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 a synthetic oestrogen and progestogen hormone and functions to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

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, by thickening the mucus that surrounds the entrance to the womb and by creating a thinner womb lining.

How effective is Microgynon?

Microgynon is over 99% effective when used correctly. This means taking your pill on time every day 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. In the typical population that uses Microgynon, not everything goes perfectly and the effectiveness is on average around 91%.

When does Microgynon start to work?

It’s recommended to start taking Microgynon on the first day of a natural period. When started in this way, it will start to work right away. You can start it at another time in your cycle provided pregnancy can be reasonably excluded, however it will not protect you from pregnancy for 7 days. If you are changing from a different type of combined pill then it’s advisable to finish the pack of your current pill and move straight onto Microgynon, omitting any pill-free interval you might usually take. When switching in this way, no extra precautions are needed.

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 monohydrate, maize starch, povidone 25, magnesium stearate (E572), sucrose, povidone 90, macrogol 6000 (polyethylene glycol 6000), calcium carbonate (E170), talc, glycerol 85%, glycol montanate, titanium dioxide (E171), glycerin (E422), ferric oxide pigment yellow (E172), purified water.

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

You should contact your doctor or visit the emergency department immediately if you notice these signs and symptoms after taking this birth control: facial swelling, swelling of the tongue, trouble breathing, and a rash. Is it not common to have a severe allergic reaction to birth control medication, with cases of less than 1 in a thousand.

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. 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 every day for 21 days and then there is a 7-day break until you begin the next pack. A bleed will occur during your pill-free week.

What should I do if I missed a pill?

If you have only missed one pill and you remember within 12 hours of the scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember and continue with the rest of your pack as usual. It's okay to take two pills on the same day and you won't need to use additional contraception. If you’re more than 12 hours late in taking it, 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. If you’re in the last 7 days of the pack when you miss a pill, continue straight onto the next pack without taking a break. Visit a GP, pharmacy or sexual health service if you have had unprotected sex since missing your pill as you might need emergency contraception.

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 12 hours of the usual time 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.

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
• Stomach ache
• Acne
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting, particularly when first starting the pill
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Weight gain 

Less common side effects include: 

• Decreased sex drive
• Upset stomach or being sick
• Fluid retention 
• Migraines
• Breast Enlargement 
• Itchy skin rash 

Rare side effects may include: 

• Blood clots
• Change in vaginal discharge
• 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 that can affect blood clotting
• You will be off your feet for long periods of time, for example, you’re due an operation or you’re in a wheelchair
• You have ever experienced a heart attack or stroke
• You have, or have experienced, angina 
• You have a history of breast cancer 
• You have a history of migraines with aura 
• You have ever had severe liver disease or a liver tumour
• You are allergic to any of the ingredients 
• You are over the age of 35 and you smoke

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

• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol 
• Hyperhomocysteinaemia
• 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 e.g. phenobarbitone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate
• Some types of HIV medication e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir
• Hepatitis C treatment 
• Certain antibiotics e.g. rifampicin, griseofulvin
• St John's wort 

Microgynon can also affect the metabolism of other drugs, so you should always disclose your regular medication to the person prescribing you Microgynon.

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 and if you are struggling with side effects, contact your doctor. 

Microgynon and alcohol

You can drink alcohol while taking Microgynon. This does not cause any adverse effects.

Microgynon vs Microgynon ED

Microgynon ED is a version of Microgynon in which you take the pill continuously. Instead of having a seven-day break between packs, Microgynon ED (every day) 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. 

Alternatives to 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 an oestrogen and a progestogen hormone in order to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Pills containing the same active ingredients are Levest, Ovranette and Rigevidon.

Microgynon vs the mini pill

The mini pill has fewer hormones, only containing progestogen as opposed to Microgynon which is made up of both oestrogen and progestogen. The mini-pill may be suitable for women with health issues that 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 every day.

Switching contraceptive pill

There are many different types of 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 begin taking 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.

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 after you’ve completed the second pack.

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 if your stomach has settled 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 and been able to take your pill for seven consecutive 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.