Microgynon 30 ED

The Microgynon 30 ED pack contains a three week supply of active pills, as well as one week of larger inactive pills (containing no active ingredients).

Take 1 active pill daily at the same time for 21 days. Then take 1 inactive pill daily for 7 days – during this week you may have a period. Start taking the active pills the day after the last inactive pill. You should be taking a pill every day, which some women find easier to remember.

The hormones in Microgynon 30 ED (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.

The inactive pills contain no hormones. They are placebo pills that enable you to continue your daily routine of taking a pill.

When taken correctly, Microgynon 30 ED 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 ED if you’re sure you’re not pregnant.  

If you start using Microgynon 30 ED 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 will. These can include mood swings, headaches, tummy pain or feeling sick. Rarely, some women develop blood clots or high blood pressure.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.

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.

Like most combined contraceptive pills, Microgynon 30 ED is not advised until 6 weeks after birth.