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Combined oral contraceptive (2nd-generation progestogen — first-line)

Ethinylestradiol with levonorgestrel

Brand names: Microgynon 30, Levest, Rigevidon, Logynon

A combined oral contraceptive of ethinylestradiol with levonorgestrel, a second-generation progestogen and one of the most widely used first-line combined pills.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

The combination inhibits ovulation through hypothalamic-pituitary suppression and additionally thickens cervical mucus and modifies the endometrium to impair sperm penetration and implantation.

Prescribing in practice

  • Although all combined pills carry VTE risk, levonorgestrel-containing preparations have one of the lowest VTE risks and are recommended first-line, but UKMEC contraindications still apply.
  • Assess for migraine with aura, cardiovascular risk factors and personal or family history of thrombosis before prescribing.
  • Advise on missed-pill rules and reduced efficacy with enzyme inducers or significant vomiting or diarrhoea.

Monitoring

Check blood pressure and reassess cardiovascular and VTE risk at initiation and at periodic review.

Counselling the patient

  • Take at the same time each day and follow missed-pill instructions.
  • The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
  • Seek urgent help for leg swelling, chest pain, breathlessness or sudden severe headache.

Evidence & guidelines

MHRA and UKMEC identify levonorgestrel-containing combined pills as carrying among the lowest VTE risk, supporting first-line use.

Reference: FSRH CHC guideline; UKMEC; MHRA Drug Safety Update; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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