Loestrin 30 (ethinylestradiol and norethisterone)

Loestrin-30 is an estrogen and progestin combination pill that works by preventing the release of an egg from an ovary. The combination of synthetic female hormones also causes changes in the mucus of the cervix which make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, and for an egg to ripen. This contraceptive pill may also be taken to regulate the menstrual cycle.

Although considered to be up to 99.9% effective in stopping conception, scientific research into the effects of combination contraceptive pills revealed that women using Loestrin-30 may experience additional health benefits. They include:

• Improvement of acne
• Oestrogen for those with amenorrhoea (absent periods) and low oestrogen levels
• Reduction of excess body hair (hirsutism - hirsutism treatment)
• Reduced incidence of functional ovarian cysts
• Improvement in endometriosis
• Reduction in the incidence of cancer of the ovary and endometrium

You should begin taking Loestrin-30 on the first day on your menstrual cycle for a period if 21 days. Take no pills for the next week, then start a new cycle once the 7 day break is over. Should you forget or skip 1 or 2 pills anywhere in the packet, you will still be protected against pregnancy and no extra contraceptive will be required. Simply take the last pill you missed as soon as you remember, then continue as normal from here on. Be aware that if you miss any pills in the blister pack the risk of pregnancy increases.

Loestrin-30 cannot be taken if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or if used in combination of certain doses of medication, prescription or otherwise. The Loestrin-30 pill is also unsuitable for smokers, women over 35 or those allergic to the substances drospirenone or ethinyl estradiol.

Please consult your GP or a qualified physician if you have history of genetic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure and diabetes, blood clotting amongst others, as these health factors may stand in your way of using the Loestrin-30 contraceptive.

There is no guarantee you will experience no side effects when taking a combination pill over the long term. Common side effects reported by women using Loestrin-30 include: weight gain, changes in behaviour, breast tenderness, fluid retention, and nausea.

In the unlikely even that the adverse effects of this contraceptive pill begin to outweigh the benefits, you may find the milder Loestrin-20 pill a more suitable alternative.

In some unlikely cases there will be risk of developing blood clots and should you at any stage using Loestrin-30 suffer from persistent chest pain, blurred vision, numbness in the legs or arms, please consult your GP immediately who advise on an course of action.

Meds4all offers you a speedy and convenient online ordering service so that you can continue to prevent pregnancy as usual. Place your order and complete a private online consultation with our GMC registered doctor, who after observing your medical history, will decide whether you are suitable to use Loestrin-30. If your consultation is approved your contraceptive pills will be delivered to you within 24 hours.