Millinette

Millinette is a type of contraceptive called a combined oral contraceptive pill (cocp), which is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It contains the man made version of two hormones, oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progesterone (gestodene).

Millinette comes in two different pill forms based on their oestrogen doses:

• Millinette 20/75 - has a low dose oestrogen (20 micrograms oestrogen), suitable for women who want to reduce their risk of experiencing side effects
• Millinette 30/75 - has the standard oestrogen dose (30 micrograms oestrogen)

Some women are also prescribed Millinette to help treat irregular, heavy and painful periods, making their cycles lighter, less painful and more regular.

Is Millinette the same as Marvelon?

No. Millinette is not the same as Marvelon. They work in similar ways to prevent pregnancy but Millinette is available as a low dose oestrogen pill, while Marvelon only contains the standard oestrogen dose. 

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At Superdrug Online Doctor, you can order Millinette online even if you have never used the contraceptive pill before.

You can begin your order by simply taking the following steps:

• Complete a brief online medical form
• One of our doctors will review your form and check if Millinette is safe for you
• We will send Millinette to your address or you can choose to pick it up from your local Superdrug store 
• Our service at Superdrug Online Doctor is confidential and convenient. We will post your pills in discreet and unmarked packaging. 

Can you get Millinette over the counter?

No, you cannot buy Millinette over the counter. Millinette is a prescription only medication, which means you need to get a doctor’s prescription to order the pill. Superdrug Online Doctor offers a confidential service where you can get a prescription for Millinette online without a face-to-face appointment.

Can you get Millinette on the NHS?

You may be able to get Millinette on the NHS if you meet their eligibility requirements. You will first need to get an appointment with a medical professional at your local GP practice or any of the NHS sexual health clinics in your area, to discuss contraception. 

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Millette works to protect you from pregnancy by:

• stopping ovulation (preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg every month)
• making the lining of your womb thinner so any fertilised egg that gets into the womb would find it difficult to attach to the womb
• making the mucus in your cervix (entrance to the womb) thicker to stop sperm from getting into the womb

How long does Millinette take to work?

Millinette starts to work immediately if you start taking it between day 1 and 5 of your monthly cycle. 

If you start the pill outside the first 5 days of your cycle, you will not be immediately protected from pregnancy. You will need to use an additional method of contraception like condoms for the first 7 days of taking the pill, to prevent pregnancy. 

How effective is Millinette?

When taken as prescribed, Millinette can be over 99% effective in protecting you from pregnancy. This means you take the pill every day at the same time, except during your 7 day pill free period. 

Millinete may be less than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy (about 91%) if you:

• vomit or have diarrhoea after taking the pill
• miss pills regularly
• take medications that make Millinette less effective

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A pill strip of Millinette contains 21 pills. Each pill is marked with the day of the week you should take it. 

• Take one pill every day for 21 days, preferably at the same time each day
• Swallow each pill whole with water
• After completing a strip of 21 pills, take a 7 day break from taking pills (you should experience a withdrawal bleed during this time like your monthly cycle period)
• Start your new strip of 21 pills immediately after the 7 day break
• You will still be protected from pregnancy during the 7 day pill break (as long as you take the pills as instructed)

When should I start taking Millinette?

The best time to start taking Millinette is between day 1 and 5 of your monthly cycle. You will be protected from pregnancy immediately. 

If you start the pill on any other day of your cycle, you will need to use an additional contraceptive option like condoms for the first 7 days, to prevent pregnancy. 

Can I take Millinette without a break?

Yes, you can take Millinette everyday without taking a 7 day break without pills. This would mean you continue a new pill strip after taking the pills for 21 days without taking a break. Some women take Millinette this way to delay their periods and reduce the risk of experiencing side effects when taking the pill. 

What happens if you miss a Millinette pill?

Missing the pill regularly may reduce its effectiveness. 

• If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember; you should still be protected from pregnancy
• If you miss a pill between day 14 and 21 of your 21 day strip, take the pill as soon as you remember and continue the strip as normal; you should also skip the 7 day pill free break and start the next 21 day pill strip immediately your current strip ends
• If you miss more than one pill, you may not be protected from pregnancy; finish your current pill strip, but use an additional form of contraception like condoms for the next 7 days
• If you have missed more than one pill and had unprotected sex during this period, you will need to use emergency contraception (the morning after pill)

Can I take Millinette to delay my period?

Yes. Some women take Millinette to delay their monthly period. This means you will take Millinette everyday without a 7 day pill break, and start the next 21 day pill strip immediately after the previous strip. 

Can I use Millinette as emergency contraception?

If you have unprotected sex and are not using any contraception, do not use Millinette as an emergency contraception. You should either get the morning after pill or the copper coil contraception. You should do this within 5 days of having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

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There is a risk of side effects when taking any medicine, but not everyone gets them. If you do get any side effects when taking Millinette, they should improve within the first 3 months while your body adjusts to the hormones in the pill. 

Speak to your doctor for advice if the side effects become unbearable, or do not improve after some time.

Some common side effects of taking Millinette include:

• Feeling sick
• Stomach pain
• Feeling depressed
• Sore and painful breasts
• Headaches
• Change in weight

Some uncommon/rare side effects of taking Millinette include: 

• Changes in interest in sex
• Change in breast size
• Itchy skin rash
• Fluid retention
• Vaginal discharge
• Vision changes (poor tolerance of contact lenses)

The full list of all known Millinette side effects and cautions, can be found in the patient information leaflet supplied with your pill pack. 

What should I do if I experience side effects from taking Millinette?

Speak to your doctor if you experience any side effects when taking Millinette. Most side effects should improve or stop after the first 3 months. The side effects are usually your body is adjusting to the hormone changes from taking the pill. 

If the side effects are unbearable or do not get better after 3 months of being on the pill, speak to your doctor. They will be able to either prescribe a lower dose of Millinette or suggest a different type of contraceptive pill. 

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Millinette may not be suitable for some women if they have certain risk factors. In these cases, the mini pill might be a better contraceptive option. 

Millinette may not be a safe contraceptive option for you if you are over 35, have a BMI over 30, smoke, or have/have had any of the following conditions:

• Problems with your kidney or liver
• High cholesterol levels in your blood
• Stroke or mini stroke
• Heart attack
• Crohn’s disease, IBS or ulcerative colitis
• Breast cancer
• Migraine with aura
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Blood clot in your legs or your lungs
• Blood clotting disorders or a family history of blood clotting disorders
• High blood pressure or heart disease
• Depression
• Sickle cell anaemia
• Obesity 
• Recent surgery
• Recent pregnancy

You may be at risk of developing certain conditions when taking Millinette:

• Blood clots: The chances of having a blood clot on the pill are rare. The risk is increased if you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure; seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a blood clot like difficulty breathing, tightness or pain in your chest, swelling or pain in your leg.
• Bleeding between periods: Some women may experience spotting or bleeding in the middle of their monthly cycle while on the pill. This should improve after the first 3 months of taking the pill and if it doesn’t stop or becomes very heavy, speak to your doctor for advice.
• Breast cancer: You may be at risk of having breast cancer on the pill if you are overweight or have a family history of breast cancer. Seek medical attention if you notice any changes in your breasts such as a breast lump, nipple discharge or any changes in your nipple.
• Cervical cancer: The risk of cervical cancer is higher in women who take the pill, especially women who have recurrent infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). The UK has a cervical screening programme for women to help find any early changes in the cervix or vagina that may cause cancer, and offer treatment. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding outside your usual monthly cycle period, speak to your doctor for advice.

Drug interactions with Millinette

Certain medicines may reduce the effectiveness of Levest. These include medicines used to treat:

• Digestive problems (laxatives)
• Hepatitis C
• Bacteria infections
• Fungal infections
• HIV
• Epilepsy
• High cholesterol (statins)
• Asthma (theophylline)

Tell your doctor about all medicines you have or are currently taking before you start the pill. You can find the full list of all known drug interactions with Millinette in the patient information leaflet supplied with your pill pack. 

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Can Millinette make you depressed?

Although there is no evidence linking Millinette to depression, some women have reported side effects of depression when on the pill. If you feel depressed or start having suicidal thoughts, seek medical attention immediately.

Can Millinette cause changes to your weight?

Weight changes have been a reported side effect of taking the pill, but not all women experience this. Speak to your doctor for advice if you are concerned about any recent changes in your weight.

Does the Millinette pill stop periods?

Some women choose to take Millinette everyday without the 7 day pill break to stop having periods. This means you start each new 21 day pill strip immediately after the previous one without taking any breaks.

Can Millinette cause mood swings?

Mood changes have been reported as a side effect of taking the pill but there is no evidence confirming this.

If you experience mood changes that do not improve after 3 months of taking the pill, speak to your doctor. They may suggest trying another type of contraceptive pill. 

Can Millinette give you low libido?

Some women have experienced a change in their feelings towards sexwhen on the pill. If you find it unbearable and are concerned, speak to your doctor who can advise you about considering other contraceptive options. 

Can I drink while taking Millinette?

There is no known interaction between drinking alcohol and taking Millinette. It is advisable to stay within the recommended weekly drinking limits when drinking alcohol. 

Can I take painkillers when taking Millinette?

It is safe to take painkillers like paracetamol when on the pill. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take or are about to take, when on the pill. 

Can I take Millinette when I’m breastfeeding?

It is not advisable to take the pill when breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor for advice on other suitable contraceptive options for breastfeeding women. 

Does Millinette make your breasts grow?

You may notice breast changes in the first few months of taking the pill. This is because the pill contains oestrogen which causes the breasts to become tender and increase in size. 

Does Millinette increase your risk of blood clots?

Yes. Although the risk of developing blood clots is small when taking the pill, the risk increases for people with risk factors like smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of blood clots.

Does the Millinette pill help acne?

Millinette and other oral combined contraceptive pills are commonly prescribed for women in the UK, to help improve acne.

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Millinette has been reviewed by users on some popular platforms. 

• 3/5 stars on The lowdown (Millinette 20/75)
• 3/5 stars on The lowdown (Millinette 30/75)

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Combined pill (2020) NHS  [accessed 06 March 2021] 

Combined hormonal contraceptives and venous thromboembolism: review confirms risk is small (2014) GOV.UK  [accessed 06 March 2021] 

Does the contraceptive pill increase cancer risk? (2021) Cancer Research UK  [accessed 06 March 2021]

Ethinylestradiol with Gestodene NICE  [accessed 06 March 2021]

Millinette 20/75 (2020) Theldown  [accessed 07 March 2021] 

Millinette 30/75 (2020) Theldown  [accessed 07 March 2021] 

Millinette (ethinylestradiol and gestodene): a contraceptive pill (2020) Net Doctor  [accessed 06 March 2021] 

The Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) Pill (2017) Patient Info [accessed 06 March 2021]

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