Microgynon 30

What is Microgynon?

Microgynon is one of the most common types of the combined contraceptive pill available for women in the UK. Known as ‘the pill’, Microgynon contains oestrogen and progesterone hormones in order to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

How does Microgynon work?

Microgynon works by overriding your natural menstrual cycle. The active ingredients are ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel which are man-made versions of oestrogen and progesterone, the naturally occurring sex hormones produced in the body. They work in three ways: by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg, thickening the mucus that surrounds the entrance to the womb and creating a thinner womb lining. The latter two have the effect of preventing sperm from entering so easily and the lack of thick lining makes it difficult for an egg to attach itself should fertilisation occur. 

How effective is Microgynon?

Microgynon is over 99% effective when used correctly. This means taking your pill on time everyday and using extra precautions when taking medications that interfere with the way the pill works. This also applies when you are unwell and experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea. 

When does Microgynon start to work?

Microgynon will start to work right away if you start taking it during the first five days of your period. If you are changing from a different type of pill then you can do this at any time during your cycle and you'll have immediate protection. Otherwise, you'll need to use condoms for the first seven days of taking the pill if you begin it after the fifth day of your cycle.

Microgynon for non-contraceptive purposes

Microgynon is predominantly used to prevent unwanted pregnancies but it can also be prescribed to help women with painful, heavy periods, an irregular cycle and PMS. Sometimes it can be given to treat acne. 

Active ingredients

Microgynon tablets contain 150mg of levonorgestrel and 30mg of ethinylestradiol.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients are lactose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate (E572), sucrose, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate (E170), talc, montan glycol wax, titanium dioxide (E171), glycerin (E422), ferric oxide pigment yellow (E172).

What should I do if I missed a pill?

If you have only missed one pill then take it as soon as you remember and continue with the rest of your pack as usual. It's okay to take two pills in the same day and you won't need to use additional contraception. If you have missed more than one pill, take the most recent missed pill right away and keep taking the rest of the pack as normal. You'll need to use condoms, or an alternative barrier method of contraception, for the next seven days to prevent pregnancy. Visit a GP or local pharmacy if you have had unprotected sex since missing your pill to get emergency contraception. This should be done as soon as possible and is also available from sexual health clinics. 

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

You should always try to take your pill on time but if you take it later than usual this will not affect your protection. As long as you take it within 24 hours there is no need to worry. Setting an alarm may help remind you to take it on time if this is something you struggle with.   

How to start Microgynon

The best time to start taking Microgynon is on the first day of your period. This means you will be protected from pregnancy right away. You can start it in this manner up until the fifth day of your period and have immediate protection, unless you have a shorter cycle. If you start the pill at any other time during your cycle you'll need to use an additional form of contraception for seven days as you won't be protected from pregnancy right away. 

How to take Microgynon

Choose a time of the day which is convenient for you to take the pill as it should be taken at the same time each day. Each strip of pills will be labelled with the days of the week to allow you to easily keep track. Microgynon is taken everyday for 21 days and then there is a 7 day break until you begin the next pack. Your period will occur during your pill free week. 

Microgynon side effects

There is a heightened risk of blood clots from taking the combined pill. While this is rare, women with particular health risks may not be able to take Microgynon for this reason. 

Common side effects include: 

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Cramps
• Acne
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Breakthrough bleeding 
• Spotting 
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Weight gain 

Less common side effects include: 

• Decreased sex drive
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Fluid retention 
• Migraines
• Breast Enlargement 
• Itchy skin rash 

Rare side effects may include: 

• Blood clots
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Liver problems 
• Weight loss
• Nipple secretion 
• Increased sex drive 
• Irritation of contact lenses 
• Chloasma 

Contraindications

Microgynon is not suitable for everyone. It should not be taken if: 

• You have a blood clot or have a history of blood clots
• You have a medical condition which can affect blood clotting
• You are off your feet for long periods of time
• You are due to have an operation 
• You have ever experienced a heart attack or stroke
• You have, or have experienced, angina 
• You have high blood pressure 
• You have a high level of cholesterol in the blood
• You have hyperhomocysteinaemia
• You have a history of breast cancer 
• You have a history of migraines with aura 
• You have ever had liver tumours or severe liver disease
• You are allergic to any of the ingredients 

Inform your doctor if any of the following circumstances apply to you:

• Crohn's disease 
• Ulcerative colitis 
• Sickle cell anaemia 
• Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
• Pancreatitis 
• Hypertriglyceridaemia
• Recently given birth 
• Varicose veins 
• Diabetes 
• Superficial thrombophlebitis
• Family history of heart disease or high blood pressure 
• Porphyria
• Obesity 
• Migraines 

Drug interactions

The following medications may interfere with the way Microgynon works: 

• Some types of epilepsy treatment 
• Some types of HIV and Hepatitis C treatment 
• Certain antibiotics
• Griseofulvin
• Barbiatures 
• St John's wort 

How to cope with Microgynon side effects

It's common to experience side effects when you first start taking Microgynon but these should ease off after the first couple of months. Breakthrough bleeding is normal when you first take the pill. Use sanitary pads, tampons or a menstrual cup for comfort and hygiene while this is happening. Painkillers can help with headaches or stomach cramps, or use a hot water bottle or heated pad against your abdomen for comfort. If you experience changes to your mood or feel depressed, be aware of how you are feeling and ensure you practice self care. it may help to talk to others around you so that they are aware of what's going on. 

Microgynon and alcohol

You can drink alcohol while taking Microgynon. This does not cause an adverse effect. 

Can you use Microgynon for period delay?

Microgynon can easily be used for period delay. The pill is usually taken for three weeks before having a seven day break. A period-like bleed then occurs during your pill free week. You can skip your period by taking two packs of pills back to back. When you finish one pack, start the next one the day after instead of waiting the seven days. This will delay your period until the following month. 

Switching contraceptive pill

There are many different types of the contraceptive pill. Not all of them will suit every woman so sometimes you may need to try a few before finding the pill that works for you. If you are switching to Microgynon from a different pill then all you need to do is take Microgynon the day after you stop your current pill. Always double check the instructions provided with your pill to ensure you do this correctly without affecting your protection against pregnancy. 

Microgynon vs the mini pill

The mini pill has less hormones, only containing progesterone as opposed to Microgynon which is made up of both oestrogen and progesterone. The mini pill may be suitable for women with health issues which prevent them from being able to safely take the combined pill. It also benefits from having fewer health risks and side effects. However the mini pill cannot be used to delay your period and can be less effective if it is not strictly taken on time everyday. 

Alternatives to Microgynon

While Microgynon is one of the most commonly prescribed types of the combined pill, there are in fact 23 different brands available in the UK, all of which are stocked in our pharmacy. Rigevidon, Cilest and Yasmin are other popular choices. The mini pill, or progesterone only pill, is suitable for women who cannot take the combined pill or have a sensitivity to oestrogen. There are several long term reversible contraceptive methods available if you find it difficult to remember to take the pill everyday. These include the implant, injection and copper or hormonal coil.

Microgynon vs Microgynon ED

Microgynon ED is a version of Microgynon in which you take the pill continuously throughout the month. Instead of having a seven day break between packs, Microgynon ED (everyday) contains 7 placebo pills at the end of the pack which you take during your usual pill free week. This is designed to be helpful for women who are liable to forget to take it, or who struggle to remember which day they should start their new pack. Both versions work in the same way and contain the same active ingredients. 

If I have vomited, will Microgynon still work?

Vomiting less than four hours after taking Microgynon means it is likely that your body has not yet had a chance to absorb the hormones contained in the pill. Take another pill as soon as your stomach settles and then take the rest as usual. This means your cycle will be a day shorter than normal. If the vomiting continues, use condoms until you have felt better for seven days to make sure you are protected against pregnancy. 

When can I get pregnant after taking Microgynon?

As soon as you stop taking Microgynon you are at risk of pregnancy. In general, it takes a couple of months for your menstrual cycle to return to normal as your hormones adjust back to a natural pattern. This means it can take a few months to get pregnant after stopping the pill. It's different for each woman as everyone's body is different. 

Does Microgynon have any long term effects upon fertility?

Microgynon does not affect your fertility in the long term. Your fertility will return as soon as you stop taking it.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS > Combined Contraceptive Pill