Images for illustrative purposes only
Looking for Next Day delivery?
Order before 15:30 on Monday to Friday for next day delivery
Microgynon 30 ED
Microgynon 30 ED contraceptive pill regulates a woman's menstrual cycle, preventing pregnancy. It contains artificial hormones that emulate the effects of the body's naturally-produced hormones. Microgynon 30 ED stops your ovaries from releasing an egg. The Microgynon combined pill contains Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol, and your suitability will be checked during your consultation.
- For female use only
- Combined oral contraceptive pill
Although these contraceptive pills are designed to prevent pregnancy, many women also choose to take them to help with heavy periods and reduce menstrual pain and unwanted acne. The contraceptive pill can help to alleviate ailments that can be caused by hormonal changes in the body.
Microgynon 30 ED is the 'every day' version of Microgynon 30. Each pack contains 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills, and you take one pill every day for 28 days, then start the next pack the following day with no break. You will usually have a withdrawal bleed, like a period, while taking the 7 inactive pills. This is normal and shouldn't cause concern.
It’s vital that before taking any form of contraceptive pills you measure your weight and blood pressure, as these results can impact which contraceptive pill is suitable for you. Your local pharmacy or GP will be able to conduct free blood pressure checks for you, or alternatively, you can buy home blood pressure kits online.
When attending a consultation before commencing your oral contraception, you will be asked some health questions, including whether you have a family history of stroke, heart attacks, or breast cancer, as these can also determine which form of contraception is suitable for you.
There is always a risk of side effects with all medications, including the Microgynon pill. Some of these can be quite mild and can subside over time. Others 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 of the Microgynon pill include:
- Spotting in the first few months
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Weight changes
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- 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
- Discomfort and bleeding after sex
Combined pills such as Microgynon 30 ED slightly increase the risk of blood clots in the veins and arteries. Get urgent medical help (call 999 or go to A&E) if you notice possible signs of a blood clot, such as:
- Swelling or pain in one leg or foot, especially with warmth, redness or tenderness (signs of a blood clot in the leg)
- Sudden unexplained breathlessness or fast breathing, a sudden cough which may bring up blood, or sharp chest pain (signs of a blood clot in the lung)
- Chest pain, pressure or heaviness, or discomfort spreading to the back, jaw, throat, arm or stomach (signs of a heart attack)
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion or trouble speaking, sudden trouble seeing, or a sudden, severe or long-lasting headache (signs of a stroke)
Out of 10,000 women using Microgynon 30 ED, about 5 to 7 will develop a blood clot in a year, compared with about 2 out of 10,000 women who are not using a combined hormonal contraceptive and are not pregnant.
What should I do if I miss a dose of the Microgynon 30 combined pill?
If you forget to take one of the small beige active pills of the Microgynon 30 contraceptive pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you take it within 12 hours of your usual time, you are still protected from pregnancy. If you are more than 12 hours late, take only the most recent missed active pill, leave out any earlier missed pills, and use another form of contraception such as condoms for the next 7 days while you take the next 7 active pills. Missing any of the 7 larger white inactive pills does not affect your protection.
When should I start taking the Microgynon 30 combined pill?
You should start using the Microgynon 30 combined pill on the first day of your period, beginning with the first active pill, and you will be protected from pregnancy straight away. Should you start on any other day, you should use an alternative form of contraception, like condoms, for the first 7 days.
Can I use the Microgynon 30 combined pill when breastfeeding?
If you are breastfeeding, Microgynon 30 ED is usually not advised, as combined pills can reduce the amount of breast milk. A progestogen-only pill may be more suitable. If you have recently given birth, you should discuss contraceptive options with your doctor or a member of the Online Pharmacy team.
Can the Microgynon 30 combined pill cause breast cancer?
Some studies have shown that there are links between some types of combined contraceptive pills and a greater risk of developing breast cancer. It’s important to discuss your family history with your doctor before, especially if individuals in your family have a history of breast cancer.
Does the Microgynon 30 combined pill cause weight gain?
There are many potential side effects when taking any form of hormonal combined pills. Some people experience noticeable weight gain when using hormone-based contraception, however, this can be managed and prevented with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Will the Microgynon 30 combined pill affect my fertility?
Your regular fertility levels should return to normal as soon as you stop taking combined pills.
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.
