Authored: 20/08/2021
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Femodene
Overview
- Combined contraceptive pill
- Contains Gestodene & Ethinylestradiol
- 99% effective if taken correctly
Overview
Femodene Contraceptive Pills Online
Buy Femodene pills online in the UK with Simple Online Pharmacy. Our UK registered online doctor and pharmacy service can provide you with your previously prescribed contraceptive pill. Complete an online assessment which is reviewed by our UK doctors and if appropriate, they can provide a prescription to our UK pharmacy. The medicine is dispensed and is then sent directly to your chosen address with the Royal Mail service.
If the doctor believes a face to face review to be required, a full refund will be issued. No prescription or consultation fees are charged with Simple Online Pharmacy.
What is Femodene?
Femodene is a combined contraceptive pill containing ethinylestradiol and gestodene. These active ingredients are similar to the naturally produced estrogen and progesterone responsible for controlling the menstrual cycle.
Taking this combined pill for 21 days consecutively every 28 days will protect you from pregnancy with up to 99% effectiveness. A doctor may also prescribe this treatment to help reduce period pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
How Does Femodene Work?
The active ingredients in Femodene prevent pregnancy in three ways. It prevents the egg from being released by the ovaries (ovulation). It thickens the natural mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to move to where an egg could be. It also thins the lining of the womb which prevents an egg from implanting on the wall if ovulation and fertilization occur.
Effectiveness
Combined pills, such as Femodene pills, are up to 99% effective when taken correctly. This means for every 100 couples using Femodene for 1 year in trials, only 1 woman fell pregnant. If Femodene is not taken correctly (missed pills/ late pills) the effectiveness may fall to 91%. Pill reminders can assist with helping to remember your pills.
Femodene is not effective at protecting against sexually transmitted infections. If the sexual health of a partner is unknown it is recommended to use barrier contraception.
Femodene Dose
To take Femodene, swallow one whole pill every day around the same time for 21 consecutive days.
After the 21 consecutive days of pills, take a 7-day break in pills. During this time you will experience a breakthrough bleed. This is similar to a regular period, but not a period. This will generally start 1-2 days after you stop active pills. Start the next pack of 21 pills after the 7-day break even if you are still bleeding.
Missed Pills
If you forget to take a pill and it has been less than 12 hours since your usual time, take the pill as soon as you remember and take your next pill at your usual time. The effectiveness of the pill should not change if this is done.
If you forget a pill and it has been more than 12 hours since your regular time, take it as soon as you remember and take your next pill again at your usual time. Contraceptive coverage may be affected in this case and it is recommended that extra contraception such as condoms are used for 7 days of active pills to ensure you are fully protected from pregnancy.
For further in-depth information about missed pills, read the patient information leaflet.
Femodene Summary
| Dose | Take ONE pill daily as directed by your doctor |
| Type of medicine | Combined contraceptive pill |
| Mechanism | Prevents ovulation, sperm movement and egg implantation to prevent pregnancy |
| Active Ingredient | 30ug Ethinylestradiol & 75ug Gestodene |
| Price | From £12.95 |
| Side Effects | Can include headaches, nausea, mood changes, breast soreness |
Alternative Contraception
Many alternative contraceptive methods exist. Each can contain slightly different active ingredients which will affect each person differently. Finding the right contraceptive pill or method for you may take time and consultation with a doctor.
Alternative contraceptive pills can be found in our online contraceptive pill clinic. Do not make any changes to your current oral contraceptive pill without consulting your doctor first.
Femodene ED is a very similar contraceptive, containing the same active ingredients as Femodene. The difference is Femodene ED contains 7 inactive pills that are taken during the usual break in pills. This is good if forming habits helps you to remember your contraceptive pill.
If you wish to learn more about non-pill contraceptives such as the contraceptive coil, injections, barriers, IUDs, patches and implants read more about 'Which contraception is suitable for me'.
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Reviewed: 09/01/2025
FAQ
General Information
When should you start Femodene?
It is best to start Femodene on the first day of your next period. This will provide protection from pregnancy with your first pill.
Does Femodene have side effects?
Yes, like all medicines, Femodene can have side effects. Not everyone experiences them, but if you do, consult your doctor. For a complete list, refer to the patient information leaflet.
Can you use Femodene while breastfeeding?
There may be more appropriate options for breastfeeding women than Femodene. Consult your doctor to discuss your options, as breastfeeding does not always provide reliable contraception.
Can I buy Femodene online?
Yes, you may buy Femodene online from a UK‑registered online doctor and pharmacy service. However, you must still see your regular doctor for your standard 12‑monthly screenings.
Is Femodene effective for acne?
Research suggests that combined contraceptive pills like Femodene can improve acne conditions. If you have acne, discuss treatment options with your doctor or pharmacist.
Will Femodene cause depression?
Mood changes are a possible side effect of Femodene, affecting between 1–10% of women. If you notice mood changes, discuss these with your doctor.
What type of pill is Femodene?
Femodene is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing both estrogen and progestogen.
How does Femodene work to prevent pregnancy?
Femodene prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation.
How should I take Femodene for maximum effectiveness?
Take one pill at the same time every day as prescribed. Consistency is key to maintaining effective contraception.
Can I switch to Femodene from another contraceptive pill?
Yes, you can switch to Femodene from another combined oral contraceptive, but it is best to consult your doctor to ensure a smooth transition and continuous protection.
Are there any medications that interact with Femodene?
Some medications can interact with combined contraceptives like Femodene. Always inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking.
What should I do if I experience side effects on Femodene?
If you experience persistent or severe side effects while taking Femodene, consult your doctor for advice or possible alternatives.
Interactions
Can I take other medications with Femodene?
Certain medications may interact with Femodene. Always inform your doctor about all your medications to avoid potential interactions.
Storage
How should I store Femodene?
Store Femodene in its original packaging at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Access & Cost
Can I buy Femodene online in the UK?
Yes, Femodene is a prescription‑only medicine in the UK, but you can request it online from a registered online doctor and pharmacy service, such as Simple Online Pharmacy, after completing an online medical questionnaire.
Side Effects
Femodene side effects
Like all medicines, there is the potential for side effects when using Femodene. This can vary in rarity and severity.
Some common (1-10%) side effects are:
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Weight changes
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Breast tenderness
Some more severe but much less common side effects can be allergic responses, changes in risk of blood clots and certain cancers. It is important that if you experience any serious side effects or side effects that are causing discomfort, you consult a doctor as soon as possible.
For a full list of possible side effects, read the patient information leaflet.
Reviews
Info Leaflet
Before using any medicine, it is strongly recommended to read the patient information leaflet. It contains important information regarding the use and safety of Femodene.
Warnings
Warnings and Precautions
Risk of blood clots and cancer
All combined pills can slightly increase the risk of developing blood clots and certain cancers. It is important this risk is understood and discussed with an appropriate health professional. 0.09-0.12% of women using Femodene combined hormonal contraceptives will develop a blood clot in a year compared to 0.02% of women not using a combined pill.
Similarly, the risk of breast and cervical cancer may increase with pill use slightly. For detailed information regarding the small increase in risk consult your doctor or read the patient information leaflet.
Due to these risks, the combined pill is not appropriate for all women. Women with chronic high blood pressure or a history of breast or cervical cancer may need to consider alternative options. Discuss this with a doctor.
Do not use Femodene if you:
- Are allergic to any listed ingredient in Femodene pills
- Have had a blood clot previously
- Have a blood disorder affecting clotting
- Have uncontrolled very high blood pressure
- Have experienced migraines with aura
- Have severe liver disease
- Have had a heart attack or stroke
- Have severe diabetes
Other Medicines and Femodene
Some medicines may interact with Femodene, reducing its effectiveness which may result in an unwanted pregnancy. Ensure you always inform your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Femodene when being prescribed other treatments. If you temporarily require medicine that affects your contraceptive pill, you may need to use additional contraceptive methods such as condoms.
