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About Microgynon 30 pill

What is Microgynon 30?

Microgynon 30 is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill available on prescription only.

Each pill contains the following hormones, similar to natural hormones produced by the ovaries:

• 30mcg ethinylestradiol (estrogen)
• 150mcg levonorgestrel (progesterone)

Each pack of Microgynon 30 contains 21 pills.

Microgynon 30 ED is an 'Every Day' formulation of Microgynon 30. There are 21 active pills, and 7 placebo (dummy) pills. You take a pill every day, so there is no 7-day break.

Each pack lasts for 28 days, the same length as a typical menstrual cycle.

Which pills are similar to Microgynon 30?

Four different pill brands contain the same active hormonal ingredients as Microgynon:

• Microgynon 30 / Microgynon 30 ED
• Ovranette
• Rigevidon
• Levest

These pills are all medically the same. There should be no difference in their efficacy.

How does Microgynon 30 work as a contraceptive pill?

One pill containing hormone is taken every day, for 21 consecutive days. By taking a small amount of hormone every day, your ovaries temporarily shut down, and this stops you producing an egg – the pill prevents ovulation.

During the 7 days that you do not take a pill containing hormone you will usually get a withdrawal bleed, similar to a period. When you finish a pack after 28 days you should start another pack the next day whether or not you are still bleeding.

Microgynon also causes changes to the lining of the womb such that if you did ovulate, a fertilised egg would not implant. Cervical mucus also becomes thick and hostile to sperm.

How effective is Microgynon 30 at stopping me becoming pregnant?

The combined pill is 99% effective at preventing a pregnancy when taken correctly.

• With 'perfect use' (taken as directed at the same time of day): if 100 women took the pill for a year there would be 0.3 pregnancies.
• With 'typical use': if 100 women took the pill for a year there would be 8-9 pregnancies.

See NHS: How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy? - contraceptive-pill.

It's hard to remember to take your pill at the same time every day. You do need to follow the pill rules very carefully. Setting a daily reminder on your phone is advisable.

For more information see Can I trust my contraceptive?

There are 15 methods of contraception, the pill is just one of them. Do consider your options and make the best contraceptive choice for you.

What are the most likely side effects from Microgynon 30?

Side effects on the pill are said to be common, but whether these symptoms are really due to the pill, is uncertain.

The most common side effects are nausea, acne, headache, breast tenderness, bloating, and irregular bleeding.

There is no firm evidence that the pill has a significant effect on weight gain.

Women's response to hormones is extremely variable. Most often, side effects are mild and settle over a few months.

What are the risks of Microgynon 30?

Serious side effects - adverse events - are rare. You can only be prescribed the pill if you are medically suitable, and need regular pill checks with a doctor/nurse to continue.

The most serious adverse events on the combined pill are:

• Thrombosis – Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolus (PE) - a blood clot - approximate risk is 1 in 1000 users/year. Around twice that of a non-COC pill user.
• Stroke, or a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) – a mini-stroke - is still very rare in COC pill users. Regular blood pressure checks are needed, as stroke is associated with high blood pressure.
• Migraine with aura is a contraindication to the combined pill.
• Heart disease – angina, heart attack – the increased risk in combined pill users occurs - almost exclusively - only in smokers.
• Breast cancer. A 24% increase in risk compared to non-COC pill takers, but because the breast cancer risk is very low in young women, a 24% increase in risk only results in very small numbers of extra cases.
• Cervical cancer - the risk is increased after 5 years of pill use. However this is not a reason not to take the pill. Pill users need to be encouraged to attend for cervical smears.

See below for when side effects are an emergency.

What are the benefits of Microgynon 30?

Microgynon 30:

• Has been in use in the UK for 20 years.
• Is the most commonly prescribed combined pill in the UK.
• You can stop and start your pills as you wish, without having to see a doctor/nurse.
• Taking the pill is convenient, and works very effectively if taken correctly.
• There are non-contraceptive benefits e.g. improved acne, lighter/less painful periods. You can also run packs together – extended use regimes - and avoid having periods altogether - see How to take your contraceptive pill.
• Some serious diseases e.g. ovarian cancer, are dramatically reduced by taking the combined pill.
• Microgynon, like other combined pills, is quickly reversible and fertility returns immediately on stopping.

What are the disadvantages of Microgynon 30?

• Microgynon has to be taken correctly. This can be difficult especially with a busy lifestyle. Typical use failure rates are high, around 8-9%. Many women are now opting for Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC).
• If you have side effects you may need to try several different pill brands until you find the one most suited to you.
• There are small risks such as an increased risk of thrombosis, stroke, TIA, and heart attack – although these are very uncommon.
• You need a prescription to obtain the pill - a consultation with a health professional is required.

Who should not take Microgynon 30?

The combined pill is not suitable for you if you have any of the following:

• A current or past history of thrombosis - a DVT/PE (a blood clot), or if you have a known genetic clotting disorder e.g. Factor V Leiden mutation.
• A current or past history of heart disease, angina, heart attack, stroke, or mini stroke (Transient Ischaemic Attack – TIA).
• A current or past history of breast cancer, an undiagnosed breast lump, or if you carry a breast cancer gene.
• Aged 35 and over who smoke.
• A past history of migraine with aura.
• High blood pressure - see BHF - Contraception and a heart condition.
• Hypercholesterolaemia (high cholestrol).
• Diabetes with complications – such as eye disease (retinopathy), or kidney disease.
• Obesity - BMI greater than 35.
• Liver disease.
• Breast feeding, or not breast feeding and less than 3 weeks following childbirth - see Sexwise: Contraceptive choices after you've had a baby.

This list is not exhaustive. Your doctor/nurse can advise you further. See also NHS: Who can use the combined pill.

Why should I choose Microgynon 30?

Microgynon 30 has been licensed in the UK for 20 years, so there is a lot of clinical experience with its use.

Contraceptive pills contain different combinations of hormones. Some authorities such as the MRHA/FSRH, have stated that pills which contain levonorgestrel, such as Microgynon, may be the safest choice. But also that if Microgynon is not suitable all currently available pills are safe.

Evidence suggests that Microgynon, as it contains levonorgestrel, has one of the lowest risks of thrombosis.

For more information see How one doctor recommends a contraceptive pill.

How should I take Microgynon 30?

Read our detailed guide on How to take your contraceptive pill.

What if I miss pills on Microgynon 30?

If you forget or miss a pill, you must follow the missed pill rules.

You may need emergency contraception ('the Morning After' pill) and should make an urgent appointment with your GP/practice nurse or visit a local Sexual Health Clinic.

Dr Fox provides standby Morning After pill, ready for when it may be needed.

Do not stop taking your pills - keep going and get prompt help/advice.

Which medicines interact with Microgynon 30?

The most common interactions are listed below.

• Antibiotics - enzyme inducing antibiotics e.g. rifabutin and rifampicin will interact (but not other commonly used antibiotics).
• Antifungals - griseofulvin is also an enzyme inducer.
• Antivirals - ritonavir, nelfinavir and nevirapine.
• Anticonvulsants - barbiturates (including phenobarbitone) phenytoin, primidone, carbemazepine, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate. Lamotrigine is not recommended.
• Ulipristal acetate (UPA) - as a progesterone receptor blocker, if used with the combined pill, it could prevent the pill from working. If you take the emergency contraceptive ellaOne, while on the combined pill, do not have unprotected sex for 14 days (16 days for Qlaira).

More detailed medicines interaction information from clinical studies.

When would side effects of taking Microgynon 30 become an emergency?

Seek help immediately (telephone 999 or visit A&E) if you develop:

• Acute chest pain - it may hurt to breathe in, or cough.
• Cough, breathlessness, coughing up blood.
• Feeling dizzy, confusion, collapse.
• A swelling of the lower leg.
• Acute allergy (anaphylaxis) e.g. swelling of the lips, face, or tongue
• Heavy bleeding/severe pelvic pain. If you have heavy bleeding on Microgynon 30, consider the possibility of pregnancy. This could be due to miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy and would require urgent medical attention.

Why is my GP switching me from Microgynon to Rigevidon?

It is currently cheaper to the NHS to provide Rigevidon. Doctors may switch some women from Microgynon to Rigevidon as an NHS cost cutting measure.

In theory, at least, there should be no difference. The side effects and effectiveness of the two pills should be the same. The active hormonal ingredients are, after all, identical. However, for whatever reason, some women are uncomfortable with a change, over which they may not have had much say. Some women complain of feeling less well. It remains to be seen whether complaints about the switch settle down.