Microgynon & Microgynon ED

What is Microgynon and what is it used for?

Microgynon 30 is an oral contraceptive. Its two active ingredients, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, prevent ovulation from occurring during the menstrual cycle. Microgynon 30 contains a lower dose of oestrogen compared to most combined contraceptive pills.

Microgynon ED has the same properties as Microgynon 30, except each pack has 28 tablets, meaning you take one every day without intervals. The final seven tablets do not contain hormones. Every-day contraceptives like this will get you in the routine of taking one pill each day so that you will not forget to restart at the beginning of each cycle.

How does Microgynon work?

Pregnancy occurs when an egg released from the ovaries is fertilised by sperm. In a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries release one egg each month – this is the process of ovulation. This process is controlled by the female sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen. Microgynon 30 contains two synthetic hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, which imitate these two natural hormones. They control the levels of each hormone in such a way that prevents an egg from being released. The Pill also makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, by thickening the fluid that is in the cervix.

During a regular menstrual cycle, the endometrium (the wall of the uterus) builds up in preparation for a fertilised egg. Microgynon 30 reduces the extent of this buildup, making it less likely that a fertilised egg will develop into an embryo. As a further result, periods become lighter.

Microgynon 30 may reduce acne, and protect against conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease. It will not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Alternatives to Microgynon

Microgynon 30 contains the same active ingredients as a number of other combined contraceptive pills, including Levest, Rigevidon, and Ovranette. Patients looking to buy Rigevidon can do so here. For more information regarding contraceptive pills and patches please take a look at our Contraception Advice page.

Sources

• Microgynon 30 Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• Microgynon 30 ED Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill/
• https://patient.info/medicine/combined-hormonal-contraceptives#nav-4

Microgynon warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Microgynon 30 is unsuitable for you if you have:

• Ever had a blood clot
• A history of heart attack or stroke
• Any other circulatory problems
• Ever had breast cancer
• Impaired liver function
• Severe migraines with visual disturbances
• An allergy to any of the ingredients of Microgynon 30.

You may be advised not to take Microgynon 30 if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Heightened fat levels in the blood
• High risk of blood clots
• Sickle-cell anaemia
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Kidney disease
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Varicose veins
• Diabetes
• An inflamed pancreas
• Inflamed veins under the skin
• Obesity
• Porphyria
• Migraines.

Do not use Microgynon 30 if you have breast cancer, or if you have had it before. Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase your chance of developing breast cancer. Once you have stopped using the Pill for at least 10 years, your risk levels will come back down. Women who are elderly and/or overweight are more vulnerable to breast cancer. Take care using Microgynon 30 if a close relative has suffered from breast cancer before. Check your breasts and nipples regularly for any changes or lumps. If you notice anything abnormal, visit your doctor as soon as you can.

Though the risk is slightly lower than for other contraceptives, you may be more susceptible to blood clots while taking Microgynon 30, especially during the first year of use. Talk to your GP before having any operation while taking the Pill. You may need to stop using Microgynon 30 in advance of the operation to avoid the increased risk of a blood clot. You are also at a heightened risk of developing a blood clot if you:

• Smoke
• Are obese
• Have a family history of blood clots
• Do not exercise regularly
• Have had a miscarriage in the past
• Have recently given birth.

Microgynon 30 may increase your chance of developing cervical cancer. For this reason, you should have regular smear tests while taking the Pill.

If you require any blood test, inform your doctor of which medicines you are taking – Microgynon 30 may alter the results of some blood tests.

Microgynon and other medicines

The following medicines may impact the effectiveness of Microgynon 30:

• Epilepsy medicines (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• HIV medicines
• Hepatitis C medicines
• Some antibiotics
• Barbiturates
• St John’s Wort
• Griseofulvin.

Microgynon 30 may also impact the effectiveness of certain medicines. Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Microgynon directions

If possible, begin taking Microgynon 30 on the first day of your period - if you begin taking the Pill in the first five days of your cycle, you will be immediately protected from pregnancy.

There are 21 Microgynon 30 pills in a strip. Once you have finished a strip, you will stop taking the pill for seven days. During this time you will have a normal bleed. Once seven days have passed, begin your next cycle of treatment.

If you take Microgynon ED, for the first 21 days, take a beige-coloured tablet at a similar time each day. For the final 7 days of the cycle, you will take larger white tablets which do not contain any active ingredients.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, even if it is nearly time for your next pill. If you have missed one day, you should still be protected from pregnancy. If you miss multiple days, you are advised to use additional contraception for the following seven days.

Microgynon ingredients

The active ingredients contained in Microgynon 30 are 150mcg levonorgestrel & 30mcg ethinylestradiol.

Microgynon 30 also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

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).

Microgynon side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Microgynon 30, however if you do they may include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Headache
• Mood swings
• Breast pain

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.