Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Drospirenone/EE 3/20 (Apotex) TM

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional. Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Active ingredients: drospirenone + ethinylestradiol, ethinylestradiol, drospirenone

Brand name

(ARTG)

: APOTEX-DROSPIRENONE/EE 3/20 drospirenone 3 mg and ethinylestradiol 20 microgram film coated tablet blister pack

What this medicine is used for

(ARTG)

This medicine is indicated for use as: an oral contraceptive. treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women who seek oral contraception. treatment of symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women who have chosen oral contraceptives as their method of birth control. The efficacy of drospirenone 3 mg /ethinylestradiol 20 µg for PMDD was not assessed beyond 3 cycles. Drospirenone 3 mg /ethinylestradiol 20 µg has not been evaluated for treatment of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), see section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties - Clinical trials.

How to use this medicine

(ARTG)

This medicine is a pack that contains more than one component.

Component :

  • Tablet, film coated
  • Oral
  • Plain, round, pink, film coated tablets

Component :

  • Tablet, film coated
  • Oral
  • Plain, round, white, film coated tablets

Storage conditions

(ARTG)

  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Shelf lifetime is 21 Months.

Do I need a prescription ?

(ARTG)

These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

  • 1 x 28s (24 Active Tablets + 4 Placebo Tablets) pack
  • 3 x 28s (24 Active Tablets + 4 Placebo Tablets) pack

Over 65 ?

(AHT)

This medicine contains the active ingredients:

If you are over 65 years of age, there may be specific risks and recommendations for use of this medicine. Please discuss your individual circumstances with your pharmacist, doctor or health professional. For more information read our page on medication safety for older people.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy ?

(AHT)

For the active ingredient drospirenone + ethinylestradiol

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

For the active ingredient ethinylestradiol

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

Back to top back to top

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.