Microgynon 30 - 3 month course

Microgynon 30 Contraceptive Pill Online

Written by Clinical Pharmacist Karim Nassar

You can request to buy Microgynon 30 online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. If you are already taking this contraceptive, you can use our service to order a repeat prescription. 

After completing an assessment, our doctor will assess whether we can issue a prescription online. If approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense and deliver your medication. Our Microgynon 30 price includes any prescription fees.

What is Microgynon?

Microgynon is a popular and effective contraceptive pill that contains the two ingredients Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol. It’s known as a combined oral contraceptive pill because it contains oestrogen and progestogen. It works in the same way as Rigevidon and Logynon. 

How does Microgynon work?

The active ingredients are synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones in the body. By mimicking these hormones, Microgynon prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg. 

It also makes it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and fertilise an egg. These effects combined help to prevent pregnancy.

Like any medication, there are risks involved when taking it. You should have all your regular check-ups (such as blood pressure checks) with your GP each year. This ensures it is safe to continue taking the medicine.

How to take Microgynon

One pill is taken once daily, at around the same time every day. It is a 21-day pill pack, meaning you take 21 pills consecutively (starting on day 1 of your menstrual cycle). This is followed by a 7 day, pill-free break. The strip of Microgynon is marked with the days of the week.

When starting Microgynon for the first time, it is best to start on the first day of your period (day 1 of your menstrual cycle).

There is also a version of Microgynon with 7 inactive pills in the pack. Some people find this useful in helping keep track of their cycles and dosing. This version is called Microgynon 30 ED. 

How effective is Microgynon?

Combined pills, like Microgynon 30 pills, are more than 99% effective when taken correctly. If you vomit or have severe diarrhoea within 4 hours of taking a dose, it may not be effective. See section 3.4 of the patient information leaflet for further information.

How long does Microgynon take to work?

If you start the pill on days 1-5 of your period, you will be protected immediately in your next cycle. If you started taking Microgynon after day 5, you should use an additional contraception method for SEVEN DAYS. This helps protect against pregnancy until Microgynon becomes effective.

Microgynon Summary

Alternative treatments

There are several different methods of contraception available. The advantages and disadvantages vary for each. 

See the Contraception Choices website for further information. Another type of oral contraceptive is the mini pill. Examples of mini pills include Cerelle and Cerazette. 

It's best to discuss the various options in detail with your nurse or GP. Below we have listed some of the possible options you have:

• Implants - these are placed below the surface of the skin and release hormones into your body to prevent ovulation.
• Injections - a regular contraceptive injection can be convenient for some women who find it hard to remember taking their pill.
• IUD (intrauterine device) - inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Some women find these devices are best suited to their needs.

Microgynon 30 Side Effects

As with any medication, there is always the potential to experience side effects when taking Microgynon. Common Microgynon side effects include breast pain, nausea, headaches, mood swings, and stomach aches.  

Withdrawal bleeding or spotting between periods can happen at the start of treatment. This often subsides after your body adjusts to the tablets. Speak to your GP if the bleeding is heavy or persistent.

Taking combined oral contraceptives, like Microgynon, can increase the risk of developing blood clots. The risk is increased when compared to women who do not take a combined pill. However, the overall risk is still small. If you notice any symptoms of a blood clot, stop taking the pill and seek medical attention immediately.

Taking a combined pill can also slightly increase the risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer. See section 2.4 of the patient information leaflet for further information, or see the ‘Warnings’ tab.

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.

• Microgynon PIL

Warnings

Microgynon is not suitable for certain people to take. This includes people with medical conditions such as a history of blood clots, stroke or heart attack. Women with a history of breast cancer or migraines with aura should also avoid Microgynon.

For more detailed information on who shouldn’t take Microgynon, see the patient information leaflet. If you are unsure whether it is suitable for you to take, speak to your GP.

Blood Clots

Taking combined contraceptives pills, like Microgynon 30, can increase the risk of developing blood clots. The risk is higher in women who take combined oral contraceptives than in women who do not. This is why women who have had a blood clot in the past should not take Microgynon.

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of a blood clot when taking Microgynon. A blood clot can cause symptoms such as pain in the leg or arm. The affected leg/arm may feel hot and swollen and could become red.

A blood clot in the lungs can cause a number of symptoms. This includes sudden chest pain and breathlessness, and a cough that can bring up blood. 

If you think you are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot, seek medical attention immediately.

Cancer

There is a slightly increased risk of breast cancer and cancer of the cervix in women who take a combined oral contraceptive pill. Further research is needed on this. Current research suggests that the increased risk of these cancers returns to normal within 10 years of stopping the pill.