Eloine

Buy Eloine pill online to help prevent unwanted pregnancy

  • Low-dose combined contraceptive pill
  • A lower amount of oestrogen may reduce side effects
  • Get a 3-6 month supply to manage your contraception with ease
  • Available from £19.80 + prescription fees and delivery costs

Our prices

Strength Quantity Price Stock
0.02mg/3mg84 tablets£19.80In Stock
Prices exclude a prescription fee. This treatment requires a quick online consultation,
which a doctor will review to determine if a prescription is appropriate.

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Information

Dr Samantha Miller

Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller MB ChB
(2017, University of Glasgow)
GMC number: 7561464

Information last reviewed 04/03/2021

About

What is Eloine?

Eloine is a type of the combined contraceptive pill designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It's known as a “low dose” pill as it contains a lower dose of the oestrogen hormone (ethinylestradiol) than some other combined contraceptive pills. It also contains a progestogen; drospirenone.

How does Eloine work?

Eloine works by preventing ovulation from occurring; which means the ovaries do not release an egg for fertilisation. It does this by releasing synthetic versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. In addition to this, it creates a thinner womb lining so that an egg cannot attach itself should fertilisation occur and thickens the mucus lining the entrance to your womb so that sperm cannot enter so easily.

How effective is Eloine?

When taken correctly, Eloine is over 99% effective. This relies upon it being taken on time every day and additional contraception being used if you are taking certain medications or have had vomiting or diarrhoea. Some people won’t be able to adhere perfectly to the instructions all the time, giving Eloine an average real-life effectiveness of around 91%.

When does Eloine start to work?

Eloine will start to work straight away if you start taking it at the beginning of your period, on day one of bleeding. You can also start it elsewhere in your cycle but will need to use barrier contraception to prevent pregnancy for a period of 7 days. Ensure you follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist about how to start taking it, as this will vary depending on whether you are switching from a different hormonal contraceptive, another type of the pill or you are starting the pill after giving birth or breastfeeding.

Eloine for non-contraceptive purposes

One of the non-contraceptive benefits of Eloine is that it eases PMS and regulates your period. You can expect your menstrual bleed to be lighter and less painful while taking the pill. It can also help to treat symptoms of endometriosis. Low dose contraceptive pills like Eloine are specifically designed to provide relief from PMS.

Can you use Eloine for period delay?

Eloine can be used to delay your period. To do this, skip the last four white placebo pills in your pill strip and begin the next strip of pills right away. It's recommended to consult your doctor before skipping your period.

Eloine for endometriosis

Eloine can also be useful in treating the symptoms of endometriosis. On average, the condition affects 1 in 10 women within the UK, causing severe pelvic pain which can disrupt your daily life. Taking Eloine suppresses ovulation and menstruation, keeping endometriosis under control. If you think you might have endometriosis, speak to your doctor who can advise you on the best management strategy.

Eloine for PMS

Eloine is effective at relieving PMS and reducing the symptoms often experienced before or during your period. It can prevent mood swings, alleviate period pain and cause your monthly bleed to be lighter than usual.

Eloine summary

Dose

One pill, taken once daily, at the same time each day

Type of Medicine

Low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill (COC)

Mechanism

Prevents ovulation, thickens mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach eggs, and prevents egg attachment to the uterus

Available Size

84 tablets

Available Strengths

0.02mg/3mg

Active Ingredient

Ethinylestradiol and drospirenone

Price

From 24p per tablet

Side Effects

Can include irregular bleeding or amenorrhoea, mood changes, breast pain and tenderness, nausea, headaches, increased blood pressure, migraines

Ingredients

Active ingredients

The active ingredients in the pink Eloine tablets are ethinylestradiol and drospirenone. 

The white tablets do not contain any active ingredients.

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, maize starch, magnesium stearate (E470b), microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose (E464), talc (E553b), titanium dioxide (E171) and iron oxide red (E172).

Dosage

What should I do if I missed a pill?

If you miss an Eloine pill, the action you should take will depend on whether you've missed a pink or white pill and how many you have missed. The four white pills at the end of your pill strip are placebo pills. Missing one of these will not affect your protection. 

If it has been less than 24 hours since you were due to take an active pill then your contraception will not be affected. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember and continue with the rest of your pack at the usual times. If it's been more than 24 hours since you should have taken an active pill, take the following steps: 

  • A missed pill from the first row of pills (days 1–7): Take the missed pill right away, even if this means taking two at once. Keep taking the rest of your pills on time and use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days. If you have had sexual intercourse during this time contact your doctor as there is a risk you could be pregnant.
  • A missed pill from the second row of pills (days 8–14): Take the missed pill as soon as you can and continue with the rest as usual. Provided you’ve taken the preceding tablets correctly, your contraception will not be affected. 
  • A missed pill from the third or fourth row (days 15–24): Take your missed pill as soon as you remember, continuing with the rest as usual. Instead of taking the four placebo pills at the end, skip these and start the next strip of pills right away. 

If you miss more than one pill, see your doctor as soon as possible for advice

What should I do if I took a pill too late?

If you have taken your pill later than normal, this will not affect your protection against pregnancy provided you take it within 24 hours of the scheduled time. If it has been longer than 24 hours this is considered a missed pill. In this case, follow the steps outlined above and ask your doctor if you are unsure of what to do. 

If I have vomited, will Eloine still work?

If you have vomited within 3–4 hours of taking an active pill, Eloine may not work. Take another pill as soon as you can, within 24 hours of your usual time. If you continue to be sick or have severe diarrhoea, follow the instructions for a missed pill.

When can I get pregnant after taking Eloine?

If you want to try for a baby you can stop taking Eloine anytime. It’s advised to wait until your natural menstrual cycle returns before trying to get pregnant, however, you can become pregnant at any time.

Is it safe to take Eloine for a long time?

It’s usually safe to take contraceptive pills like Eloine for as long as you need to, provided that you don't have any existing or new health issues which may be impacted by taking the pill. Taking the combined pill increases the risk of experiencing a blood clot. It is important to thoroughly read the information leaflet included with your pills to ensure that it is safe for you to take. See the contraindications section for details on who might not be able to safely take Eloine. 

When will my period start again after I stop taking Eloine?

After you stop taking Eloine your period is likely to return to normal within a month or two. For some women, it may take longer, depending on how long your body takes to adjust. 

How to start Eloine

If you have not taken a hormonal contraceptive in the last month, you should start taking Eloine on the first day of your natural period. When started in this way, you’re immediately protected from pregnancy. 

When changing from a different combined pill, start taking Eloine the day after you finish your current strip of pills. In the case of the progestogen-only pill (mini pill), you can switch to Eloine at any time. After switching from a progestogen-only pill, you must use an additional method of contraception for the first 7 days. 

Speak to your healthcare provider about how to start Eloine if you’ve recently given birth or had a termination.

How to take Eloine

Eloine is taken each day, with each pack lasting for 28 days. There are 24 pink tablets and 4 white ones. The pink tablets contain hormones and the white tablets do not (they are placebo pills). You should start with a pink tablet on the first day of your cycle, and will take 24 pink tablets, then 4 white tablets to finish the pack. After you’ve finished the pack, begin the next pack the following day.

Each packet of pills contains a sheet of stickers with the days of the week printed on them. You can place the corresponding sticker to the upper left side of the pack which is marked “Place week sticker here”. This will help you to keep track of when you started your pack. Continue to follow the arrows which indicate the order you should take the pills in. 

Eloine can be taken at any time of the day as long as you stick to the same time each day.

Each pink Eloine pill contains 0.02mg ethinylestradiol and 3mg drospirenone. 

How to use Eloine for period delay

To use Eloine for period delay, skip the 4 white placebo pills at the end of your pill strip, starting the next one right away. Your period will return once you reach the white pills of the second pill strip.

Side Effects

Eloine side effects

Common side effects associated with Eloine are: 

  • Headaches 
  • Nausea 
  • Breast pain 
  • Irregular bleeding or amenorrhoea (no bleeding)
  • Feeling emotional

 Uncommon side effects may include: 

  • Altered mood including depression
  • Nervousness 
  • Feeling sleepy
  • Dizziness 
  • Pins and needles sensations
  • Migraines
  • Varicose veins 
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Abdominal pain
  • Heartburn
  • Flatulence (bloating or wind) 
  • Upset stomach
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Acne
  • Pruritus (itching)
  • Rash
  • Back pain
  • Pain in the hands or feet
  • Muscle cramps
  • Vaginal candidiasis
  • Pelvic pain
  • Breast enlargement
  • Fibrocystic breast disease (harmless breast lumps)
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Hot flushes
  • Vaginitis (irritation or discomfort inside the vagina)
  • Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
  • Hypomenorrhoea (light periods)
  • Menorrhagia (heavy periods)
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Abnormal smear test results
  • Decreased libido (sex drive)
  • Increased sweating
  • Oedema (fluid retention)
  • Weight gain

 Rare side effects can include: 

  • Weight loss
  • Feeling excessively weak or tired
  • Dyspareunia (pain during sex)
  • Vulvovaginitis (pain or irritation of the vulva and vagina)
  • Postcoital bleeding (bleeding after sex)
  • Breast cysts
  • Breast hyperplasia (enlargement)
  • Breast neoplasms including cancer
  • Cervical polyp (outgrowths of non-cancerous tissue)
  • Endometrial atrophy (reduction in the lining of the womb)
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Uterine enlargement
  • Chloasma (skin discolouration)
  • Eczema
  • Alopecia (hair loss)
  • Dermatitis acneiform (a form of acne with a rash)
  • Dry skin
  • Erythema nodosum (a skin condition characterised by bumps)
  • Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth)
  • Skin striae (stretch marks)
  • Contact dermatitis (a skin irritation where a particular item contacts the skin such as a watch strap)
  • Photosensitive dermatitis (a skin irritation exacerbated by the sun)
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Oral candidiasis (thrush)
  • Hiatus hernia (a stomach condition)
  • Blood clots 
  • Fainting or feeling faint
  • Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
  • Eye problems such as dry eyes and conjunctivitis
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Tremors
  • Being unable to achieve orgasm 
  • Insomnia
  • Appetite changes, including anorexia
  • Changes to the level of potassium and sodium in the blood 
  • Anaemia (low iron levels in the blood)
  • Low platelets in the blood

Contraindications

If any of the following apply to you, do not take Eloine: 

  • If you have or have ever experienced a blood clot 
  • Any disorders which affect blood clotting 
  • Being off your feet for long periods of time
  • If you are scheduled to have an operation 
  • If you have ever experienced a heart attack or stroke 
  • If you have ever had angina pectoris 
  • Severe diabetes with damage to the blood vessels 
  • Severe high blood pressure 
  • High levels of cholesterol in the blood 
  • Hyperhomocysteinaemia 
  • If you have ever experienced a migraine with aura 
  • A history of liver disease 
  • Renal failure 
  • Liver tumours 
  • If you have a history of breast cancer or genital cancer
  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding 
  • Allergies to any of the ingredients in Eloine 
  • You are a smoker over the age of 35

 Extra care should be taken if you: 

  • Have a family history of breast cancer 
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Have liver or gallbladder disease 
  • Are diabetic 
  • Have depression 
  • Have chronic inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Have systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune condition)
  • Have haemolytic uraemic syndrome (a disorder of the blood causing kidney damage)
  • Have sickle cell anaemia (an inherited problem with the red blood cells)
  • Have recently given birth 
  • Have varicose veins 
  • Have epilepsy 
  • Have any conditions which manifested as a result of pregnancy or previous hormonal contraceptives 
  • Have elevated levels of fat in the blood (hypertriglyceridaemia)
  • Have ever experienced chloasma (golden brown pigment patches)
  • Have an inflammation in the veins under the skin (superficial thrombophlebitis)

Speak to your doctor before taking Eloine if any of these circumstances apply to you.

Drug interactions

The following medicines are known to interact with Eloine, making it less effective: 

  • Epilepsy medications (e.g. primidone, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine) 
  • Rifampicin 
  • HIV and hepatitis C medications (e.g. ritonavir, nevirapine, efavirenz) 
  • Antifungal medications (e.g. griseofulvin, ketoconazole)
  • Arthritis medications (e.g. etoricoxib)
  • Medications for pulmonary hypertension (bosentan)
  • St John's wort 

Always inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, including herbal remedies. 

Eloine and alcohol

It's fine to drink alcohol while you are taking Eloine. 

How to deal with the emotional side effects of Eloine

It's common to experience mood swings while taking hormonal contraceptives containing oestrogen, such as Eloine. This will usually settle down after the first month or two. Being aware of how you feel and talking to friends or family can help you to deal with it. If your mood is low, you have lost interest in taking part in activities or work, it's possible you are experiencing depression. Talk to a GP about how you are feeling. They will be able to advise you on further treatment to help you cope with it, or suggest self-help methods such as online resources and groups.

Treatment Options

Eloine vs other combined pills

Eloine differs from standard combined pills available on the market as it contains a lower dose of the oestrogen hormone. This combined pill is just as effective but causes less of the side effects that are typically associated with hormonal contraceptives. This makes it a viable option for women who are sensitive to oestrogen and have experienced adverse side effects from other versions of the combined pill.

Eloine vs the mini pill

The mini pill only contains the progestogen hormone (it's also known as the progestogen-only pill, or POP) whereas Eloine is a combined pill with both oestrogen and progestogen. The mini pill is taken continuously throughout the month. It may also cause irregular bleeding and can cause acne to flare up in some women. It produces fewer side effects than the combined pill however and does not pose potential long term health risks such as blood clots. 

Alternatives to Eloine

Eloine is one type of the combined contraceptive pill. Dr Felix stocks all available brands to give you easy access to your preferred contraceptive pill. Commonly prescribed pills include Microgynon, Rigevidon, Cilest and Cerelle. If oestrogen based hormones are not suitable for you, the mini pill is a good alternative. Long term reversible methods of contraception include the implant, hormonal IUS, copper IUD, and the contraceptive injection. These options are available from your GP or local family planning clinic. Male and female condoms are the only contraceptives that protect against both pregnancy and STIs.

Switching contraceptive pill

Switching contraceptive pill is usually a straightforward process. The instructions will vary depending on which type of pill you are currently taking so ensure you double-check the information provided with your pill. When switching from another type of combined pill, take the last active pill in the pack, and begin Eloine the next day. You don’t need any additional protection. If you’re switching from a progestogen-only pill (POP, mini-pill), you can start Eloine at any point, but you must use additional precautions for seven days while the hormones build up enough to prevent pregnancy. 

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