Microgynon 30 ED

Authored by

Dr Muhammad Zeeshan Afzal

20 August 2024

What is Microgynon 30 ED?

Microgynon ED is a type of birth control pill that contains the hormones oestrogen and progestin, taken once a day to prevent pregnancy. Microgynon may also be used to treat certain types of acne.

Description

Microgynon 30 ED as a Contraception

Microgynon 30 ED is a reversible contraceptive pill to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Microgynon 30 ED is a birth control pill that is taken consecutively for 21 days with a seven-day break. Microgynon 30 ED can also help to relieve symptoms of menstruation, such as abdominal pain caused by cramps, heavy bleeding and mood shifts.

What is Microgynon 30 ED and how does it work?

Microgynon 30 ED is a monophasic contraceptive that contains two types of female sex hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones work to prevent pregnancy by thickening the fluid (mucus) in the cervix, ensuring the lining of the womb isn't able to grow an egg and preventing the release of an egg.

Microgynon 30 ED is not intended for use by females who have not had their first periods or for those who have experienced menopause.

Is Microgynon 30 ED right for me?

If you are looking for an effective oral contraceptive, Microgynon 30 ED may be right for you. However, it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:

If you have ever had a blood clot or are at risk of a blood clot
If you have severe heart, liver or kidney problems
If you have high or low blood pressure
If you have ever had a migraine with aura
If you are suspected of having breast cancer
If you have unexplained bleeding from the vagina
If you are taking medication for hepatitis C

How to take Microgynon 30 ED?

Always take Microgynon 30 ED exactly as prescribed by your doctor or advised by the pharmacist.

Microgynon 30 ED should be taken every day for 21 days
Take your pill at the same time every day
Start by taking a pill marked with the correct day of the week
Follow the directions of the arrows on the strip and take a pill every day until you have finished all 21
Then have 7 pill-free days
Start your next strip of Microgynon 30 ED after the 7 pill-free days, even if you are still bleeding
It can be taken with or without food, if necessary with a small amount of water
You must not take Microgynon 30 ED if you are pregnant
It is not advised to take Microgynon 30 ED while breast-feeding

Side Effects

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of Microgynon 30 ED. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of Microgynon 30 ED, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

Stomach ache
Weight gain
Mood swings
Tender breasts
Headaches, migraine
Nausea

Warnings and Precautions

Microgynon 30 ED may not be safe if taken with other medication or recreational drugs. Please inform the prescriber if you are taking any of the listed medications.

DO NOT take Microgynon 30 ED:

If you have (or have ever had) a blood clot in a blood vessel of your leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), your lungs (pulmonary embolus, PE) or other organs
If you know you have a disorder affecting your blood clotting
If you need an operation or if you are off your feet for a long time
If you have ever had a heart attack or stroke;
If you have (or have ever had) angina pectoris (a condition that causes severe chest pain and maybe a first sign of a heart attack) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA – temporary stroke symptoms);
If you have any of the following diseases that may increase your risk of a clot in the arteries severe diabetes with blood vessel damage, very high blood pressure, and a very high level of fat in the blood (cholesterol or triglycerides), a condition known as hyperhomocysteinaemia
If you have (or have ever had) a type of migraine called ‘migraine with aura’;
If you have (or have ever had) liver disease and your liver function is still not normal
If your kidneys are not working well (renal failure)
If you have (or have ever had) a tumour in the liver
If you have (or have ever had) or if you are suspected of having breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs
If you have any unexplained bleeding from the vagina
If you are allergic to ethinylestradiol or drospirenone, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. This may cause itching, rash or swelling.
If you have hepatitis C and are taking medicinal products containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir

The above-listed warnings are not exhaustive, please consult a doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you have further questions on the use of this medication or potential interactions with other medicines.