Microgynon

Microgynon 30 is a prescription-only combined contraceptive pill. It contains 30 micrograms (mcg) of ethinylestradiol and 150mcg of levonorgestrel, artificial versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone that work together to stop you getting pregnant.

Microgynon is one of the most popular combined contraceptive pills in the UK. This is because, as well as being used to protect against pregnancy, combined contraceptive pills, like Microgynon, can also help regulate other hormone-related issues, including:

• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• heavy periods
• acne

Please note that we only prescribe Microgynon as a method of contraception and not to solely treat any other condition.

The active ingredients in Microgynon 30 work in the following 3 ways to protect you from pregnancy:

1. Stopping the release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation).
2. Thickening the cervical fluid so that sperm find it difficult to enter the womb and fertilise an egg that has been released.
3. Thinning the womb lining so a fertilised egg cannot implant and grow.

How long does it take until Microgynon is effective?

If you start taking Microgynon 30 on days 1 to 5 of your period, you’ll be protected from pregnancy immediately.

If you start taking the pill after day 5, you’ll need to use an additional barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, each time you have sex for 7 days to ensure protection.

How effective is Microgynon?

Combined pills, including Microgynon, are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when they are taken correctly. However, this drops to 91% when typical use is taken into consideration, such as forgetting to take the pill or sickness or diarrhoea. These can minimise how much of the pill is absorbed, weakening its effectiveness.

Microgynon 30 tablets should be swallowed whole with water, if necessary. Each strip contains 21 pills, each marked with a day of the week.

It’s important that you take the Microgynon 30 pill at the same time every day. You should choose a convenient time that suits you, and one that you will remember.

To take Microgynon, you should:

1. Start by taking a pill marked with the correct day of the week.
2. Follow the direction of the arrows on the strip and take 1 pill each day until you have finished all 21 pills.
3. Once you have finished the strip, have a 7-day break where you take no pill – you should have a withdrawal bleed within a few days of taking the last pill in the strip.
4. After 7 pill-free days, start your next Microgynon 30 strip, even if you are still bleeding.

As long as you take Microgynon 30 like this, you will always start each new strip on the same day of the week. Some people also take Microgynon with fewer or no pill-free breaks. If you want to do this, speak with your doctor first.

When should I take Microgynon?

You can take Microgynon at any time of the day, as long as you take it at the same time each day. You should choose a time you know will be regularly convenient to take it and that you are likely to remember. For example, after brushing your teeth, or just before you have your evening meal.

How much should I take?

You should take 1 Microgynon 30 pill every day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill-free break before starting a new strip.

When to take Microgynon for the first time

It is best to start taking Microgynon 30 on days 1 to 5 of your period for immediate protection against pregnancy.

If you start it after day 5, you will not be protected and will need to use an additional method of contraception for 7 days, such as condoms.

What to do if you forget to take Microgynon

If you forget to take Microgynon and it is:

Less than 12 hours late – take the missed pill straight away and continue taking the next pills as usual.

More than 12 hours late or you have missed more than 1 pill – take the most recently missed pill straight away, leaving any others in the strip, and continue taking your pills as usual. You will need to use additional contraception for the next 7 days, then check how many pills are left in the pack.

If there are 7 or more pills left in the pack, use extra precautions, like condoms for 7 days. When you finish your current strip, have a 7-day break as usual.

If there are fewer than 7 pills left in the pack, use extra precautions, like condoms for 7 days. When you finish your current strip, start the next strip the next day without a break. If you do not have a withdrawal bleed after you have finished the second strip, you could be pregnant and should take a pregnancy test.

What do I do if I take Microgynon twice?

If you have taken more than 1 Microgynon 30 pill, it is unlikely to do you any harm. You may feel sick, vomit, or have some vaginal bleeding. If you get any of these symptoms, contact your doctor for advice.

How can I come off Microgynon?

You can stop taking Microgynon whenever you want to. However, if you want to get pregnant, it is advisable to use another method of contraception until you have had a proper period. This will help your doctor or midwife tell you when your baby is due, but it will not cause you or your baby any harm if you get pregnant straight away.

Like all medications, Microgynon can cause side effects, but not everyone will experience them.

Common side effects include:

• feeling sick
• stomach ache
• weight gain
• headaches
• depressive moods or mood swings
• uncomfortable or painful breasts

Uncommon side effects include:

• being sick or diarrhoea
• fluid retention
• migraine
• loss of interest in sex
• breast enlargement
• skin rash, which may be itchy

Rare side effects include:

• difficulty wearing contact lenses
• weight loss
• increased interest in sex
• vaginal or breast discharge
• allergic reactions
• skin rashes with dark, red, or raised skin patches (erythema nodosum or erythema multiforme)

The combined pill can also slightly increase your risk of developing a blood clot or breast or cervical cancer. You can find more information about these risks, in addition to a full list of side effects, in the patient information leaflet that is provided with your medication.

How long do Microgynon side effects last?

Most mild Microgynon 30 side effects will improve or go away on their own within the first 3 months as your body gets used to the changing hormone levels. However, if you experience side effects that last longer than 3 months or are difficult to manage, consult your doctor for advice – they may suggest an alternative contraceptive pill.

What to do if you get Microgynon side effects

Most mild side effects can be managed at home by:

• taking painkillers to manage pain and discomfort
• staying hydrated to help manage headaches and prevent dehydration if you are sick
• getting rest if you are feeling or being sick until you feel better
• staying active to help maintain a healthy weight and manage some of the Microgynon 30 side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Microgynon and call 999:

• swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe chest pain
• weakness down one side of your body

Are there any long-term side effects of Microgynon?

The combined pill slightly increases your risk of developing a blood clot, breast cancer, or cervical cancer. However, a doctor will assess your risk during your consultation.

Taking Microgynon 30 does not negatively affect your future fertility. Most people find that their fertility returns to previous levels before they took the pill after about a month, although this can vary from person to person.

Microgynon may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not take Microgynon if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients
• have or have ever had a blood clot in a blood vessel in your legs, lungs, or other organs
• have a blood clotting disorder
• need an operation or are going to be off your feet for a while
• have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• have or have ever had angina pectoris or a transient ischaemic attack
• have a condition that increases your risk of a clot in the arteries (severe diabetes with blood vessel damage, very high blood pressure, very high blood fat levels, hyperhomocysteinaemia)
• have or have ever had a migraine with aura
• have or have ever had breast cancer
• have ever had severe liver disease and your liver function has not returned to normal
• have ever had liver tumours
• are or think you might be pregnant

Before taking Microgynon, let your doctor know if you have any other medical conditions.

Microgynon and other medications

Some medications are known to interact with the combined contraceptive pill, such as:

• medications to treat epilepsy
• medications for HIV or hepatitis C
• griseofulvin
• certain antibiotics
• some sedatives
• St John’s wort

Before taking Microgynon, let your doctor know if you are currently taking or plan to take any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.

Microgynon requires a prescription from a doctor before you can obtain it either privately or on the NHS.

Can I buy Microgynon online?

Yes, you can buy Microgynon online from regulated services like Asda Online Doctor by:

1. Completing a short online health assessment for one of our doctors to review.
2. Placing your order request.
3. If approved, your order will be dispatched and sent to your home address in discreet packaging, or you can choose to collect it from your local Asda Pharmacy 4 hours after a doctor’s approval.
4. If your order is not approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with alternative treatment options.

Getting Microgynon from Asda Online Doctor makes it quick and convenient to stay protected, and there’s no need to worry about booking a face-to-face appointment. It’s also easy to order repeat prescriptions, and because you can manage everything online, you can do it from anywhere.

Can I buy Microgynon over the counter?

No, Microgynon is a prescription-only medication, which means you must have a doctor’s approval before obtaining it.

Can I get Microgynon on the NHS?

Yes, Microgynon is available on the NHS. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor or visit a sexual health clinic to find out if it’s available and suitable for you to take.

Microgynon 30 is not the only combined contraceptive pill available. There are many to choose from, including those that contain low doses of oestrogen and different types of artificial progesterone. Some of the other types of combined pills we can prescribe include:

• Rigevidon – an alternative branded ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel pill that contains the same active ingredients in the same doses as Microgynon, similar to Levest
• Yasmin – contains ethinylestradiol and drospirenone
• Gedarel – available in a low ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) dose (Gedarel 20) and standard dose (Gedarel 30), and contains desogestrel (progesterone)
• Cilique – a combined pill made up of ethinylestradiol and norgestimate
• Millinette – an effective low-dose combined pill that contains 20mcg or 30mcg of ethinylestradiol and 75mcg of gestodene, preferable if you have little tolerance for oestrogen

As well as the combined pill, we also provide the mini pill, or progesterone-only pill, which may be more suitable if you cannot take oestrogen, smoke, or are over 35. The mini pill brands we offer include:

• Cerelle
• Cerazette
• Noriday
• Norgeston

➤ Read our guide to find out more about choosing the right contraceptive pill for you.