Microgynon 30 ED Pill

What is Microgynon 30 ED?

Microgynon 30 ED (Every Day) is a combined oral contraceptive pill (commonly known as 'the pill'), which is taken by women to stop them from getting pregnant.

You can buy Microgynon 30 ED on prescription. 

Each strip contains 28 tablets: 21 'active pills' and 7 'inactive pills'.

This medicine is useful for women who may get their days mixed up when taking a contraceptive pill that requires a 7-day break. You use Microgynon 30 ED once a day without a break. You will take one 'active pill' every day for 21 days, then an 'inactive pill' for the next 7 days.

Why is Microgynon 30 ED prescribed as a contraceptive?

When taken correctly, this combined pill is one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception.

Taking Microgynon 30 ED comes with various benefits:

• It does not interrupt sex.
• It may help with pre-menstrual symptoms.
• It will normally make your periods lighter, more regular and less painful.

How does Microgynon 30 ED work?

Microgynon 30 ED contains two female sex hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, which work to prevent pregnancy in three ways:

• The prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg.
• They make the mucus in your cervix thicker, making it much harder for sperm to get inside the womb.
• They prevent your womb lining from thickening enough for an egg to be able to grow within it.

Who can take Microgynon 30 ED?

Microgynon 30 ED may not be suitable for you if any of the following apply to you.

Do not take this medication if:

• You are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• You are over 35 years of age and smoke
• You are over the age of 50
• You suffer from migraines
• You have had cervical cancer
• You have had breast cancer

Speak to your doctor before you take Microgynon 30 ED if:

• You are allergic to this or any other medicine
• You are taking any other medicine
• You have any illnesses not listed here

Can you buy Microgynon 30 ED over the counter?

Microgynon 30 ED is not available to buy over the counter. You must have a prescription to purchase this medication, which will require you to speak to a doctor.

Can you buy Microgynon 30 ED online in the UK?

You can buy Microgynon 30 ED from Medicine Direct once you have had an online consultation with a certified doctor or pharmacist. They will review your medical history and prescribe this medication if it is safe for you to take.

If you have been prescribed this medicine by a doctor, one of our doctors or pharmacists can give you a repeat prescription. However, you will still need to complete our online consultation form.

Never order any medicine online unless it is from a registered pharmacy.

Alternatives to Microgynon 30 ED

There are several alternatives to Microgynon 30 ED if you find that this medicine is not suitable for you.

You could try Microgynon 30, which works in the same way as this medicine, but you only take 21 active pills a month. Instead of taking 7 inactive pills, you will have a break where you do not take any pills for 7 days.

If you wish to try an alternative combined contraceptive pill, you can speak to your doctor about trying one of the following:

• Millinette
• Synphase
• Noriday
• Gedarel

There are also progestogen-only pills (POPs), which do not contain oestrogen. These include:

• Norgeston
• Cerazette

For more information on different types of contraception that may be suitable for you, we recommend visiting the Contraception Choices website.

Microgynon 30 ED Dosage and Directions

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Microgynon ED pills.

How to take Microgynon 30 ED

To effectively prevent pregnancy, you must be consistent with taking this medication. Always use Microgynon 30 ED as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Read the patient information leaflet and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Swallow Microgynon 30 ED tablets whole with a glass of water.

Take them at around the same time each day.

Ideally, you should start taking this medication on the first day of your period. This will mean you are protected immediately.

1. Take one active pill each day for 21 days.
2. After taking 21 active pills, take one inactive pill a day for 7 days. You will probably have a normal bleed during this time.
3. Start taking the active pills in the next pack straight after finishing all 28 pills.

Microgynon 30 ED Side Effects

Common side effects of Microgynon 30 ED can include:

• Stomach ache
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Feeling sick
• Sore or painful breasts
• Mood swings or depressive moods

Uncommon side effects include:

• Vomiting and stomach upsets
• Fluid retention
• Decreased libido
• Migraine
• Skin rash (this may itch)
• Breast enlargement

Some people have also reported the following:

• Bleeding and spotting between periods
• Chloasma
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Speak to your doctor if you have any of the side effects listed above, or if you become worried.

Always read the patient information leaflet for comprehensive information on side effects and how to cope with them.

Microgynon Warnings and Drug Interactions

Before you buy Microgynon 30 ED, make sure you inform your doctor or pharmacist of any other medication you are already taking.

The contraceptive pill can also affect how well other forms of medication work, so your doctor may need to adjust your dose if you need to use another medication at the same time as the pill. Spek to your doctor about medications that interact with Microgynon ED pills.

You must bear in mind that the contraceptive pill will not protect you from catching sexually transmitted infections like syphilis and gonorrhoea. Only condoms can do this.

Read the patient information leaflet for a full list of warnings. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take this medication if you are pregnant. Take a pregnancy test before you stop taking Microgynon 30 ED if you think you might have become pregnant.

Microgynon might not be suitable for women who are breastfeeding. Your doctor may recommend an alternative form of contraception to use instead.

Microgynon 30 ED Ingredients

The main active ingredients within this medicine are: Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Microgynon 30 ED online in the UK?

FAQ

Can you take Microgynon 30 ED for acne?

Combined oral contraceptive pills like Microgynon 30 ED are sometimes prescribed for acne sufferers. Speak to your doctor if you think it may be beneficial for you to take this pill for acne.

When should I start taking Microgynon 30 ED?

If you start to take Microgynon 30 ED on the first day of your period, you will be protected straight away.

What if I stop taking Microgynon 30 ED?

If you stop taking this pill, you will no longer have contraceptive protection. You should use a condom if you intend to have sex, are not using a contraceptive pill and do not wish to get pregnant.

Should I take a break while taking Microgynon 30 ED?

No, to effectively prevent pregnancy, Microgynon 30 ED tablets must be taken each day without a break, in the correct order.

Does Microgynon 30 ED make you put on weight?

Many women who take combined pills like this one report weight gain as a side effect. You should talk to your doctor before taking Microgynon 30 ED if you are already overweight.

Am I protected even when I’m taking the inactive pills?

Yes, as long as you take Microgynon 30 ED correctly, you will still be protected from pregnancy during the 7 days you take the inactive pills.

Does Microgynon 30 ED make you hungrier?

Weight gain is a possible side effect of birth control pills like this one. Some women may find that they have an increased appetite.

Does Microgynon 30 ED thin your hair?

Hair thinning is not a side effect commonly associated with taking Microgynon 30 ED. Tell your doctor if you notice your hair thinning or falling out while taking this medication.

When should I take the pill?

You can take the Microgynon 30 ED pill at the most convenient time of day for you, but you should always take it at this time each day.

Does Microgynon 30 ED make your breasts bigger?

Breast enlargement is a side effect that may occur in some women taking this medication, although it doesn’t affect everyone.