Logynon

Logynon (Logynon ED) is a combined oral contraceptive pill, otherwise known as “the pill”. It is a form of contraception over 99% effective when used correctly.

It contains synthetic hormones that alter your menstrual cycle, meaning your body doesn’t prepare for pregnancy each month as it would.

Logynon is different to most other pills because it contains varying amounts of each hormone which is meant to mimic the hormones in your natural menstrual cycle. You can buy Logynon and Logynon ED online, provided you have had them before.

The main benefit of this form of contraception is that is highly effective at preventing pregnancy. It is over 99% effective and it's simple to take. You just take one pill once daily.

Combined pills can also be used to reduce symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) such as:

• heavy periods
• irregular periods
• painful periods
• mood swings

Doctors also prescribe the pill to treat symptoms of long-term conditions, endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Logynon also has a unique benefit in that it is a multiphasic pill, meaning there are varying levels of hormones throughout each pack. This is designed to reduce the risk of any unwanted side effects such as nausea and headaches.

However, combined pills will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You should use barrier contraception to protect from STIs.

Whilst hormonal contraceptives are safe options for most women, you should not take Logynon if you have:

• a history of blood clots
• a disorder that affects blood clotting
• been off your feet for a long time (e.g. need or have had an operation)
• ever had a heart attack or stroke
• ever had angina or a mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack or TIA)
• severe diabetes
• very high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• migraine
• breast cancer or cervical cancer
• severe liver disease

Logynon can make some conditions worse, such as sickle cell anaemia, diabetes or high blood pressure. So if you have any other medical conditions, you should consult your doctor first.

The combined pill can also react with other medicines, including:

• certain medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine & phenytoin)
• some medicines used to treat HIV
• certain antibiotics
• certain sedatives (barbiturates)
• St John’s Wort - a herbal medicine
• griseofulvin - an antifungal

If you have any one of these conditions or take any of these medications, consider other contraceptive options such as the IUD or the mini-pill.

Logynon works by altering the levels of your sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Doing so affects the reproductive system in three core ways.

1. Prevents ovulation, the process in which an egg is released from the ovary.
2. Thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
3. Thins the lining of the womb (uterus), which makes it more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant.

These processes are triggered by hormone levels rising and falling during your menstrual cycle. The pill works by supplementing these hormone levels with synthetic hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, which keeps levels stable throughout the month.

Stabilising hormone levels means these processes aren’t triggered, and pregnancy is prevented.

Both Logynon and Logynon ED are triphasic pills, so each pill strip contains different coloured tablets. Each tablet colour contains a slightly different dose of levonorgestrel (progesterone) and ethinylestradiol (oestrogen).

Each strip contains:

• 6 light brown tablets - containing 50mcg of levonorgestrel and 30mcg of ethinylestradiol
• 5 white tablets - containing 75mcg of levonorgestrel and 40mcg of ethinylestradiol
• 10 ochre tablets - containing 125mcg of levonorgestrel and 30mcg of ethinylestradiol

Logynon ED pills contain an additional 7 large white pills that contain no hormones. These are ‘inactive pills’ and cause a withdrawal bleed.

You should start taking Logynon between days 1 and 5 of your period. This will ensure your contraception is instantly effective. If you take it after the 5th day of your period, you should use a barrier contraceptive (e.g. a condom) for at least a week.

Take one Logynon pill each day, starting with pill number 1. For it to be effective, you must take each pill:

• at roughly the same time each day
• in the correct order

Each strip is labelled with numbers and directional arrows to help you take them in the right order.

There are two types of Logynon: Logynon and Logynon ED. The difference between them is how many pills each one contains.

How to take Logynon

Logynon contains 21 pills in each pack and is known as a 21-day pill.

You take 21 pills in the correct order, taking one pill daily. Once you have finished a strip, you then take a 7-day day break to allow for a bleed.

You may also skip the 7-day break and immediately start a new pack if you don’t want to have a period.

How to take Logynon ED

Logynon ED, on the other hand, is a 28-day pill. It contains 28 tablets in each strip.

You take the first 21 pills in the correct order. These are the active pills that contain hormones. But instead of taking a break, you take the 7 inactive pills. They don't contain any hormones so they will cause a withdrawal bleed. You may also skip the 7 inactive pills and start the next pack if you don't want a period.

The everyday tablets are a good option for those who like the combined pill but struggle with taking the 7-day break.

What you should do if you miss a pill will depend on your situation.

If it has been:

• less than 24 hours* since your last pill, you should still be protected. Take the missed pill as soon as possible, then take the next pill at your usual time.
• 24 hours* or more or you have missed more than one pill, your contraception will be affected. Take the missed pill(s) as soon as possible but use barrier contraception for at least a week.

*This is according to guidance from the British National Formulary (BNF)

If you have had sex since missing a pill, you may need emergency contraception like the morning-after pill.

Please read the patient information leaflet for more information on what to do if you miss a Logynon pill.

What happens if I vomit or have diarrhoea?

Having diarrhoea or throwing up may affect the absorption of your pill.

If you vomit or have severe diarrhoea within 4 hours of taking Logynon, your contraception may be affected. If you feel better within 12 hours of taking the pill, follow the instructions for a lost pill. If after 12 or more hours you still feel ill, follow the instructions for a missed pill.

In-depth instructions are available in the patient information leaflet.

It’s not uncommon to experience side effects whilst using any hormonal contraceptive. Most side effects are mild and disappear on their own. However, if any of these side effects are bothersome or continue, consult your doctor.

Serious complications such as blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) are rare. Your doctor will not prescribe you Logynon if you’re at an increased risk. If you experience any worrying side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

Consult the patient information leaflet for a complete list of side effects.

At euroClinix, you can buy both Logynon and Logynon ED online in several pack sizes. However, you must have used Logynon before to be able to buy it online.

All you have to do is complete a discreet medical questionnaire which one of our registered doctors will review. Once they have approved you for treatment, your pill will be dispatched and delivered to your address.