Lucette

What is Lucette and what is it used for?

Lucette is a combined contraceptive pill that is primarily used to prevent pregnancy. It contains ethinylestradiol and drospirenone, which are synthetic versions of the female body’s natural sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. If taken according to the instructions, Lucette is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can help to make periods lighter, less painful and more regular. It can also help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Lucette pill & acne

Some women who take Lucette, who have previously struggled with acne or spots, notice an improvement in the condition of their skin while taking this contraceptive pill. This is because the hormones in Lucette help to regulate the production of oil by the skin, preventing pores from becoming blocked.

Lucette pill benefits

All types of contraception, have both benefits and drawbacks, and these are not always the same for everyone.

Women who take a combined contraceptive pill such as Lucette find that some of the advantages of taking it are that:

• Sex is not interrupted
• Periods are more regular, lighter and less painful
• Symptoms of PMS are more manageable
• Acne is improved

How does Lucette work?

Each Lucette pill contains both synthetic oestrogen and progesterone which are taken for 21 days with a 7-day pill-free break. These hormones work together to stop you from becoming pregnant by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg.

They also increase the amount of mucus around the cervix, making it hard for sperm to reach the egg, making it hard for a fertilised egg to implant in the uterus.

Lucette vs Yasmin

Both Lucette and Yasmin are combined contraceptive pills, containing the same active ingredients in the same amounts. They are named differently because they are produced by different manufacturers.

The only variation between Lucette and Yasmin is that Lucette tablets contain soy lecithin, so they may be unsuitable for some women with soy allergies.

You can read more about different types of female contraception in our guide.

Lucette pill and weight gain

It is rumoured that Lucette, like other contraceptive pills, can cause you to gain weight. There is, however, no evidence that has indicated that there is a genuine link between hormonal contraception and weight gain.

Hormonal contraception can affect people differently and if you are concerned about gaining weight or any other side effects whilst taking Lucette you should speak to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse for advice.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill/
• https://patient.info/medicine/combined-hormonal-contraceptives
• Lucette Patient Information Leaflet: https://mhraproducts4853.blob....

Lucette warnings

Taking combined oral contraceptives can increase your risk of developing certain health conditions. It is therefore essential that while taking Lucette you must attend regular check-ups with your GP or practice nurse.

• Do not take Lucette tablets if you have ever had a blood clot, have had a heart attack or a stroke, you have ever had cancer, you are immobile for extended periods, you have high blood pressure or experience migraines with aura, you have problems with your liver or kidneys.
• Tell a doctor before taking Lucette if you have diabetes, mental health problems, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, SLE, HUS, sickle cell anaemia, or varicose veins.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Lucette if you are currently or have recently stopped taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medication.

Before taking Lucette please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Lucette and blood clots

Combined oral contraceptives like Lucette can increase your chances of developing blood clots in both the veins and arteries. Blood clots can be very serious, causing pain, heart attacks and strokes. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot you must see a doctor as soon as possible.

Lucette and cancer

Lucette may slightly increase your chances of developing breast cancer. You should ensure that you check your breasts regularly whilst taking any form of hormonal contraception.

If you notice any irregularities in your breasts including lumps or dimples you must get these checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Lucette - Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Do not take Lucette if you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant whilst taking Lucette you should speak to a doctor for advice.

You should not use Lucette if you are breastfeeding as combined hormonal contraceptives can affect the production of breastmilk. For advice on appropriate contraception whilst breastfeeding, you should speak to a doctor.

How do I take Lucette?

Lucette can be prescribed for and taken by women over the age of 18 years old to protect them from pregnancy. Lucette tablets are for oral use only and should be taken as directed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Take 1 Lucette tablet at the same time every day for 21 days. Take the first tablet from the top row that correlates with the correct day of the week and follow the directions of the arrows printed on the pack.

After 21 days, do not take any Lucette tablets for 7 days. This is your pill-free week and you should expect to experience a “withdrawal bleed”. On day 8 start a new packet of Lucette tablets.

Starting Lucette

If you have not used hormonal contraception in the past month

Take your first Lucette tablet on day 1 of your period and you will be protected from becoming pregnant straight away.

You can also start taking Lucette on days 2-5 of your period but you will need to use a barrier method of protection such as a condom for the next 7 days to protect you from getting pregnant.

If you are switching from a combined contraceptive pill

Take your first Lucette tablet after the last active tablet of your previous pill. Do not have a pill-free 7 days. If you have previously been using a combined contraceptive patch or ring, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice on the best way to switch to Lucette.

If you are changing from a progesterone-only pill, injection, implant or IUD

Take your first Lucette pill on whatever day is convenient for you when switching from the pill. For the injection take your first tablet the day your next injection is due. For the implant and IUD take your first Lucette tablet the day these are removed.

You will need to use a barrier method of protection such as a condom for the first 7 days to avoid getting pregnant.

If you are starting Lucette after having a baby

If you're not breastfeeding and your healthcare professional has checked you have no medical risk factors for a blood clot in a vein, you can take your first Lucette tablet between days 21-28 after giving birth. If you start taking Lucette after day 28 you will need to use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom for the first 7 days.

You should not take Lucette if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should discuss your contraceptive options with your doctor.

Lucette missed pills

If you have forgotten to take your Lucette tablet or have vomiting or diarrhoea within 4 hours of taking your pill but it is within 12 hours:

Take the late pill as soon as you remember or you feel well enough. You will still be protected against getting pregnant.

If you have forgotten to take your Lucette tablet or have vomiting or diarrhoea within 4 hours of taking your pill and is over 12 hours late:

Take the missed pill as soon as you remember or you feel well enough. You will need to use an additional method of contraception such as a condom for the next 7 days.

Lucette Ingredients

The active ingredients in each Lucette tablet are: ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg and drospirenone 3 mg.

The inactive ingredients in each Lucette tablet are: lactose monohydrate, povidone K-25, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide (E171), talc (E553b), macrogol 3350, lecithin (soya)

Lucette side effects

There are some potential side effects of Lucette that you should be aware of when taking any combined hormonal contraception.

The most common side effects experienced when taking Lucette are:

• Tenderness breast, pain breast
• Irregular periods, spotting, bleeding between periods
• Low mood
• Headache and migraine
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Vaginal thrush
• Increased breast size
• Changes in blood pressure
• Hair loss

Side effects associated with Lucette usually improve within the first 3 months. If they do not improve or you are concerned about any side effects please speak to a doctor.

If you experience any severe side effects or have an allergic reaction while using Lucette you should seek medical advice from your nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

Before taking Lucette please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.