Microgynon 30
from 
Microgynon is a combined contraceptive pill which is up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
There are 2 different types of Microgynon – a 21 pill pack and a 28 pill pack (called Microgynon ED). The pills are exactly the same but the packs are designed to be taken in different ways.
Last reviewed: 23/04/2020 by Dr Simran Deo
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| 3 x 21 tablets | £20 |
| 3 x 28 tablets | £20 |
| 6 x 21 tablets | £25 |
| 6 x 28 tablets | £25 |
We can now offer contraceptive pill initiation for popular mini pill brands - 3 months supply. or 6 months supply
Packs with 28 tablets contain 7 inactive tablets for week 4.
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Microgynon Contraceptive Pill
Microgynon is a combined oral contraceptive pill. It’s made from 2 lab-made versions of female hormones – progesterone (levonorgestrel) and ethinylestradiol (oestrogen).
There are 2 types of Microgynon which you take in different ways:
- Microgynon – 21 day packs You take 1 pill at the same time every day for 21 days and then have a break of 7 days
- Microgynon ED – 28 day packs You take 1 pill at the same time every day for 28 days. You do not have a break between packs. Instead, the last 7 tablets of the pack are sugar pills. This suits people who would prefer to simply take a pill every day
There are also other ways of taking Microgynon, for example taking it back to back without a break. This is perfectly safe to do and can be done indefinitely if you prefer this way.
Microgynon, like other combined pills, is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy if it’s taken correctly.
It’s hard to take the pill perfectly though. You can sometimes forget to take it on time, throw up soon after having it or have diarrhoea. When you take this into account, Microgynon is thought to be only 91% effective.
There are 2 types of Microgynon which you take in 2 main ways.
Taking Microgynon (21 pill pack)
- Start taking Microgynon on the 1st day of your period
- Take 1 pill every day at the same time for 21 days
- After 21 days, do not take any pills for 7 days. In this break, you should have a bleed which is like a period (this is known as a withdrawal bleed)
- Start your new pack after the 7 day break
You’re still protected from pregnancy during the break (and do not need to use extra contraception) if you’ve taken all the pills at the same time in the week before the break, and the week after the break, and have not missed any pills.
Taking Microgynon ED (28 pill pack)
- Start taking Microgynon on the 1st day of your period
- Take Microgynon every day at the same time with no break
- During the last 7 days of the pack, you should have a bleed which is like a period (a withdrawal bleed)
The last 7 pills in the pack contain no active ingredients and are known as sugar pills or ‘dummy pills’. The packs are designed like this so they’re less confusing and you simply take 1 pill every day without a break.
You’re still protected from pregnancy during the 7 days that you’re taking the dummy pills.
Other ways of taking Microgynon
There are other ways of taking Microgynon which may work better for you. These include taking each pill pack back to back without a pill free week, or, instead of a 7 day break, taking a 4 day break every 3 weeks.
You should never take more than a 7 day break between pill packs.
We recommend that you discuss the best way of taking Microgynon with your GP. You can also message a Superdrug Online Doctor for advice.
It can take 7 days for Microgynon to become effective depending on when it is started.
- If you take Microgynon on the 1st day of your period, or up to 5 days after it starts, you’re protected straight away and do not need to use any extra contraception
- If you take the pill more than 5 days after your period starts, you need to use condoms for the first 7 days of taking the pill to prevent getting pregnant
We recommend that you take Microgynon the day that your period starts so that you’re protected immediately.
The side effects of Microgynon are the same as side effects for all combined pills.
They include:
- acne
- water retention
- headaches
- changes to your period or bleeding between periods
- feeling sick (nausea)
Microgynon can also cause positive side effects, such as:
- lighter periods
- less painful periods
- more regular periods
For a full list of possible side effects, see the patient information leaflet.
Will I gain weight on Microgynon?
There’s no proven link between Microgynon and weight gain. You will see weight gain listed as a side effect in your information leaflet, but studies have not found a clear link between taking combined pills like Microgynon and gaining weight.
You cannot take Microgynon if you have:
- migraines
- had blood clots or have a family history of blood clots
- high blood pressure
- a high body mass index (BMI)
- heart or blood vessel disease and you’ve been told you cannot take a combined pill
- had breast cancer in the last 5 years
- bleeding from your vagina that doctors have not found a cause for
- gallstones
For more information, see the patient information leaflet.
Medicines that can make Microgynon less effective include:
- epilepsy medication
- some antibiotics
- anti-retroviral medication (for HIV)
- some anti-fungal medication
- some sedatives
- herbal treatments like St John’s wort
You should always tell the doctor prescribing you Microgynon about any medication you’re on, including non-prescription medicines.
There’s a full list of medications that can interact with Microgynon in the patient information leaflet.
Taking Microgynon means that you have a higher risk of:
- developing a blood clot
- getting cervical or breast cancer
You should talk about this with your GP before taking the combined pill. If you’re at risk of blood clots they will recommend an alternative to Microgynon.
What should I do if I get side effects?
If you have minor side effects, it’s a good idea to take the pill for at least 3 months as these often go away during that time.
If you’re struggling to deal with any side effects or they continue for longer than 3 months, you should talk to a doctor. They may suggest you stop taking Microgynon or change to an alternative.
How long after stopping Microgynon will I get a period?
It can take up to 3 months to get a period after you stop taking Microgynon, and up to 6 months for your period to return to normal. If you’ve not had a period 1 month after stopping, you should take a pregnancy test.
What should I do if I miss a pill?
If you forget to take your pill, you can still take it within the next 24 hours without worrying about getting pregnant. Take it as soon as you remember and then carry on taking your pill at the correct time. This might mean that you take 2 pills on the same day.
If you’re late to restart your pill after the 7 day break:
- Take the most recent missed pill as soon as you remember
- Use an emergency contraceptive if you’ve had unprotected sex during the 7 day break, or in the days after the 7 day break has ended
- Use condoms until you have taken 1 pill every day for 7 days in a row
- Take a pregnancy test 3 weeks after you last had unprotected sex
If it’s been more than 24 hours, follow our doctors’ advice on missed pills.
Can I drink alcohol on Microgynon?
You can drink alcohol while taking Microgynon. It will not make the pill any less effective or make side effects more likely.
We recommend that you stay within the recommended alcohol limits.
Can I take painkillers on Microgynon?
You can take over the counter painkillers while you’re taking Microgynon. Medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen do not make Microgynon less effective or increase the chance of getting side effects.
Can I take the morning after pill on Microgynon?
You can safely take Levonelle or EllaOne on Microgynon. If you’ve taken Levonelle, you should take Microgynon again within 12 hours. If you’ve taken EllaOne, you need to wait 5 days before taking Microgynon again.
You should use a condom when you have sex for 7 days after taking the morning after pill.
Can I delay my period when taking Microgynon?
It’s possible to delay your period while taking a combined pill like Microgynon by skipping your dummy pills or the 7 day break between packs.
If you’re already taking Microgynon, you should not take period delay tablets.
Can I take Microgynon if I’m breastfeeding?
If you have no other risk factors it’s safe to start taking the combined pill if you’re breastfeeding and it’s at least 6 weeks after you’ve given birth.
If you had any problems during the birth or after giving birth, a doctor may suggest you wait for 6 months before taking Microgynon.
If you have any questions or concerns about taking Microgynon while breastfeeding, it’s best to talk to your doctor.
How does Microgynon work?
Microgynon works like other combined pills to stop you getting pregnant. The 2 hormones in the pill:
- stop your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) each month
- thicken the mucus in your cervix which lines the neck of the womb (uterus), making it difficult for a sperm to reach the egg
- thin the lining of the womb (endometrium), so that it’s harder for a fertilised egg to attach and grow
Recommended actions after incorrect use of Combined Hormonal Contraception (2020) FSRH [accessed 29 May 2020]
Switching or Starting Methods of Contraception (2019) FSRH [accessed 29 May 2020]
(2020) FSRH [accessed 29 May 2020]
Contraception – combined hormonal methods (2019) NICE [accessed 13 April 2020]
Combined pill Contraception Choices [accessed 7 April 2020]
Ethinylestradiol with levonorgestrel (2020) Joint Formulary Committee [accessed 16 March 2020]
Emergency contraception (morning after pill, IUD) (2018) NHS [accessed 16 March 2020]
Contraception – progestogen-only methods (2019) NICE [accessed 7 April 2020]
Microgynon 30 tablets (2019) EMC [accessed 7 April 2020]
Microgynon 30 ED tablets (2020) EMC [accessed 7 April 2020]
Mini pill Contraception Choices [accessed 7 April 2020]
Your contraception guide (2018) NHS [accessed 7 April 2020]
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It's quick and easy to fill out the form and items are sent within days. The email reminders are great also as I never forget when my prescription is due. The doctors are really helpful and give a quick response when I have a query! Great service!!!
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