What it is used for
- Preventing pregnancy
- Your doctor may choose it for women who also have mild acne, because of its anti-male-hormone effect
How it is used
- Swallow the pills in the order shown on the pack, at about the same time each day
- Follow the leaflet exactly if you miss a pill; you may need extra protection such as condoms
- Vomiting or severe diarrhoea can reduce protection; follow the leaflet
Possible side effects
- Bleeding or spotting between periods, especially in the first months
- Breast tenderness, headache or nausea
- Changes in mood or sex drive
Who should not use it
- A past or current blood clot, or a high risk of clots
- Migraine with aura, such as visual disturbances
- Breast cancer or severe liver disease
- Smoking if you are over 35
Before and while using it
- Get help straight away for leg pain and swelling, sudden chest pain, breathlessness or sudden weakness
- Your blood pressure needs to be checked regularly
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
- Tell your doctor before major surgery or a long period of immobility
Medicine interactions
- Rifampicin, some epilepsy medicines and St John's wort make the pill less effective
- Some hepatitis C medicines must not be used with it
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines, supplements and herbal products you take
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It is not used in pregnancy; stop it and see your doctor if you become pregnant
- It is not recommended while breastfeeding because it can reduce milk supply
How to store it
- Store it at room temperature in the original pack, away from moisture and out of the sight and reach of children
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.