Authored: 22/03/2021
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Gedarel 30/150
Overview
- Combined oral birth control pill
- Gedarel 20/150 available from £10.95
- Ethinylestradiol/Desogestrel
Overview
Order Gedarel 30 Contraceptive Pill Online
You can request to order Gedarel online from Simple Online Pharmacy in the UK. Through our online pharmacy and doctor service, you can complete a medical questionnaire online to order Gedarel. This questionnaire is then assessed by our doctors to make sure it is safe and suitable for you.
The medication will then be delivered from our pharmacy via Royal Mail. Delivery options include next day delivery.
About Gedarel
Gedarel 30/150 is a combined contraceptive pill. Like Marvelon and Mercilon, this pill's two active ingredients are ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. These are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female hormones oestrogen and progestogen.
How Does It Work?
Gedarel 30 contains two hormones, which means it is a combined oral contraceptive (COC). It works by preventing ovulation (ovaries releasing an egg) every month. It also makes it harder for a fertilised egg to implant into the womb and also makes it harder for sperm to reach the womb.
How Effective Is Gedarel?
When used correctly, Gedarel is more than 99% effective. This makes it a very effective form of contraception. However, some factors can make it less effective. Missing a pill can reduce how effective it is and taking certain medicines can also affect how well Gedarel works, such as medicines used to treat epilepsy or HIV.
Can You Take Gedarel 30 Whilst Breastfeeding?
Taking the combined pill whilst breastfeeding is not advised until 6 weeks after birth. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Does Gedarel Stop Periods?
You can delay your period with Gedarel by taking 2 packets back-to-back.
Does Gedarel Make You Gain Weight?
There is no evidence that the combined pill can cause you to gain weight. Some women may notice weight fluctuations throughout their cycle because of fluid retention. Speak to your GP or pharmacist for further advice.
How Soon After Starting Am I Protected?
If you start Gedarel on the first day of your menstrual cycle, you will be protected from pregnancy straight away. If you start after the 5th day of your cycle, you will not be protected straight away and you will need to take additional contraception until you have taken the pill for 7 days. See the patient information leaflet for further information.
I Forgot to Take My Pill – What Should I Do?
You should always take your pill around the same time each day to ensure maximum contraceptive cover. Different pills vary in the amount of time you can delay your dose. Always refer to your prescribed medication's patient information leaflet to find more detailed information relating to missed doses. You can find a useful missed pill guide here.
Alternative Contraceptives
A number of combined pills similar to Gedarel are available, such as Mercilon and Marvelon.
The progestogen-only pill (mini pill) is another method of contraception. This method only contains progestogen hormones. The mini pill can be more suitable for women who are unable to take combined pills because of the oestrogen. For example, women over 35 or women who smoke can take the mini pill.
Other types of birth control include the coil and the contraceptive implant. These are both effective methods to prevent pregnancy and using these methods can be better for women who find it hard to remember to take their pill every day.
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Reviewed: 11/03/2025
FAQ
General Information
What type of pill is Gedarel?
Gedarel is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) because it contains an oestrogen hormone and a progestogen hormone. It is also called a monophasic 21‑day pill because it is usually taken daily for 21 days before a 7‑day break.
Is Gedarel the same as Marvelon?
Gedarel 30/150 is the same as Marvelon. Both contain the same active ingredients and are different brands of the same medication.
Is Gedarel good for acne?
Combined oral contraceptives, like Gedarel, can sometimes improve acne. Other contraceptives, such as progestogen‑only pills or implants, can make acne worse.
Can I take Gedarel back to back?
Yes, if your doctor has recommended it, you can take Gedarel back to back. This method avoids the period‑like bleed during the 7‑day break, and you remain protected from pregnancy whether taken continuously or with a break.
Which pill is right for me?
Prescribers will take a thorough medical history before choosing the right contraceptive pill for you. For most women, a combined contraceptive pill works best. However, if you are over 35, smoke, suffer from migraines, or have other risk factors, your doctor may recommend a progestogen‑only pill.
Do I still need to use a condom when taking the pill?
Although you will be protected against pregnancy with the pill, it is always advised to use a condom to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Can I buy Gedarel 30/150 online?
Gedarel is a prescription‑only medicine in the UK. However, it is available to order from UK‑registered online pharmacies, such as Simple Online Pharmacy. You will need to complete an online medical questionnaire which is reviewed by our doctors. If approved, a prescription is sent to our online pharmacy team, and your medicine is then dispensed and delivered to your address. Please note, this service is only available to women who are currently prescribed the contraceptive pill by their own GP.
Side Effects
Gedarel Side Effects
While side effects are usually uncommon and mild, it is best to be aware of any that may occur.
Some of the most common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, and mood swings. Weight gain may also be a side effect of taking the combined pill.
Taking combined oral contraceptives can increase your risk of blood clots and breast cancer. The increased risk is small but you should be aware of the symptoms of blood clots and how to check your breasts.
For this reason, anyone with a personal history or a family history of blood clots or breast cancer should not take the Gedarel contraceptive pill.
For a full list of side effects and more information, see the patient information leaflet that comes with your tablets.
Reviews
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.
Directions
How to take Gedarel
The usual Gedarel dose is to take 1 tablet every day for 21 days. After the strip is finished, you take a 7 day break before starting the next strip.
The combined pill can be taken in different ways to the above. For example, some women take the pill continuously with no break in between strips. Speak to your doctor for advice on the best way for you to take the Gedarel pill.
Warnings
Other Conditions and Gedarel
Taking the combined pill is not suitable for everyone. For example, it might not be suitable for women over the age of 35, women who smoke, and women who are very overweight.
Women with certain conditions may also not be suitable to take the combined pill. This includes women with a history of blood clots or breast cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, and severe migraines.
If you are unsure whether you can take Gedarel, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read more information in the patient information leaflet.
Ingredients
- Ethinylestradiol
- Desogestrel
