Combined oral contraceptive (2nd-generation progestogen — first-line)
Ethinylestradiol with levonorgestrel
Brand names: Microgynon 30, Levest, Rigevidon, Logynon
Adult dose
Dose: 1 tablet OD for 21 days then 7-day hormone-free interval (or tailored)
Route: Oral
Frequency: OD
Clinical pearls
- FSRH-preferred first-line CHC: lowest VTE risk profile
- MHRA confirmed lowest absolute VTE risk among CHCs
- FSRH supports tailored regimens to reduce hormone-free interval
Contraindications
- Standard CHC contraindications
Side effects
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Headache
- VTE (lowest among CHCs)
- Breast tenderness
- Mood change
Interactions
- Enzyme inducers
- Lamotrigine
Monitoring
- BP
- Migraine status
- BMI
Reference: BNF; FSRH CHC guideline; UKMEC; MHRA Drug Safety Update; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/ethinylestradiol-with-levonorgestrel/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
- DOAC Score for Selecting Direct Oral Anticoagulant in Non-Valvular AF · Anticoagulation
- Michigan PICC-Associated Thrombosis (MAT) Score · VTE Risk
- First Unprovoked Seizure — Recurrence Risk · Epilepsy
- Epilepsy Risk after First Seizure (MESS Score) · Epilepsy
- FAST Exam Protocol — Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma · Trauma
- DHAKA Score for Paediatric Dehydration Assessment · Fluids and Electrolytes