Maxim

What is Maxim?

Maxim is a combined oral contraceptive pill, often simply called “the pill”. It contains two female hormones: ethinylestradiol, a synthetic form of estrogen, and dienogest, a type of progestogen (a progesterone-like hormone).

Maxim is taken daily to prevent pregnancy. Because it contains two hormones, it is known as a combined hormonal contraceptive.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, Maxim may also help regulate your menstrual cycle, reduce heavy bleeding, and improve period-related discomfort.

What is it used for?

Maxim is primarily used for contraception, meaning it prevents pregnancy.

It works when taken correctly and consistently every day.

In some women, Maxim may also:

• Make periods more regular
• Reduce heavy menstrual bleeding
• Decrease menstrual cramps
• Improve acne in certain cases
• Reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Maxim does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If STI protection is needed, condoms should be used.

How does the product work?

Maxim prevents pregnancy in three main ways:

1. It stops ovulation

Ovulation is the release of an egg from your ovary. Without ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur.

2. It thickens cervical mucus

The pill makes the mucus at the entrance of your womb thicker. This makes it harder for sperm to enter.

3. It changes the womb lining

It makes the lining of your womb thinner, which reduces the likelihood of a fertilised egg implanting.

Because Maxim contains both estrogen and progestogen, it provides reliable contraception when taken correctly.

Who should not use the product?

You should not use Maxim if:

• You have or have had a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• You have a clotting disorder
• You have had a stroke or heart attack
• You have severe liver disease
• You have hormone-sensitive cancer (such as breast cancer)
• You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• You are allergic to any of its ingredients
• You have migraine with aura
• You have uncontrolled high blood pressure

Combined contraceptive pills slightly increase the risk of blood clots. Your doctor will assess your personal risk factors before prescribing.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Maxim must not be used if you are pregnant.

If you think you may be pregnant, stop taking the pill and contact a doctor.

Maxim is generally not recommended during breastfeeding, especially in the first weeks after childbirth, because estrogen may reduce milk production.

How to use and dosage

Always take Maxim exactly as prescribed.

• Take one tablet daily
• Take it at the same time each day
• Follow the order shown on the blister pack

Most packs contain 21 active tablets followed by a 7-day break, during which you will usually have a withdrawal bleed similar to a period.

Start your next pack after the 7-day break, even if bleeding has not completely stopped.

If you miss a pill:

• If less than 12 hours late, take it as soon as you remember
• If more than 12 hours late, contraceptive protection may be reduced

Follow the instructions in the patient leaflet and consider additional contraception if needed.

Taking Maxim correctly every day is essential for effective pregnancy prevention.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Maxim can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Breakthrough bleeding
• Changes in libido

Less common but more serious risks include:

• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Increased blood pressure

The risk of blood clots is higher if you smoke, are overweight, are over 35, or have a family history of clotting disorders.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Leg swelling or pain
• Sudden chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Severe headache
• Vision problems

Important safety information

Before starting Maxim, you should have a medical consultation.

Tell your doctor if you:

• Smoke
• Have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure
• Have high cholesterol
• Have migraine (especially with aura)
• Have a family history of blood clots
• Are overweight

Maxim does not protect against STIs.

Certain medicines, such as some antibiotics, epilepsy medicines and herbal remedies like St John’s Wort, may reduce its effectiveness.

Regular check-ups are recommended while using hormonal contraception.

When to seek medical help

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Sudden leg pain or swelling
• Sudden chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe migraine
• Vision disturbances
• Yellowing of skin or eyes

Contact a doctor if:

• You miss multiple pills
• You experience persistent heavy bleeding
• You develop new migraine with aura
• You suspect pregnancy

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are related to hormonal contraception, you can book a secure video consultation with a licensed doctor via Transtoyou for personalised advice. If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care immediately.