of effectiveness other benefits include:
– Once-a-month injections eliminate the need to think about birth control every day.
– Regular menstrual bleeding usually occurs, but flow may be shorter and lighter than normal periods. Menstrual cramps usually lessen.
– Easily reversible – ovulation returns quickly after discontinuing injections.
– Reduces incidence of ovarian cysts, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy and ovarian and endometrial (uterine lining) cancer.
– Severe pelvic infections may not occur as often in women using Lunelle. It is important to remember that Lunelle does not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
Side effects may vary from one person to another. Most side effects occur within the first month and gradually improve over the next two months. Studies have shown that there is an average weight gain of four pounds in the first year. Other side effects may include: Nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, skin changes (acne often improves, but occasionally worsens), and fluid retention. Generally, most side effects are not serious but it is important to talk with your health care professional if side effects bother you.
Lunelle is not recommended for every woman. Women who have a history of breast or uterine cancer, blood clots, heart disease, liver dysfunction or disease, severe diabetes and migraine headaches may not be good candidates. Women over age 35 who smoke heavily (15 cigarettes or more per day), should not use Lunelle. Abnormal genital/vaginal bleeding needs to also be evaluated. If you think you may be pregnant you should talk with your health care provider. The risk of using a hormonal contraceptive method containing estrogen is related to the formation of blood clots in the large veins of the body. The estrogen component in Lunelle may cause changes in blood clotting, however studies indicate that this risk is slightly lower than with oral contraceptive pills.
University Health Services will be offering Lunelle.