Microgynon 30

The oestrogen and progestogen in each Microgynon 30 pill, work to prevent pregnancy by:

• preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from your ovaries
• thickening the fluid in your cervix, so it’s harder for sperm to get into your womb
• thinning the lining of your womb, so it’s harder for a fertilised egg to implant itself

When taken perfectly, Microgynon 30 can be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. But there are several factors that can make the pill less effective, such as missing pills, vomiting, diarrhoea, and some medications. It’s important to remember that Microgynon 30 does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To protect against STIs, you’ll need to use extra barrier contraception, such as condoms.

Microgynon 30 and Microgynon 30 ED are both birth control pills that contain 21 active pills. Both contain the same amount of the active ingredients ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. For both, you have to take one pill daily to be protected but you then take a 7 day break with Microgynon 30. With Microgynon 30 ED, there will be an extra 7 pills which don’t contain any active ingredients and you take these during your 7 day break. Microgynon 30 ED pills are helpful if you are likely to forget to restart your next pack and want to keep up your habit of taking a pill at the same time each day.

Please note: Microgynon 30 ED is currently out of stock. Regular Microgynon 30 is available as normal and contains the same dose of the active ingredients ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.

Microgynon 30 is a suitable method of contraception for most healthy women up to the age of 50 and for those who have started their menstrual cycle. But there are certain reasons why you may not be able to use Microgynon 30. You can message one of our doctors for more information about whether Microgynon 30 is suitable for you.

Each strip of Microgynon 30 contains 21 pills, each with a day of the week and arrows printed on the blister strip foil to help you keep track of taking them. To take Microgynon 30:

• Take one pill at the same time every day for 21 days
• Swallow each pill whole with a glass of water
• After 21 days, take a 7 day break where you do not take any pills
• During this 7 day break, you will have a withdrawal bleed, similar to a period
• After the 7 day break, start a new strip of pills on the same day as the month before, even if you are still bleeding
• You will still be protected against pregnancy during the 7 day break

When should Microgynon 30 not be taken?

You should not take Microgynon 30 if you:

• have or have ever had a blood clot or blood clotting disorder
• are allergic to any of the ingredients, including lactose
• need to have an operation
• have had a stroke or a heart attack
• have or ever had angina or transient ischaemic attack
• have severe diabetes
• have very high blood pressure
• have or have ever had migraines with auras
• have high cholesterol
• have or have ever had breast cancer
• have or have ever had liver disease or liver tumours
• are pregnant or planning a baby
• are taking certain other medications

When do I start taking Microgynon 30?

You can start taking Microgynon 30 at any point during your menstrual cycle, but the day you start affects whether you’re protected from pregnancy straight away. It’s best to start on the first day of your period, as you’ll be protected from pregnancy straight away.

If you start taking Microgynon 30 any time after the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you’ll need to use extra contraception, such as condoms, until you have taken a pill each day for seven days.

What do I do if I forget to take Microgynon 30?

• If you have only missed one pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if you have to take 2 pills at once. Continue to take the rest of your pack as usual. You’ll still be protected against pregnancy.
• If you have missed 2 or more pills, take the most recently missed pill as soon as you remember and leave any previous pills in the strip. This may mean taking two pills at once. Continue to take the rest of your pack as usual. But if you have fewer than 7 pills left in the pack, start a new pack without taking a pill free break. You will need to use extra contraception such as condoms for seven days as you may be at risk of pregnancy.
• If you have missed more than 2 pills in the first week of your pack you may need to use emergency contraception.

For more information about what to do if you forget to take your pill, read the patient information leaflet that comes in your pack of Microgynon 30. You can also message one of our doctors for free advice in your patient account.

Can Microgynon 30 also be taken on a regular basis?

You can take Microgynon 30 on a regular basis as long as you see your doctor to measure your blood pressure and have general health checks throughout the year.

Taking Microgynon 30 can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer or womb cancer if you take it for a long time.

What should I do if I take Microgynon 30 twice?

If you take Microgynon 30 twice in one day because you have missed a pill, you should be fine. Taking too much Microgynon 30 in one day can make you feel like you need to vomit and might cause vaginal bleeding.

Can pregnant women / nursing mothers take Microgynon 30?

If you are pregnant, do not use Microgynon 30. If you think you might be pregnant, do a pregnancy test or see your doctor for advice.

If you’re breastfeeding, you may not be able to use Microgynon 30. Speak to your doctor and they may suggest a different method of contraception whilst you’re breastfeeding.

What should I watch out for if I want to stop taking Microgynon 30?

If you want to stop taking Microgynon 30, use condoms to prevent pregnancy. You may have a withdrawal bleed a few days after you take your last Microgynon 30 pill. Speak to your doctor for advice if you want to try a different method of contraception, such as a progesterone only mini pill or an intrauterine device (IUD), which do not contain oestrogen.

When you take Microgynon 30 you may experience side effects.

Common side effects of Microgynon 30 include:

• headaches
• stomach aches
• nausea
• weight gain
• breast pain or breast tenderness
• mood changes, such as mood swings or depressive moods

Uncommon side effects of Microgynon 30 include:

• vomiting
• fluid retention
• a loss of interest in sex
• migraines
• breast growth
• skin rash

Rare side effects of Microgynon 30 include:

• finding it difficult to wear contact lenses
• allergic reaction
• blood clots
• weight loss
• breast cancer
• cancer of the cervix
• liver problems, including jaundice
• an increased interest in sex
• vaginal discharge
• breast discharge

If you’re experiencing any of these side effects or get any breakthrough bleeding, please get in touch with your doctor. You can read more information about the side effects of Microgynon 30 in the patient information leaflet that comes inside the box.

You can report side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme online, or on the Google App or Apple App Store.

Microgynon 30 can interact with other medicines you might be taking or any conditions you might have. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you take any of the following:

• Epilepsy medicines like primidone or phenytoin
• HIV or hepatitis C medicines
• Griseofulvin (to treat fungal infections)
• Sedatives like barbiturates
• Tuberculosis medicines such as rifampicin
• Herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements that contain St John’s Wort

Taking Microgynon 30 can increase your risk of having a blood clot in your blood vessels in different places like your:

• Leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT)
• Lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Eye (retinal vein thrombosis)
• Heart (heart attack)
• Brain (stroke)

If you have any unexplained calf swelling, chest pain or breathlessness call 999 for emergency medical attention.

The active ingredients in Microgynon 30 are 150 mcg of levonorgestrel (a progestogen) and 30 mcg of ethinylestradiol (an oestrogen).

The other ingredients in Microgynon 30 are lactose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate (E572), sucrose, titanium dioxide (E171), talc, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate (E170), glycol montanate, glycerin (E422), and ferric oxide pigment yellow (E172).

If you have an allergy to any of these ingredients please speak to your doctor for advice before you use Microgynon 30.

How should Microgynon 30 be stored?

Store your Microgynon 30 in the original box, away from light and in a safe place out of reach of children. Do not take Microgynon 30 past the expiry that is printed on the box.

How must Microgynon 30 be disposed of?

Take any unused or expired Microgynon 30 to your local pharmacy to dispose of it. Do not throw away Microgynon 30 in your bin at home.

What does Microgynon 30 look like?

Microgynon 30 pills are round, beige, and sugar-coated.

In which pack sizes is Microgynon 30 available?

Each pack of Microgynon 30 contains 3 blister strips of 21 pills.

Conditions that might prevent you taking Microgynon 30

Speak to your doctor before taking Microgynon 30, if you have any of the following conditions:

• systemic lupus erythematosus
• angioedema
• atrial fibrillation
• sickle cell anaemia
• crohn’s disease

Information on the manufacturer

Microgynon 30 is manufactured by Bayer AG, Mullerstrasse 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany.