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Marvelon

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Marvelon

Marvelon is a contraceptive pill containing the artificial female sex hormones progestogen and oestrogen. Nearly all women can take Marvelon. It contains Desogestrel (progestogen) and ethinylestradiol (oestrogen).

  • Used for contraceptive purposes
  • Marvelon contraceptive pill is for female use only
  • Take once a day over 21 days

Marvelon tablets are available to buy online here at Pharmacy Online. Simply start a consultation with our online pharmacists to begin.

Marvelon tablets are a form of contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. When Marvelon is taken correctly, it is 99% effective. The medication is taken once daily over the course of 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.

During this break, there is often a breakthrough bleed which appears as a normal period.

The Marvelon contraceptive pill is well suited to most women, however, it is always important to measure weight and blood pressure before taking any contraceptive medication. As these factors can help determine which pill is best for you.

You can purchase home blood pressure kits or visit a local pharmacy to get a free blood pressure check. You will also be asked questions regarding your health history, including migraines, smoking, a family history of stroke or heart attack, and breast cancer.

Other pills may be taken regularly over the course of 28 days without a break. These can often stop regular menstruation from occurring or can help to lighten heavy periods.

Order Marvelon Online

You can buy Marvelon online here at Pharmacy Online, where our online pharmacists are able to offer prescriptions based on your requirements. To get started, simply start a consultation with our team, who will be happy to help assist you in finding the right contraceptive pill for you.

You may experience possible side effects of Marvelon. As with any medication, there are mild but common side effects that usually subside over time.

Other side effects are more serious and should be reported to your GP right away if you experience any side effects. Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects that may occur when taking oral contraceptives.

Common side effects include:

  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea
  • Weight changes
  • Mood changes
  • Headaches
  • Spotting in the first few months

Uncommon side effects include:

  • Changes in libido

There are some serious side effects associated with taking oral contraceptives. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Changes to the breast such as discolouration around the nipple or lumps
  • Swelling in the lower leg that is inflamed and hot to the touch
  • Signs of a blood clot in the lung, such as sudden unexplained breathlessness or rapid breathing, a sudden cough that may bring up blood, or sharp chest pain that may get worse when you breathe deeply
  • Signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, discomfort, pressure or heaviness, or discomfort spreading to the back, jaw, throat, arm or stomach
  • Signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body), sudden confusion or trouble speaking, or a sudden, severe headache
  • Discomfort and bleeding after sex

Like all combined pills, Marvelon slightly increases your risk of a blood clot. Out of 10,000 women who are not using a combined pill and are not pregnant, about 2 will develop a blood clot in a year. This compares with about 5-7 in 10,000 women using a combined pill containing levonorgestrel, and about 9-12 in 10,000 women using a pill containing desogestrel, such as Marvelon. Seek urgent medical help if you notice any signs of a blood clot.

What should I do if I miss a dose of the Marvelon pill?

If you miss a dose of this contraceptive pill, you should take your Marvelon pill as soon as remember. If you are less than 12 hours late, you will still be protected from pregnancy - keep taking your pills at the usual time, even if this means taking two in one day.

However, if you are more than 12 hours late, or you have missed more than one pill, take the most recently missed pill as soon as you remember and use extra contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days. If there are fewer than 7 pills left in your strip, start the next strip straight away without the usual 7-day break. If you have missed pills in the first week of a strip and had sex in that week, speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible, as you may need emergency contraception.

When can I start the Marvelon contraceptive pill?

You should start taking the Marvelon combined oral contraceptive pill on the first day of your next period if this is possible.

If you begin taking Marvelon on the first day of your period, you will be immediately protected against getting pregnant. If your period has already begun, you can start taking Marvelon on day 5 (counting the first day of your period as day 1), but you will need to use other methods of protection like condoms until you have taken the first 7 pills.

Following this, you should continue to take Marvelon for a 21-day period, followed by a 7-day break. You should then continue the process following the 7-day break and repeat the medication cycle.

Can I use this combined oral contraceptive when breastfeeding?

Marvelon is not recommended while you are breastfeeding, as combined pills may reduce the amount of breast milk. Speak to a member of the team about other options, such as a progestogen-only pill. If you are not breastfeeding, you can start Marvelon 3 weeks (21 days) after giving birth. If you start later than this, use extra contraception, such as condoms, until you have taken the first 7 pills.

Can this combined oral contraceptive cause breast cancer?

Some types of contraceptive pills have been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer, our dedicated team can help you choose a contraceptive option that is appropriate for you.

Does the Marvelon pill cause weight gain?

Side effects differ from person to person when using oral contraceptive pills. Weight gain may occur but can be managed with regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Will contraceptive pills affect my fertility?

Birth control is not shown to affect fertility. Normally, fertility resumes as soon as you stop taking Marvelon or any other contraceptive pill.

Leaflets

Before taking any medicines, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.

Marvelon Patient Information Leaflet

Umar Razzaq, MPharm | University of Strathclyde, Clinical Pharmacist.
Content Written by:Umar RazzaqMPharm | GPhC Reg: 2064448 | University Of Strathclyde
Date Written:12/06/2026
Role:Clinical Pharmacist
Nish Fayyaz, MPharm | University of Strathclyde, Pharmacist.
Medically Reviewed By:Nish FayyazMPharm | GPhC Reg: 2225257 | University Of Strathclyde
Date Checked:12/06/2026
Role:Pharmacist
Fully inspected and regulated service
UK registered pharmacy
Approved UK-licensed treatments
Discreet next day delivery