Loestrin 20

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 Loestrin 20 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. 

The hormones in Loestrin 20 (norethisterone and ethinylestradiol) 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.

When taken correctly, Loestrin 20 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 Loestrin 20 if you’re sure you’re not pregnant.

If you start using Loestrin 20 on days 1-5 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 7 days if you have sex.  

Many women do not experience any side effects, however some experience more irregular bleeding with a low-dose pill. This usually settles in a few months. Other side effects can include headaches, feeling sick, breast discomfort, or mood swings. 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 via your Patient Record.

This 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 48hrs 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 48hrs – 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.

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s not advised to start taking a combined contraceptive pill, like Loestrin 20, until 6 weeks after the birth.