Microgynon 30 ED
Microgynon 30 ED
Microgynon 30 ED
- 21 daily active pills, 7 daily inactive pills
- 99% effective when taken correctly
- Need yearly blood pressure and weight checks
How to take 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.
How does Microgynon 30 ED work?
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.
How effective is Microgynon 30 ED?
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.
How long after taking Microgynon 30 ED are you protected?
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.
What are the side effects?
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.
Microgynon 30 ED FAQs
What should I do if I miss the active pill?
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.
Is Microgynon 30 ED safe to use whilst breastfeeding?
Like most combined contraceptive pills, Microgynon 30 ED is not advised until 6 weeks after birth.
Can Microgynon 30 ED stop periods?
Microgynon ED has a 1 week supply of placebos - so to avoid a period you would need to discard the placebo pills and begin the next pack.
How do I switch to Microgynon 30 ED from a different pill?
If you would like to switch your contraceptive pill, contact us via your Patient record or 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 ED online?
You can request and pay for a Microgynon 30 ED 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.
Important information about Microgynon 30 ED
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.
Safety: taking other medicines
You should be able to take Microgynon 30 ED 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 ED safely.
Alternative 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.
