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    Microgynon 30

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    How to take Microgynon 30

    Most women choose to take 1 pill daily for 21 days, then have a 4 or 7-day break before starting the next pack. During this break you’re likely to have a withdrawal bleed. This is like a period but isn’t one.

    You can also take Microgynon 30 as follows: 

    • Tricycling: Take 1 pill daily for 9 weeks without a break. After 9 weeks (3 packs of pills) take a 4 or 7 day break and then start the cycle again. 
    • Continuous use: Take 1 pill daily without a break.  
    • Flexible extended use: Take 1 pill daily for at least 21 days. If you get bleeding that’s unacceptable to you, take a 4-day break. On the fifth day start taking the pill daily again and don’t have another break for at least 21 days. 

    How does Microgynon 30 work?

    The hormones in Microgynon 30 (ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel) prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). They also make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, or for an egg to implant itself in the lining of the womb.

    How effective is Microgynon 30?

    When taken correctly, Microgynon 30 is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If it’s not always taken correctly roughly 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant.

    If you are vomiting or have severe diarrhoea you may not be protected against pregnancy. If this happens, continue to take the pill as usual but use a condom whilst you're ill. If this continues for more than 24 hours you should follow the same steps as a missed pill.

    Please note – you should only start Microgynon 30 if you’re sure you’re not pregnant.  

    How long does it take for Microgynon 30 to work?

    If you start using Microgynon 30 on days one to five of your period, you should be protected from pregnancy immediately, provided you don’t have a short or irregular menstrual cycle.

    If you start after day 1 and have short/irregular menstrual cycle you’ll need to use condoms for 7 days if you have sex. Your clinician will be able to advise if you need to use extra contraception in the first seven days if you have sex.  

    What are the side effects of Microgynon 30?

    Many women do not experience any side effects, however some will. Microgynon side effects can include mood swings, headaches, tummy pain, breast discomfort or feeling sick. In rare cases, some women develop blood clots or raised blood pressure.

    For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us through your Patient Record.

    Can Microgynon cause blood clots?

    You might be worried about contraceptive pill blood clots. Taking the combined pill does increase your risk of developing blood clots. Between 5 and 12 people out of every 10,000 taking combined contraception will get a blood clot. Microgynon isn’t safe for everyone to take, our clinicians will assess your risk for blood clots and recommended alternative contraception if needed.

    Microgynon and anxiety

    If you’ve not taken Microgynon before you might be wondering, can Microgynon cause mood swings? Mood changes are some of the biggest concerns when using the pill. Common side effects of Microgynon 30 include depressive moods and mood swings. If you notice any mood changes while taking this contraceptive, contact us through your Patient Record.  

    What should I do if I miss the pill?

    If you've missed combined pill, what you need to do depends on when and how many pills are missed. Missing one pill, at any time, does not compromise contraception. Missing two or more pills or starting a new pack late might affect your contraceptive cover.

    Up to 48 hours since your last pill – take your next pill as soon as you remember and continue the rest of the pack as usual. This might mean you need to take 2 pills on 1 day.

    More than 48 hours – this depends on when you last took your pill and where you are in your pill packet. Please check the patient information leaflet for further information.

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      Microgynon FAQs

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      Is Microgynon 30 safe to use whilst breastfeeding?

      As with all combined contraceptive pills, if you’re breastfeeding you’re not advised to start taking Microgynon 30 until 6 weeks after giving birth. Find out more about contraception after having a baby in our guide

      Can smokers use Microgynon 30?

      Smokers can use most types of contraceptive pill, including a combined contraceptive pill, like Microgynon. 

      However, if you are a smoker and over 35 you will be advised to not take Microgynon - the progestogen-only pill, intrauterine device (IUD), intrauterine system (IUS), contraceptive implant or the contraceptive injection might be an alternative.

      Can Microgynon 30 stop periods?

      Taking 2 packs of Microgynon back-to-back means you can avoid having a period. 

      Will Microgynon 30 affect my weight?

      There is no evidence suggesting that taking Microgynon 30 will affect your weight. If you're worried about Microgynon 30 and weight gain read our article

      Are Microgynon and Levest the same?

      Microgynon 30 and Levest have the same active ingredients and they work in the same way. Levest and Microgynon are simply different brands of the same medication. 

      How do I switch to Microgynon 30 from a different pill?

      If you would like to switch your contraceptive pill, contact us via your Patient Record or you can get an appointment with your GP to discuss the change. If you are changing to a new pill you would be advised to have no break between the packs and you may have to use other contraceptive methods during the changeover.

      Can I buy Microgynon 30 online?

      You can request and pay for a Microgynon 30 prescription online. As this pill is a prescription-only medication, even if you are using an online service, you will need a prescription from a clinician before you can buy the treatment.

      With all combined contraceptive pills, we will need to know your height, weight and blood pressure to prescribe safely. You can fill this out during the consultation. If you don’t know your blood pressure, don’t worry, you can have this checked in your local LloydsPharmacy.  

      Blood pressure and Microgynon 30

      If you’ve already bought your pill from us, you can request a further 3, 6 or 12-month supply from your Patient Record, if you're medically suitable. If you want to change your pill, please send us a message via your Patient Record.

      Combined contraceptives can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can be dangerous. Your blood pressure needs checking before starting any combined contraceptive, then once a year after that. If you’ve had your blood pressure checked recently, or checked it yourself using a home blood pressure monitor, you can give us this information as part of your consultation. Alternatively, you can have these checked when you pick up your prescription in your local LloydsPharmacy.  

      Safety: taking other medicines

      You should be able to take Microgynon 30 alongside other medicines. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Microgynon 30 safely.

      Alternative contraceptive treatments

      We offer a range of contraceptives, including NuvaRing, Evra Patch, combined pills, low-dose pills and mini pills. View all our contraception options.

      Condoms are an effective form of contraception and protect against STIs.

      There are also long-acting contraceptives available through your GP or family planning clinic, including implants, the coil and injectable contraception.

      Our contraception service

      1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

        5 mins

      2. Choose from recommended options

        In your Patient Record

      3. One of our NHS-experienced clinicians confirms your suitability

        You’ll be informed by email if your contraception has been approved and prescribed

      4. 3, 6 or 12 months of protection

        Delivery to your door

        Collect at 7000+ convenient ParcelShops

        Same-day pharmacy collection

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      Delivery & collection information

      • Standard delivery

        Free

        Delivered within 2-3 working days.

      • Next-day delivery

        £4.95

        Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days. Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

      • Standard ParcelShop collection

        Free

        Collect from 7000+ convenient ParcelShops in 2-3 working days.

      • Next day ParcelShop collection

        £2.95

        Collect next day from 7000+ convenient ParcelShop locations, if approved before 5pm Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sunday orders, collect Monday if approved before 12pm Sunday or Tuesday if ordered after 12pm. 

      • London same-day collection

        Free

        Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day. Subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected London pharmacy.

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