Microgynon 30
The combined contraceptive pill, Microgynon 30, contains the active hormones ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, which are synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone. Like any oral contraceptive, Microgynon 30 prevents pregnancy, and doctors may prescribe it to regulate periods or for hormone therapy.
How Does Microgynon 30 Work?
Bayer's Microgynon 30 prevents pregnancies by increasing the levels of hormones in the body. The presence of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones, so the body thinks it is pregnant. With this assumption, the ovaries do not release an egg, the cervical mucus thickens and the lining of the uterus changes. These effects prevent sperm from entering the womb and fertilised eggs from implanting.
Microgynon 30 Dosage
Microgynon 30 packets contain 21 tablets, and Microgynon 30 ED packets have 28 pills. The first 21 pills in Microgynon 30 ED are equivalent to the pills contained in Microgynon 30. The difference is that Microgynon 30 ED contains an additional seven placebo pills that have no active ingredients. Each of the 21 tablets includes a combination of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.
How Often is Microgynon 30 Taken?
With Microgynon 30, women take one tablet every day for 21 days with a seven-day break in between each packet. Women who are afraid of forgetting to take the pills again after those seven days can get Microgynon 30 ED, which contains seven placebo pills to take before the next packet. During the week following the 21 pills, the body goes through hormone withdrawal bleeding, similar to a period. It is best to begin taking Microgynon 30 on the first day of a period.
How Effective is Microgynon 30?
Microgynon 30 is over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Since no contraceptive is 100 percent effective, many women prefer using the pill as their main choice in pregnancy prevention. Certain stomach conditions, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, and medications can decrease the effectiveness.
Microgynon 30 Side Effects
Side effects are rare, but some of the more severe ones include blood clots, stroke and heart attack. The positive side effects of Microgynon 30 include lighter, shorter and more regular periods.
What Other Medications Affect Microgynon 30?
Women should discuss any medications they are taking with a doctor prior to starting Microgynon 30. Studies have shown that certain epilepsy drugs, antibiotics, anti-fungal drugs and laxatives decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. There are also some recreational drugs and herbal remedies that inhibit the absorption of the hormones found in the pill.
Who Should Not Take Microgynon 30?
Oral contraceptives are not for women who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant. Since the active hormones can decrease the production of breast milk, women who are breastfeeding should not take Microgynon 30. Because this medicine increases the risk of blood clots, women with circulation problems should refrain from using combined contraceptive pills. If there are any concerns about a preexisting condition or history of medical problems, women can consult their doctors regarding the safety of taking Microgynon 30.
