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Combined oral contraceptive

Ethinylestradiol with norgestimate

Brand names: Cilique, Lizinna

A combined oral contraceptive of ethinylestradiol with norgestimate, a progestogen also used for moderate acne in women seeking contraception.

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

It suppresses ovulation via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and thickens cervical mucus and alters the endometrium; norgestimate has relatively low androgenic activity, contributing to its benefit in acne.

Prescribing in practice

  • Norgestimate-containing pills carry one of the lower VTE risks among combined contraceptives and are an acceptable first-line option, but UKMEC contraindications still apply.
  • Screen for migraine with aura, cardiovascular risk factors and thrombosis history 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 advice.
  • Any improvement in acne may take a few cycles to appear.
  • Seek urgent help for leg swelling, chest pain, breathlessness or sudden severe headache.

Evidence & guidelines

MHRA and UKMEC place norgestimate-containing combined pills among the lower VTE-risk options suitable for first-line use.

Reference: FSRH CHC guideline; UKMEC; 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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