Microgynon 30 Pill

What is Microgynon 30?

Microgynon 30 is a combined oral contraceptive pill (commonly known as 'the pill'). Microgynon is taken by women to prevent pregnancy.

Microgynon 30 is a 21-day pill; you take it for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break where no pills are taken. During this break, you should get a withdrawal bleed similar to a period, which may continue into starting your next course of pills.

You can buy Microgynon 30 when it has been prescribed by a doctor. 

Why is Microgynon prescribed as a contraceptive?

If used correctly, the combined pill is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Taking Microgynon 30 comes with various benefits:

• It does not interrupt your sex life.
• Microgynon may help with pre-menstrual symptoms.
• It will normally make your periods lighter, more regular and less painful.
• If used in the long term, the pill may reduce your risk of ovarian and womb cancer.

How does Microgynon 30 work?

Microgynon 30 contains two types of female sex hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. When taken correctly, these hormones work to stop you from getting pregnant in three ways:

• They prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg.
• They make the mucus in your cervix thicker, making it harder for sperm to enter the womb.
• They prevent the lining of the womb from thickening enough for an egg to grow inside it.

Who can take Microgynon 30?

Microgynon may not be suitable for you if:

• You are allergic to this medicine or any other medicines
• You have (or have ever had) a blood clot in a blood vessel in your legs, lungs or another organ
• You need to have an operation or are off your feet for long periods of time
• You have ever had a stroke or a heart attack
• You know that you have any disorder that affects your blood clotting
• You have or have ever had angina pectoris or transient ischaemic attack (temporary stroke symptoms)
• You have ever had a migraine with aura
• You have ever had liver tumours
• You have ever had a severe liver disease and your doctor has told you that your liver function has not yet returned to normal
• You have or have ever had breast cancer
• You have hepatitis C and are taking any medicines that contain ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, dasabuvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir
• You are taking any other medication
• You have any health problems not listed here

Always refer to the patient information leaflet, which will come with your tablets, for comprehensive warnings.

Can you buy Microgynon 30 over the counter?

Microgynon 30 can only be purchased if you have been prescribed it by a doctor. It is not available over the counter.

Can you buy Microgynon 30 online in the UK?

This combined pill is only available to buy on prescription. You can buy Microgynon 30 online from Medicine Direct after a simple and confidential online consultation with one of our registered doctors or pharmacists.

Microgynon 30 Alternatives

If you believe that you may have difficulty remembering to restart taking the pills after taking a break of 7 days, Microgynon 30 ED (Every Day) may be more suitable for you. This medicine works in the same way as Microgynon 30. However, instead of having a 7-day break, you will take an ‘inactive pill’ for 7 days. This means you will not need to worry about remembering to stop and start your medication and will still have complete contraceptive protection.

Alternative combined pills you could try include:

• Synphase
• Noriday
• Gedarel
• Femodette

If you would rather take a progestogen-only pill (POP), which does not contain oestrogen, you could speak to your doctor about taking:

• Cerazette
• Norgeston

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

Microgynon 30 Indications and Dose

Always take the contraceptive pill exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Read the patient information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Microgynon. 

How to take Microgynon 30

It is best to start taking Microgynon 30 on the first day of your period. This will mean you are protected against pregnancy straight away.

Microgynon 30 pills come in strips that are marked with specific days of the week. Take your first pill on the correct day of the strip.

1. Take one pill at the same time each day for 21 days.
2. After taking 21 pills, you will have a break of 7 days where you do not take any pills. During this time, you should have a normal withdrawal bleed.
3. After 7 days, begin taking the pills again for another 21 days.

Swallow the pills whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush the pills.

Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of instructions.

Microgynon Side Effects

Like all medications, Microgynon 30 can cause side effects, although not everyone who takes it will be affected by them.

Common side effects include:

• Weight gain
• Stomach ache
• Feeling sick
• Headache
• Sore or painful breasts
• Depressive mood or mood swings

Uncommon side effects include:

• Decreased libido
• Migraines
• Fluid retention
• Stomach upset
• Vomiting
• Breast enlargement
• A skin rash, which may itch

Some people have also reported the following:

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

Speak to your doctor if any of these bother you or don't go away.

Always refer to the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects and how to deal with them.

Microgynon Warnings and Drug Interactions

Which medicines interact with Microgynon 30?

Before you buy Microgynon, make sure you tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are already using. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medication, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

Microgynon 30 can also interact with the functions of other medicines; it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine that is included in the drug interaction list.

You are not protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by taking this medication. You will still need to use condoms for this type of protection.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Microgynon 30 if you are pregnant. Take a pregnancy test before you stop taking the pill if you think you might be pregnant. Speak to your doctor immediately if you have become pregnant.

Your doctor may recommend an alternative form of contraception if you are breastfeeding.

Find out more on oral contraceptives during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Microgynon 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 online in the UK?

FAQ

Does Microgynon 30 make you gain weight? 

You can gain weight while taking the contraceptive pill, this affects quite a lot of women who take it. Talk to your doctor if you are already overweight before taking Microgynon 30.

When should I start taking Microgynon 30?

Ideally, begin taking Microgynon 30 on the first day of your period. This will give you protection from pregnancy immediately.

Will Microgynon 30 stop my periods?

You should have a withdrawal bleed similar to a period during your seven-day break from taking Microgynon 30. This is normal but speak to your doctor if it is painful or unusually heavy.

How long does Microgynon 30 take to work?

Microgynon will work straight away if you take it on the first day of your period. If you take it later than this, you will need to use a condom for the first 7 days.

How effective is Microgynon 30 at preventing pregnancy?

Microgynon is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if you take it properly.

If I miss a pill can I get pregnant?

There is a risk of pregnancy if you forget to take a pill. You may need to use additional protection for a short while if you miss a pill. Follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet on what to do if you miss a dose of Microgynon 30.

What should I do if I think I’m pregnant?

If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test before you stop taking Microgynon 30. If the result says you are pregnant, stop taking the pill and speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

Can I get pregnant while I’m on the seven-day break?

As long as you have taken the pill as instructed, you should not get pregnant if you have sex during the seven pill-free days.

Does the pill make your breasts larger?

Breast enlargement is an uncommon side effect of taking combined contraceptive pills like Microgynon 30. The hormones in this pill can cause body changes such as breast enlargement and weight gain.

What age can women come off the pill?

Women over the age of 55 can normally stop using contraception, as it is unlikely that they will become pregnant after this age. Speak to your doctor about coming off Microgynon 30.