Microgynon is an oral contraceptive pill. You should swallow each pill whole with water.

When to Take Microgynon

Take one pill at the same time each day. To help remember, you could set a daily alarm or use a pill reminder app. It’s helpful to take it at the same time each day, for example, in the morning or evening.

How Often to Take Microgynon

Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Microgynon.

• 21-Day Pack (Microgynon 30):

  • Start the pill marked for the correct day of the week.
  • Take one pill daily, following the arrow on the blister strip until all 21 pills are taken.
  • After 21 days, you’ll have a 7-day break, during which you won’t take any pills.
  • Bleeding should occur 1-3 days after the last pill. If you still bleed when it's time for your next strip, don’t worry—this is normal.
  • You remain protected from pregnancy if you’ve taken the pills as directed and start the next strip on time.

• 28-Day Pack (Microgynon 30 ED):

  • This pack includes 7 placebo (dummy) pills in addition to the 21 active pills.
  • Start the pill marked for the correct day of the week.
  • Take one pill daily, following the direction of the arrows until all 28 pills are taken.
  • After finishing the pack, immediately start the next one, continuing without a break.
  • The last 7 pills are placebo, and you’ll experience a ‘withdrawal bleed’ during this time. Protection remains intact.

How Long to Take Microgynon For

• Microgynon 30: 21 days of active pills with a 7-day break.
• Microgynon 30 ED: 28 days with no break, including placebo pills to help you track your treatment.

Most people take combined oral contraceptives like Microgynon long-term with no issues. If you have concerns, consult your doctor for personalized advice.

What to Do If You Miss a Pill

• Microgynon 30:

  • If less than 12 hours late: Take the missed pill immediately and continue as usual. Effectiveness should not be affected.
  • If more than 12 hours late or multiple pills missed: Take the most recently missed pill, leave earlier missed pills in the strip, and continue with the rest of your pills. Use extra contraception (e.g., condoms) for the next 7 days.
  • 7 or more pills left: Use extra contraception for the next 7 days. After finishing the strip, take the usual 7-day break.
  • Missed pills from days 1–7 and had sex: You may not have been protected. Speak to your doctor—emergency contraception may be necessary.
  • Fewer than 7 pills left: Use extra contraception for 7 days. After finishing the pack, start the next strip without a break. If you don’t bleed, do a pregnancy test.

• Microgynon 30 ED:

  • If less than 12 hours late: Take the missed pill immediately and continue as usual. Effectiveness should not be affected.
  • If more than 12 hours late or multiple pills missed: Take the most recently missed active pill, leave earlier pills in the pack, and continue as usual. Use extra contraception for 7 days.
  • When you reach the placebo pills: Continue with the active pills and skip the dummy pills. Start a new pack the next day.
  • No period after the second pack: Speak to your doctor. If you missed pills in the first week and had sex, take a pregnancy test.

If you’re unsure how many pills you’ve missed or need advice, consult your doctor. If missing pills is a recurring issue, consider other contraception options that don't require daily use.

For further information, refer to the patient information leaflet or contact your doctor for personalized advice.

Can I Buy Microgynon Online?

Yes, you can request Microgynon through online doctor services like Superdrug Online Doctor. Here's how it works:

1. Fill out a quick online health questionnaire.
2. A doctor will review your answers to determine if Microgynon is suitable for you.
3. If approved, you can have your medication delivered confidentially to your door for free, or collect it at a local Superdrug Pharmacy within 2 to 3 hours of doctor approval.

Can I Buy Microgynon Over the Counter?

No, Microgynon is a prescription-only medication, like all combined oral contraceptives. If you're looking for an over-the-counter contraceptive pill, the mini pill (such as Hana) is available, which contains only progesterone.

Other non-oral contraceptives, such as condoms, are available over the counter at supermarkets and pharmacies.

Can I Get Microgynon on the NHS?

Microgynon is available on the NHS, but you'll need to speak to your local GP to confirm if it can be prescribed in your area.

Like all medications, Microgynon can cause side effects for some people. However, not everyone will get them.

Common side effects:

• headache
• mood changes (feeling low, or depressed)
• painful breasts
• stomach ache
• feeling sick

These side effects should improve over the first 3 months of using Microgynon. If you are experiencing any of these common side effects of Microgynon and they are becoming a daily, bothersome occurrence, speak with your doctor.

Bleeding or spotting between periods has been reported in patients typically over the first few months of taking Microgynon. This usually stops once your body has adjusted to the medication.

Uncommon side effects:

• being sick
• stomach ache
• migraine
• bloating
• breast enlargement
• itchy rashes
• loss of interest in sex

Rare side effects:

• irritation if you wear contact lenses
• weight loss
• increased libido (interest in sex)
• vaginal or breast discharge

If you happen to experience any uncommon or rare side effects and they begin to disrupt your daily life, speak with your doctor and they may suggest that you stop taking the pill and recommend another treatment.

If you think you are experiencing any of the following serious side effects, dial 999 immediately or go to A&E:

• blood clot
• signs of a severe allergic reaction – including swelling of hands, face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing and breathing, or a red bumpy rash

For more detailed information on side effects and signs of serious side effects, see the patient information leaflet that should come with your medication. We also provide additional guidance on the side effects of Microgynon.

How long do Microgynon side effects last?

If you experience any side effects from Microgynon, they should improve as your body adjusts to the medication. This is usually within the first 3 months.

If the side effects you are experiencing do not go away after 3 months or become unmanageable, you should contact your doctor. They may advise that you stop taking Microgynon and suggest you take an alternative contraceptive pill more suited to your personal health needs.

What to do if you get Microgynon side effects

If you get any side effects that are persistent and disruptive to your everyday life when taking Microgynon, you should speak with your doctor.

If you experience mild, common side effects, you should be able to manage these symptoms at home and they should soon go away.

For this, we recommend:

• take painkillers – for headaches, as directed by your pharmacist
• stay hydrated – this should ease symptoms of nausea and headaches
• keep active – light stretching and exercise (such as yoga) can ease cramps

Remember that symptoms should ease within 3 months after starting Microgynon as your body adapts to the medication.

You should tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, are planning to take, or have taken before taking Microgynon.

If any of these apply to you, tell your doctor before taking Microgynon:

• a close relative with heart problems, circulation issues, or high blood pressure
• a close relative who has problems with blood clots
• Crohn’s disease
• lupus
• haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)
• sickle cell anaemia
• pancreatitis
• varicose veins
• diabetes
• overweight or obesity

You must always check the patient information leaflet and speak to your doctor about any health conditions before starting Microgynon.

Blood clots

When taking a combined pill like Microgynon, there is a slight increase in your risk of a blood clot. It’s important to note that the overall risk of having a harmful blood clot due to Microgynon is small.

However, this is why you must tell your doctor your family history before taking Microgynon, so they can see if it is right for you.

Does Microgynon stop periods?

Microgynon can stop periods, but breakthrough bleeding may still occur. If you want to avoid the usual pill-free week and skip your withdrawal bleed, you can proceed directly to the next pack after completing 21 days. However, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before making this change.

If you're looking to delay your period, you can consider period delay treatment, but it is not recommended if you're already taking the combined pill.

Does Microgynon increase the risk of blood clots?

While the risk of developing a blood clot with Microgynon is small, there is a slightly increased chance. About 5 to 7 out of 10,000 people using Microgynon will develop a blood clot, compared to 2 out of 10,000 people not using it. Your risk may be higher if you:

• Have a close relative who has had a blood clot
• Are overweight
• Need to be immobile for a long time (e.g., after surgery or injury)
• Are over 35
• Have recently given birth

Always inform your doctor of relevant medical history to determine if Microgynon is right for you.

Can Microgynon cause acne?

Acne can be a side effect of Microgynon, but it can also cause hormonal changes that may improve acne. If you're concerned, speak with your doctor for guidance.

Can Microgynon cause weight gain?

There is no clinical evidence that Microgynon causes weight gain. However, some women may experience weight fluctuations while on the pill. In rare cases, some individuals report weight loss.

What’s the difference between Microgynon and Rigevidon?

There is no clinical difference between Microgynon and Rigevidon. Both contain the same active ingredients (30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 150 micrograms of levonorgestrel). The only differences are the branding and pricing.

Can I use Microgynon as emergency contraception?

No, Microgynon is not intended as emergency contraception. It is a regular contraceptive pill. For emergency contraception, options like Levonelle, ellaOne, and levonorgestrel are available, which you can order through services like Superdrug Online Doctor.

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