Most women choose to take 1 pill daily at the same time for 21 days. Once you finish a strip, take a 7-day break with no pills. During this time you may have a period. Start the next strip 7 days after your last pill. You will always start the next strip on the same day of the week.

Loestrin 20 can also be taken as follows:
Extended use: 1 pill a day for 9 weeks then no pills for the next 4 or 7 days.
Continuous use: 1 pill a day every day with no break.

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.

If you start using Loestrin 20 on days 1-5 of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy immediately. If you start taking it later (only if you are sure you could not be pregnant), you will need to use condoms for at least seven days until Loestrin 20 starts to work.

When taken correctly, Loestrin 20 is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, 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.

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. 

If you take 2 packs of Loestrin 20 back-to-back, you can miss your period.