Microgynon 30 ED

Microgynon 30 ED is a combined oral contraceptive pill manufactured by Bayer plc, licensed in the United Kingdom for the prevention of pregnancy. Each pack contains 28 tablets: 21 active tablets each containing ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms and levonorgestrel 150 micrograms, and 7 inactive placebo tablets containing no hormones. You take one tablet every day without a break, which makes this an every day (ED) format pill. The contraceptive content is identical to Microgynon 30, which uses a 21-day active tablet, seven-day break schedule. The difference is purely the format: Microgynon 30 ED removes the gap between packs and replaces it with inactive tablets, so you maintain an uninterrupted daily tablet-taking habit throughout the month.

Microgynon 30 ED is a monophasic combined oral contraceptive tablet. Monophasic means every active tablet in the pack delivers the same hormone dose. It contains:

1. 21 active tablets: ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms + levonorgestrel 150 micrograms per tablet
2. 7 inactive tablets: lactose-based placebo tablets containing no active hormones

The ED format was developed for women who prefer or find it easier to take a tablet every day without tracking a break period. Some women miss the restart day after a break or find the gap disruptive to their routine. Taking an inactive tablet in place of the break maintains the habit without altering the hormonal content of the active phase.

Levonorgestrel is a second-generation synthetic progestogen. Microgynon 30 ED carries the same levonorgestrel-based VTE risk profile as standard Microgynon 30: a lower VTE risk class than third-generation progestogen-containing pills such as those with desogestrel or gestodene, as confirmed by MHRA guidance. The pill is manufactured by Bayer plc and is a Prescription Only Medicine. A clinical consultation is required before it can be supplied.

Primary Action: Ovulation Suppression

Ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel work together to inhibit the pituitary hormones that drive ovulation. Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone are both suppressed. Without the luteinising hormone surge, the ovary does not release an egg. This is the same primary mechanism as all combined oral contraceptives.

Cervical and Endometrial Effects

1. Levonorgestrel thickens the cervical mucus, making it more resistant to sperm penetration.
2. The combined hormonal action reduces the receptiveness of the endometrial lining, creating an additional contraceptive barrier.

What the Inactive Tablets Do

The seven inactive tablets in the Microgynon 30 ED pack contain no oestrogen and no progestogen. They serve one purpose: to keep the daily tablet-taking habit unbroken. Hormone levels fall during the seven inactive tablet days, producing a withdrawal bleed in the same way as the seven-day break in standard Microgynon 30. Clinically, there is no difference in contraceptive mechanism between the two formats. The withdrawal bleed occurs in both; the only change is that you continue taking a tablet throughout.

The Withdrawal Bleed

The bleed that occurs during the inactive tablet days is not a true menstrual period. It results from the fall in hormone levels when the active tablets end. It is typically lighter and shorter than a natural period. Starting the next pack of active tablets as directed resumes ovulation suppression. The seven-day inactive tablet phase must not be extended, just as the seven-day break in standard Microgynon 30 must not be extended.

Identifying Your Tablets

Each Microgynon 30 ED pack contains two types of tablets. The active tablets and inactive tablets are different colours and are clearly marked in the packaging. Follow the arrows on the blister strip to take the tablets in the correct order. Taking an inactive tablet out of sequence does not affect contraceptive protection but taking them in order helps you track where you are in the cycle.

Starting Your First Pack

1. Day 1 start: Begin on the first day of your period with the first active tablet. You are protected immediately.
2. Days 2 to 5 start: Begin within the first five days of your cycle. Use barrier contraception for the first seven days.
3. Switching from standard Microgynon 30 or another combined pill with a break: Take the first active Microgynon 30 ED tablet the day after your last active tablet from the previous pack, or after the last inactive tablet if your previous pill also had placebo days. You remain protected immediately.
4. Switching from a progestogen-only pill: Start on any day. Use barrier contraception for the first seven days.

Daily Use: The 28-Day Cycle

Take one tablet every day at the same time, working through the blister strip in sequence for all 28 tablets. When the pack is complete, start the next pack the following day with no gap. There is no break between packs.

1. Swallow each tablet whole with water.
2. Consistent daily timing supports steady hormone levels.
3. A withdrawal bleed will usually occur during the seven inactive tablet days. Continue taking tablets as normal throughout the bleed.
4. Vomiting within two hours of an active tablet, or severe diarrhoea, may reduce absorption. Treat this as a missed active tablet.

Missed Tablet Rules

The rules differ depending on whether the missed tablet was an active or inactive tablet:

1. Missed an inactive tablet: no action needed. Discard it and continue taking the remaining tablets in order. Protection is not affected.
2. Missed one active tablet, under 24 hours late: take it immediately and continue at the usual time. You remain protected.
3. Missed one active tablet, over 24 hours late: take the missed tablet immediately, take the next at the usual time even if that means two in one day, and use barrier contraception for seven days.
4. Missed two or more consecutive active tablets: take the most recently missed one immediately, discard the earlier missed ones, continue the pack, and use barrier contraception for seven days. If the missed active tablets fell in week one and unprotected sex occurred during that period, seek advice about emergency contraception.

For vomiting, diarrhoea, or scenarios not covered here, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet or speak to your pharmacist directly.

Active Tablet Content

1. Ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms per active tablet
2. Levonorgestrel 150 micrograms per active tablet
3. 21 active tablets per pack

Inactive Tablet Content

1. No active hormones
2. Lactose-based placebo tablet
3. 7 inactive tablets per pack

Total Pack Format

1. 28 tablets per pack: 21 active followed by 7 inactive, taken in sequence
2. Taken every day with no gap between packs
3. Monophasic: identical active dose in every active tablet

Microgynon 30 ED vs Microgynon 30: A Practical Comparison

Both preparations contain the same active ingredients at the same doses. The clinical difference is format only:

1. Microgynon 30: 21 active tablets per pack, followed by a 7-day break, then a new pack. No inactive tablets.
2. Microgynon 30 ED: 21 active tablets followed by 7 inactive placebo tablets, taken every day with no gap between packs.

Women are sometimes switched from Microgynon 30 to Microgynon 30 ED, or vice versa, depending on their preference for format. The contraceptive effect is identical.

The following side effects are based on the current UK SmPC for Microgynon 30 ED. Not every woman will experience them. Read the Patient Information Leaflet in full before starting treatment.

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Nausea, particularly in the first few weeks
• Breast tenderness or discomfort
• Mood changes, including low mood
• Reduced libido
• Irregular spotting, particularly in the first one to three cycles
• Changes in vaginal discharge

Less Common Side Effects

• Weight changes
• Contact lens intolerance due to changes in corneal curvature
• Chloasma: skin darkening patches, most often on the face, aggravated by sun exposure

Serious Side Effects: Seek Urgent Medical Help If You Notice

• Sudden chest pain, breathlessness, or coughing blood: possible pulmonary embolism or heart attack.
• Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in one leg: possible deep vein thrombosis.
• Sudden severe headache, visual loss, speech difficulty, or one-sided weakness: possible stroke.
• Severe acute abdominal pain: possible liver event or ectopic pregnancy.
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes: possible jaundice or liver dysfunction.

VTE Risk: Where Microgynon 30 ED Sits

All combined oral contraceptives raise VTE risk above the baseline for women using no hormonal contraception. Levonorgestrel-containing pills including Microgynon 30 ED sit in the lowest VTE risk category among combined pills, as confirmed by MHRA guidance. The risk is lower than with desogestrel, gestodene, or drospirenone-containing pills. The absolute risk for most healthy women remains small but is clinically relevant, and your prescriber will weigh your personal risk factors before prescribing.

Medicines That Affect Microgynon 30 ED

Enzyme-inducing medicines increase the rate at which ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel are broken down, reducing contraceptive effectiveness:

• Rifampicin and rifabutin (tuberculosis and other infections)
• Antiepileptic medicines: phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, topiramate, and others
• HIV antiretrovirals: ritonavir, efavirenz, and others
• St John's Wort, available without prescription

Always declare all medicines and supplements at your consultation. If an enzyme-inducing medicine is started during Microgynon 30 ED use, your prescriber will advise on additional contraception or an alternative method.

Microgynon 30 ED Is Not Suitable If You:

• Have ever had a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack)
• Experience migraine with aura: an absolute contraindication to all oestrogen-containing pills regardless of progestogen type
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Have active or past liver disease, liver tumours, or pill-related jaundice
• Have a current or previous diagnosis of breast cancer or an oestrogen-sensitive malignancy
• Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• Are breastfeeding a baby under six weeks of age
• Smoke and are aged 35 or older
• Have diabetes with established vascular complications

This Preparation May Be Appropriate If You:

• Are a healthy adult woman with no contraindications to combined hormonal contraception
• Prefer an every-day tablet format that removes the need to track and restart after a seven-day gap
• Have previously found the break between packs of Microgynon 30 confusing or have accidentally missed the restart day
• Are already taking standard Microgynon 30 and your prescriber or pharmacist is switching you to the ED format for personal preference or compliance reasons
• Have no personal or family history of blood clots, stroke, or cardiovascular disease

Discuss With Your Prescriber If You:

• Smoke and are under 35. Smoking raises cardiovascular risk with all oestrogen-containing contraceptives.
• Have a BMI above 30. Obesity independently increases VTE risk.
• Have a first-degree relative who developed a blood clot before the age of 50.
• Experience migraine without aura. Individual prescriber assessment is required.
• Are planning long-haul travel or extended immobility, both of which independently raise VTE risk.
• Have experienced depression or are currently being treated for a mood disorder.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered UK online pharmacy. Prescriptions are issued following individual clinical consultations reviewed by registered prescribers. This is not an automated service.

You complete a clinical questionnaire that covers your health history, medicines, smoking status, BMI, family history relevant to cardiovascular and clotting risk, and any previous contraceptive history. The prescriber reads your responses and makes a clinical decision. The format of Microgynon 30 ED, being an everyday pill, does not alter the prescribing criteria or risk assessment. The prescriber assesses suitability for a levonorgestrel-based combined pill; your preference for the ED format is noted but does not change what is clinically evaluated.

A prescription is issued only when the prescriber determines that Microgynon 30 ED is appropriate for you. They may instead recommend standard Microgynon 30, a different combined pill, or a different contraceptive method altogether. They may also request further information or recommend a face-to-face assessment. None of these outcomes are within your control by completing a questionnaire: the clinical decision belongs to the prescriber.

• Store below 25°C. Avoid exposure to direct heat, sunlight, or humid environments such as a bathroom cabinet.
• Keep tablets in the original foil blister until the moment of use. The packaging markings help you track which tablets you have taken.
• Store the pack out of reach and sight of children.
• Do not use tablets past the expiry date printed on the carton.
• Return any unused tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal. UK pharmacies accept returned medicines without charge under Duty of Care regulations. Do not dispose of medicines in household waste or flush them down the toilet.

This reference guide compares the contraceptive preparations available at Pharmacy Planet, grouped by delivery method and formulation type. Every preparation is a Prescription Only Medicine. A registered prescriber will review your individual health profile, contraceptive history, and risk factors before recommending any preparation. This table is a clinical reference, not a recommendation.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Tablets (Monophasic)

Monophasic combined pills contain the same dose of both hormones in every active tablet. The table below compares commonly prescribed monophasic combined oral contraceptives by progestogen type, oestrogen dose, VTE risk category, pack format, and key clinical characteristics.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.

The clinical process matters more than the packaging format. Whether you are prescribed Microgynon 30 or Microgynon 30 ED, the prescriber's job is the same: to assess whether a levonorgestrel-based combined pill is clinically appropriate for you, given your full health picture. At Pharmacy Planet, that assessment happens for every prescription. No prescription is issued without a registered prescriber reading your consultation and taking clinical responsibility for the outcome.

If the assessment does not support prescribing, you will be told why. You may be directed towards a different pill, a different contraceptive method, or an in-person review. We do not treat the consultation as a formality preceding supply. We treat it as the clinical event it is.

Pharmacy Planet is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Our registration and the Internet Pharmacy logo are displayed on our website and can be verified at www.pharmacyregulation.org. Our pharmacy team is available before, during, and after your consultation for any questions.

• Bayer plc. Microgynon 30 ED film-coated tablets – Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: www.medicines.org.uk/emc. Accessed May 2026.
• Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH). Combined Hormonal Contraception – Clinical Guidance. Available at: www.fsrh.org. Accessed May 2026.
• NHS. Combined pill – your contraception guide. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill. Accessed May 2026.
• British National Formulary (BNF). Ethinylestradiol with levonorgestrel. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
• MHRA. Combined hormonal contraceptives and venous thromboembolism – updated guidance. Available at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency. Accessed May 2026.