Brevinor is a kind of contraceptive pill known as a combined pill. It is generally used to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but some women also use it to treat painful or heavy periods. It contains man-made versions of the hormones oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progesterone (norethisterone). Brevinor contains 500mcg of norethisterone and 35mcg of ethinylestradiol which is the same amount as a number of other contraceptive pills, such as Noriday.

You can buy Brevinor online through Superdrug Online Doctor, even if you’ve never taken it before. All you need to do is fill in a short online assessment, which is reviewed by one of our doctors. Once they assess that it’s safe and appropriate for you to take this medication, we will then send your Brevinor in the post, or to a Superdrug store of your choice. All our medication is completely confidential and is sent in discreet and unmarked packaging.

Please note that Click & Collect locations may be limited due to the pandemic.

Can you get Brevinor over the counter?

No, you cannot get Brevinor over the counter. Brevinor is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a prescription from a doctor or approval from our online doctors before you can buy it from a pharmacy.

Can you get Brevinor on the NHS?

You may be able to get Brevinor for free on the NHS, but this will depend on your individual situation and your local guidelines. To find out if you can get it for free, book an appointment with your GP or an NHS-partnered sexual health clinic.

Your doctor will decide if it is safe for you to take. It is a commonly prescribed contraceptive pill in the UK.

Brevinor works by releasing and regulating the hormones ethinylestradiol and norethisterone. These hormones prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg each month, so you stop ovulating each month when you are taking Brevinor.

The hormones also increase the thickness around the neck of the womb, making it more difficult for the sperm to reach an egg. They also thin the lining of the womb, making it difficult for an egg that does become fertilised to implant itself there.

How long does Brevinor take to work?

If you start taking Brevinor on days 1-5 of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy straight away. If you start taking Brevinor after this period, then it will not work for 7 days, so you will need to use protection for 1 week.

How effective is Brevinor?

When taken correctly, Brevinor can be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. In reality, this is closer to 91% because missing pills, being sick, diarrhoea and taking certain other medicines can make Brevinor less effective.

Brevinor comes in strips of 21 tablets. Each tablet is marked with the day of the week it should be taken on.

Swallow 1 tablet whole with water every day for 21 days. You should take the tablet at around the same time every day. After having 21 tablets, you take a 7 day break. During this time, you will get a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to your period. You’re still protected from pregnancy during this 7 days break.

Start a new strip after this 7 day break. You should start each strip on the same day every time.

When should I start taking Brevinor?

You can start taking Brevinor at any point during your menstrual cycle, though you may not be protected straight away depending on when you take it. If you start taking Brevinor on day 1-5 of your period, then you’ll be protected from pregnancy straight away, so you won’t need to use other contraceptives, like condoms. If you take it after day 1-5 of your cycle, you’ll need to keep using protection for 7 days.

Can I take Brevinor without a break?

Yes, you can take your pill every day without a break. This may help some women to reduce symptoms associated with having periods

What happens if you miss a Brevinor pill?

If you miss a pill, take the pill you missed as soon as possible. You should take the missed pill even if it means taking two pills at once.

You should still be protected from pregnancy so you won’t need to use protection or take emergency contraception, and can continue taking the rest of your strip as normal.

If your strip ends within the next 6 days, you should skip your 7 day break and continue with the next strip instead.

Can I take Brevinor to delay my period?

Yes, if you skip your break and start your next strip immediately after finishing one, you will skip your period.

Can I use Brevinor as emergency contraception?

This type of contraceptive pill cannot be used as an emergency contraceptive. If you are not using contraception and have had unprotected sex, then you should talk to your doctor about taking the morning after pill, or having a contraceptive copper coil inserted, which must be done within 5 days of unprotected sex.

Many women who take Brevinor will not experience any side effects. However, just like any medication, there will be some who do. Possible side effects of Brevinor include:

• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Feeling sick
• Dizziness
• Headaches and migraines
• Low libido
• Weight changes
• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Skin problems, like spots
• Low mood

What should I do if I think I’m getting Brevinor side effects?

It’s important to note that side effects are more common in the first three months as your body gets used to the hormonal changes that Brevinor can bring. These initial side effects should go away or get more manageable after three months.

However, if the side effects do not go away or they begin to worry you, book in an appointment to speak to your GP. They may suggest you stop taking Brevinor, or suggest you take an alternative contraceptive that may cause fewer side effects.

If you have a serious side effect, contact your GP immediately.

Does Brevinor make your breasts grow?

No. Fluctuations in size and breast tenderness are common side effects, but these usually lessen after three months.

Does Brevinor increase your risk of blood clots?

Yes, Brevinor can increase the risk of blood clots. If this is something that concerns you, speak to your GP. Some people may be at higher risk of blood clots when taking the pill, which is why you must answer all your GPs questions before you get a prescription.

Does the Brevinor help acne?

No, there is no evidence that Brevinor can help treat acne. Some women report getting more spots, and some report getting less. These effects will differ from person to person.

Can Brevinor make you depressed?

No. There is no evidence that Brevinor causes depression, but some women using the contraceptive have reported a low mood.

Can Brevinor cause changes to your weight?

Yes. Fluctuations in weight are a common side effect, but these usually stop after three months.

Does the Brevinor pill stop periods?

Yes, you can take Brevinor back to back (without a 7 day break) to stop your period.

Can Brevinor cause mood swings?

No. There is no evidence that Brevinor causes mood swings, but some women using the contraceptive have reported a low mood.

Can Brevinor give you low libido?

Yes. Brevinor, and other hormonal contraceptives, can have an affect on your sex drive as they cause hormonal changes. In some women, this can cause a lower libido.