Logynon
"A tri-phasic combined contraceptive, meaning the dose of hormones changes 3 times a month. Contains the hormones levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol. To take it, you’ll need an annual blood pressure and weight check."
What is Logynon?
The Logynon pill is a combined oral contraceptive. It’s 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when you take it correctly.
How does it work?
The Logynon contraceptive pill contains two hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, and it’s ‘tri-phasic’. This means the dose of hormones changes 3 times a month. This works to prevent pregnancy by:
- Thickening the mucus in your cervix to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
- Thinning the lining of the womb, so an egg is less likely to implant itself.
How to use Logynon
Logynon pills need to be taken in the prescribed order to be effective:
- You take them for 21 days
- There’s a 7-day break when hormone levels drop, allowing your period to occur
- You start taking the next pack of pills
Effectiveness
When taken correctly, Logynon is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. In cases where it’s not taken exactly as prescribed, it can lead to pregnancy for around 9 out of 100 women. So it’s important to follow advice and instructions.
If you’re vomiting or have severe diarrhoea while taking this pill, you may not be protected against pregnancy. If you can have sex, use condoms along with continuing to take the pill as usual. If the vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, follow the same steps as you would for a missed pill.
Important: you should only start taking Logynon birth control pills if you’re certain you aren’t pregnant.
Side effects of Logynon
It’s not common to get side effects from Logynon tablets, but for some women these can include mood swings, irregular bleeding, skin irritation, headaches, or feeling sick.
This pill carries a slightly higher risk of blood clots than others. In rare cases some women will develop them.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Logynon patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, including blood clots, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
99% effective in preventing pregnancy when you take it as prescribed
Can make periods lighter
You take it for 21 days followed by a 7-day break
What is Logynon?
The Logynon pill is a combined oral contraceptive. It’s 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when you take it correctly.
How does it work?
The Logynon contraceptive pill contains two hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, and it’s ‘tri-phasic’. This means the dose of hormones changes 3 times a month. This works to prevent pregnancy by:
- Thickening the mucus in your cervix to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
- Thinning the lining of the womb, so an egg is less likely to implant itself.
How to use Logynon
Logynon pills need to be taken in the prescribed order to be effective:
- You take them for 21 days
- There’s a 7-day break when hormone levels drop, allowing your period to occur
- You start taking the next pack of pills
Effectiveness
When taken correctly, Logynon is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. In cases where it’s not taken exactly as prescribed, it can lead to pregnancy for around 9 out of 100 women. So it’s important to follow advice and instructions.
If you’re vomiting or have severe diarrhoea while taking this pill, you may not be protected against pregnancy. If you can have sex, use condoms along with continuing to take the pill as usual. If the vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, follow the same steps as you would for a missed pill.
Important: you should only start taking Logynon birth control pills if you’re certain you aren’t pregnant.
Side effects of Logynon
It’s not common to get side effects from Logynon tablets, but for some women these can include mood swings, irregular bleeding, skin irritation, headaches, or feeling sick.
This pill carries a slightly higher risk of blood clots than others. In rare cases some women will develop them.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Logynon patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, including blood clots, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
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Logynon FAQs
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How long does Logynon take to work?
If you start taking Logynon on days 1-5 of your period, this should give you immediate protection against pregnancy.
However, if you start taking Logynon after day one and you have a short or irregular menstrual cycle, you’ll need to use extra barrier contraception like condoms for 7 days if you have sex. Your clinician can advise on this.
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Does Logynon stop periods?
Taking Logynon usually makes your periods more regular, lighter and less painful.
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Who can take Logynon?
Don’t take Logynon if:
- You have, or have ever had, a blood clot in a blood vessel of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), your lungs (pulmonary embolus, PE) or other organs.
- You have a blood clotting disorder.
- You have, or have ever had, a heart attack or stroke.
- You have very high blood pressure.
There are other instances where the pill is not suitable, and our clinicians can advise on this during your online consultation.
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Can I take Logynon while breastfeeding?
During the first six weeks breastfeeding after birth, Logynon can reduce milk supply and may also put you at greater risk of blood clots.
Remember that breastfeeding might not stop you getting pregnant.
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What if I miss my Logynon pill?
If you miss one pill at any point in your pack or start a new pack 1 day late, you’re still protected from pregnancy.
Here’s what to do:
- Take the missed pill as soon as possible, even if it means taking 2 pills on the same day.
- Continue taking the remaining pills at your regular schedule.
- If you normally have a pill-free break, stick to your usual timing.
If you’ve missed two or more pills (over 48 hours late), your contraceptive protection may be reduced.
Follow these steps:
- Take the most recent missed pill right away, even if it means taking 2 pills in one day.
- Skip any other earlier missed pills.
- Use additional contraception, like condoms, for the next 7 days.
- Continue with your pack as normal.
- You may need emergency contraception if you have had unprotected sex after missing pills.
When you finish the pack after missing pills:
- If there are 7+ pills left in your pack: Finish the pack as usual and take your 7-day pill-free break as planned.
- If fewer than 7 pills are left in your pack: Skip the pill-free break and start a new pack immediately.
You may need emergency contraception if:
- You’ve had unprotected sex after missing pills.
- You had unprotected sex in the 7 days before the missed pills.
Our clinicians can prescribe emergency contraception, if it’s safe to do so.
For full details of correct use and what to do if you miss a pill, please see the Logynon patient information leaflet. If you need more advice you can contact us in your Patient Record.
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Where can I buy Logynon?
As this pill is prescription only, you’ll need to consult with a clinician before you can buy the treatment, even if you’re using an online service.
We can prescribe Logynon for you online, for discreet home delivery or to pick up from your nearest Well Pharmacy. To make sure it’s safe for you, we'll ask you a few questions including your height, weight and blood pressure.
Start an online consultation. It’s completely confidential and only takes a few minutes.
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Logynon warnings
Combined contraceptives can raise your blood pressure, which could be dangerous. So, it’s important to check your blood pressure before starting the treatment, then once a year after that.
As part of your consultation, we’ll ask you if you’ve had your blood pressure checked recently, or checked it yourself at home using a blood pressure monitor. This information is required before we can prescribe combined contraceptives like Logynon.
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Logynon drug interactions
You should be able to take Logynon alongside other medications. So that our clinicians can prescribe it safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
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Alternative Logynon contraception
A tri-phasic combined pill like Logynon is just one of a wide range of contraceptives we can advise you on and prescribe. These include NuvaRing, Evra Patch, the contraceptive injection, combined pills and progestogen only pills.
See our full contraception range here.
You can also get long-acting contraceptives through your GP or family planning clinic. These include the coil, implants, and contraceptive injections.
