What is Drovelis?
Drovelis is a combined hormonal contraceptive pill, licensed by the MHRA for use in the UK. Each pack contains 28 tablets: 24 pink active tablets containing estetrol and drospirenone, and 4 white placebo tablets containing no active ingredients.
Estetrol is a naturally occurring oestrogen produced in the fetal liver during pregnancy. It is the first oestrogen of its kind to be used in a contraceptive pill, making Drovelis a first-in-class medicine. Drospirenone is a progestogen with anti-androgenic and anti-mineralocorticoid properties, also found in other contraceptive pills such as Yasmin.
How does Drovelis work?
Like other combined pills, Drovelis prevents pregnancy through three main mechanisms: inhibiting ovulation (preventing the release of an egg), thickening cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the uterus, and altering the lining of the uterus to reduce the chance of a fertilised egg implanting.
Estetrol interacts with oestrogen receptors differently to ethinylestradiol, the synthetic oestrogen found in most traditional combined pills. Drospirenone's anti-androgenic properties mean it may help with symptoms associated with excess androgen, such as acne and oily skin, while its anti-mineralocorticoid action may reduce fluid retention.
Who is Drovelis suitable for?
Drovelis is suitable for women who have had their first menstrual period and are looking for a combined oral contraceptive. It is not suitable for everyone. You should not take Drovelis if you have, or have ever had, a blood clot, heart attack, stroke, migraine with aura, breast cancer, liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Women who smoke and are over 35 should speak to a prescriber about whether an alternative method may be more appropriate.
Because drospirenone can affect potassium levels in the blood, your UK-registered prescriber will consider whether potassium monitoring is needed, particularly if you have kidney, liver, or adrenal conditions, or are taking other medicines that affect potassium.
How to take Drovelis
Take one tablet daily at the same time each day, following the order shown on the blister pack: 24 pink active tablets, then 4 white placebo tablets. Your period will typically begin during the placebo days. Start your next pack immediately after the last placebo tablet with no break.
For immediate protection, start Drovelis on the first day of your period. If you begin treatment later, use an additional barrier method for the first 7 days. If you miss an active tablet and are more than 24 hours late for your dose, contraceptive protection may be reduced. Contact your UK-registered prescriber if more than one tablet is missed.
Side effects and safety
Like all medicines, Drovelis can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Headache, nausea, or abdominal pain
- Acne, breast pain, or painful periods
- Mood changes or changes in sex drive
- Irregular bleeding, particularly in the first few months
- Weight fluctuation
As with all combined hormonal contraceptives, Drovelis carries a small increased risk of blood clots in the veins (venous thromboembolism, VTE) and arteries. Pills containing drospirenone have in some studies been associated with a slightly higher VTE risk than those containing levonorgestrel, though the precise risk profile for Drovelis is still being established. Because drospirenone can affect potassium levels, there is also a small risk of hyperkalaemia (elevated potassium in the blood) in women with certain kidney, liver, or adrenal conditions.
Seek urgent medical attention if you notice any signs of a blood clot, including swelling or pain in the leg, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or sudden severe headache.
Drovelis compared to other combined pills
The most notable difference between Drovelis and other combined pills is its oestrogen component. Most combined pills, including Yasmin, use ethinylestradiol, a synthetic oestrogen. Drovelis uses estetrol, a naturally occurring oestrogen with a different receptor-binding profile. What this means in practice for long-term tolerability and safety is still being studied, and Drovelis is subject to additional monitoring as a relatively recently approved medicine.
Both Drovelis and Yasmin contain drospirenone as their progestogen, so they share similar properties in terms of anti-androgenic effects and the associated considerations around potassium levels.
Women who are considering switching from an existing combined pill, or choosing between options, should discuss the differences with their UK-registered prescriber, who can advise based on their individual health history and preferences.
How to get Drovelis through DoktorABC
To access Drovelis through DoktorABC, complete a short online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber. If Drovelis is suitable for you, your prescription will be approved and your medication delivered discreetly to your door.
Important information: DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered prescribers. DoktorABC UK does not itself provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the UK-registered prescriber following an individual medical assessment.
