This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Duofem is a synthetic progestogen used as an active ingredient in some hormonal contraceptives. How it works is not fully known. It may prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, altering transport of sperm or eggs to prevent fertilization, or altering the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation should fertilization occur.

How to Take

At low doses, Duofem is used in monophasic and triphasic formulations of combined oral contraceptive pills, with available monophasic doses ranging from 100-250 mg, and triphasic doses of 50 mg/75 mg/125 mg.

Warning and Precautions

Duofem may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Duofem with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Duofem is an emergency contraceptive. It should not be used for routine birth control. If you have sexual intercourse after you take Duofem but before you have your next menstrual period, be sure to use an effective form of contraception, such as a diaphragm or condom.

Duofem does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Diabetes patients - Duofem may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Remember that Duofem should not be used as a regular form of birth control, and it will not work if you are already pregnant.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include nausea; vaginal bleeding; vomiting.

Storage

Store Duofem between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Duofem out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects are: breast tenderness; changes in menstrual flow; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; vomiting.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Duofem. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.