Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel
Also sold as: Microgynon, Nordette
Usual adult dose
One tablet a day at the same time, starting on day 1 of the period, for 21 days, then a 7-day break (or 7 inactive tablets), as the pack says. If you miss a tablet, take it as soon as you remember and ask your doctor or pharmacist about extra protection.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- headache
- breast tenderness
- spotting between periods
- mood changes
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- pain or swelling in one leg
- chest pain or sudden shortness of breath
- severe headache or vision problems
- weakness of one side of the body (possible blood clot or stroke)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Previous blood clot, stroke or heart attack
- Smokers over 35 years old
- Migraine with aura, or high blood pressure that is not controlled
- Breast cancer or serious liver disease
- First 6 weeks after giving birth, or while breastfeeding in the first 6 months
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious7 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine makes the pill less effective; a non-hormonal or injectable method is advised.
- Griseofulvin
Griseofulvin makes contraceptive pills less reliable; use condoms as well.
- Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital makes the contraceptive pill less effective; use another method.
- Phenytoin
Phenytoin makes the pill less effective; a non-hormonal or injectable method is advised.
- Rifampicin
Rifampicin makes the pill fail; use another contraceptive method during and for 4 weeks after treatment.
- Rifampicin + Isoniazid
Rifampicin makes the pill unreliable; use another method of contraception.
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- Rifampicin + Isoniazid + Pyrazinamide + Ethambutol
Rifampicin makes the pill unreliable; use another method of contraception.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Lamotrigine
The pill lowers lamotrigine levels and may reduce seizure control.
- Tranexamic acid
Combined contraceptive pills with tranexamic acid may raise the risk of blood clots.