Author: Cao Thanh Tu, BPharm - Pharmacist - Pharmacy Department - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital
Drosperin 20 is a combined oral contraceptive pill. To ensure contraceptive efficacy and to minimize unwanted side effects, users must adhere strictly to the guidance provided by their physician or consulting pharmacist.
1. Composition and Indications of Drosperin 20
Drosperin 20 is a combined oral contraceptive. Each blister pack contains 28 tablets, consisting of 24 red tablets and 4 white tablets. Each colored tablet contains a small quantity of two female sex hormones, drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. The four white tablets do not contain active ingredients and serve as a reminder for the user to take the medication consistently. The contraceptive action is achieved by inhibiting ovulation, causing changes in cervical mucus that hinder sperm passage into the uterus, and reducing the likelihood of implantation of a fertilized ovum.
In addition to its contraceptive effects, this medication is also utilized to treat symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and to manage acne in females aged 14 and older (only in those desiring oral contraceptive therapy).

2. Administration of Drosperin 20 Oral Contraceptive
Users must take one tablet each day for 28 consecutive days according to the sequence indicated on the blister pack. In cases where medication causes nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort, it is advisable to take the tablets with food. The first red tablet should be ingested on the first day of the menstrual cycle (the first day of menstruation). The order of tablet intake is crucial; users must always consume the red tablets (active pills) before transitioning to the white tablets (placebo pills). Upon completion of one blister pack, users should immediately commence a new blister pack (without any break between packs). To ensure proper administration, it is recommended to follow the arrows on the blister pack.
Menstrual bleeding may occur within three days after discontinuing the last active tablet (red tablet). If light bleeding (spotting) or abnormal bleeding occurs during the use of the medication, users should continue taking the tablets as directed. Such symptoms are generally not significant; however, if persistent abnormal bleeding occurs, medical advice should be sought promptly.

The risk of pregnancy increases if a user forgets to take one or more red tablets (active pills). In the case of missed doses, it is essential to follow the guidance of a physician, pharmacist, or adhere to the general recommendations as follows:
- If one active tablet is missed, take it as soon as remembered, even if it means taking two tablets on the same day. Subsequently, continue taking the remaining tablets as scheduled. Utilize an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method (e.g., condoms, diaphragm) for the next 7 days while continuing with Drosperin as normal.
- If two consecutive active tablets are missed during the first or second week, take two tablets per day for the next two days at the usual time. Following this, continue with the remaining tablets as per the normal schedule. In this scenario, the risk of ovulation increases; therefore, it is advisable to use an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method (e.g., condoms, diaphragm) for the following 7 days while continuing to take Drosperin as scheduled.
- If two active tablets are missed consecutively in the third or fourth week, or if three or more consecutive active tablets are missed during the 24 active tablets: skip the remaining tablets in the current blister pack and begin a new blister pack with the first tablet on the following day. It is recommended to use an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method (e.g., condoms, diaphragm) during the 7 days following the missed dose. It is possible that menstruation may not occur that month; however, if menstruation is absent for two consecutive months, a medical evaluation should be conducted to rule out pregnancy.
Forgetting to take a white placebo tablet in the fourth week is permissible. However, the red active tablets in the subsequent blister pack must be taken on the appropriate designated days as per schedule.
In cases of vomiting or diarrhea, it is advisable to utilize an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method during the time of medication use or shortly thereafter. Additionally, if transitioning from another hormonal contraceptive to Drosperin 20, users should consult with their physician or pharmacist regarding the optimal timing to initiate Drosperin for maximum efficacy.
3. Important Considerations when Using Drosperin 20
It is advisable to utilize an additional contraceptive method for at least 7 days during the first cycle of using the medication or during a period of missed doses or when taking another medication that may reduce contraceptive efficacy. Notify your physician if you are currently taking any medications or dietary supplements, as Drosperin 20 may influence the effects of certain drugs and vice versa.
Hormonal contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accidents. However, these complications have been determined to be lower during the use of contraceptive medications as compared to the pregnancy period.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention: fever, sudden loss of consciousness; severe chest pain, unexplained dyspnea; anxiety, restlessness, significant abdominal pain, chest pain, tremors, seizures, cough, sensation of heat, burning lips and mouth, headache, numbness in fingers, low back pain, pelvic or abdominal pain, tinnitus; sudden severe abdominal pain that is persistent, hemoptysis; sudden loss of coordination; groin pain and leg pain, particularly if exacerbated by lifting heavy objects; sudden shallow breathing without apparent cause, changes in breathing rhythm, visual disturbances; fatigue, unexplained numbness in arms and legs; pallor, skin discoloration, swelling of the lower legs and feet.
If you experience the following symptoms while using the medication, consult your physician, especially during the first three months of oral contraceptive use: changes in menstrual cycles or intermenstrual bleeding, reduced menstrual flow, vaginal bleeding between normal cycles, prolonged menstruation, complete cessation of menstruation for several months or intermittent amenorrhea across non-consecutive months, migraine, hypertension, vaginal infections; depression; tenderness or sensitivity upon palpation of the upper abdominal region; stomach pain, hip pain, or abdominal pain, jaundice and scleral icterus, particularly in smokers, with history of breast disease or fibrocystic breast condition.
Is Drosperin 20 an effective contraceptive? In reality, adherence to the prescribed guidelines results in fewer side effects and effective contraceptive action. If you experience any mild symptoms, you typically do not need to consult a physician unless the symptoms are bothersome or persist throughout the duration of medication use: swelling, tenderness, and increased sensitivity upon palpation of the breasts; dizziness; nausea, swelling of the ankles and feet, development of brown spots on sun-exposed skin, increased or decreased sexual desire, heightened skin sensitivity to light.
Drosperin 20 is an oral contraceptive. To ensure contraceptive efficacy, users must adhere strictly to the provided usage instructions.
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