What is Logynon?
Logynon is a multiphasic standard strength combined oral contraceptive. It is a reliable and reversible method of preventing pregnancy. One strip of 21 tablets contains ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel in 3 different combinations. These are man made derivatives of the naturally occurring hormones oestrogen and progesterone, respectively.
What do you need to know before taking Logynon
Logynon is effective at preventing pregnancy, but does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Before you start taking Logynon you should have a thorough medical check up that includes your pelvic organs, breasts and blood pressure. Logynon can increase your risk of developing blood clots and should not be used by women who are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The effectiveness of Logynon may be reduced if it is taken with certain medications. It is important to review the information below and discuss any concerns with your GP before you start taking Logynon.
What are the benefits of using Logynon?
In addition to reliably preventing pregnancy, Logynon can reduce menstrual flow and the severity of premenstrual symptoms.
Who can use Logynon?
Logynon is usually reserved for women who either do not have withdrawal bleeding or who have breakthrough bleeding with certain other contraceptives, but are not at an increased risk of heart or blood disease.
In what dosages is Logynon available?
Each strip of 21 tablets contains ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel in 3 different combinations. The first 6 tablets in the blister pack contain 30mcg of ethinylestradiol and 50mcg levonorgestrel. The next 5 tablets contain 40mcg ethinylestradiol and 75mcg levonorgestrel. The remaining 10 tablets contain 30mcg ethinylestradiol and 125mcg levonorgestrel.
How do I take Logynon correctly?
For Logynon to be effective, it is important that you take it exactly as directed. You start your first tablet on the first day of your menstrual period and follow the blister pack as shown. When you complete the 21 days of tablet taking, you take a 7 days tablet-free period and then continue to the next blister strip.
What happens if I forget to take Logynon?
If you forget to take your pill, the next steps will depend upon how late you are in taking the next pill or how many tablets you have missed. If you are less than 12 hours late, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember and resume pill-taking as normal.
If you are more than 12 hours late in taking the pill, or have missed more than one tablet, take the most recent pill and continue the rest of the blister pack as normal AND use an additional non-hormonal contraceptive for 7 days. If your current blister strip ends before the 7 days move straight onto the next strip skipping the pill-interval. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Do I have to take Logynon every day?
You need to take Logynon daily as directed for 21 days followed by a 7 days tablet free period every month.
Is it safe to take Logynon with other medication?
Some medications, including herbal remedies, over the counter products and prescription may stop Logynon from working properly. You should inform your GP of any medications that you might be taking, and he/she will be able to suggest an alternative or recommend extra precaution. Some of the medications that can interfere with the action of Logynon include certain antibiotics (eg: ampicillin, rifampicin), the antifungal griseofulvin, certain anti-epileptics (phenytoin, carbamazepine) and St. John’s Wort.
What are the side effects of Logynon?
Logynon is sometimes associated with unwanted side effects such as headaches, feeling sick and breast tenderness. If you experience more serious side effects such as swelling or pain in the legs, shortness of breath or rashes, you should stop taking Logynon immediately and seek medical advice. Further side effects are listed in the patient information leaflet that can be found in your medication pack.
Common side effects (between 1 and 10 in every 100 users may be affected):
- mood swings
- depression
- headache
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- breast pain or tenderness
- weight increase
Uncommon side effects (between 1 and 10 in every 1,000 users may be affected):
- decreased interest in sex
- skin rash
- migraine
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- itching or raised bumps on the skin
- swollen breasts
- fluid retention
Can I miss my period, while taking Logynon?
Logynon can result in shorter, lighter or less painful periods. In some cases you may miss a period but this does not always mean that you are pregnant. If you miss a period, speak to your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.
Can I use Logynon to delay my period?
Logynon is not licensed to delay periods, however if you want to delay your period, you can skip the 7 day tablet free period and take one strip immediately after another. You may experience breakthrough bleeding if you take Logynon this way.
Do birth control pills cause weight gain?
Birth control pills do not cause weight gain, however they can lead to fluid retention and bloating. Additionally you may notice that you have a bigger appetite.
How do I know if Logynon is the right pill for me?
It is generally recommended that you use the preparation with the lowest oestrogen and progesterone content which provides effective contraception, effective cycle control and minimal side effects.
Can I take Logynon while breastfeeding?
Use Logynon while breastfeeding is not recommended. You should consult your GP if you require effective contraception while breastfeeding.
I am lactose intolerant, is Logynon safe for me to take?
Each tablet of Logynon contains around 33mg of lactose. Women who are lactose intolerant need to take this into consideration.
4 sources
- Joint Formulary Committee (2019) BNF 78: September 2019-March 2020 London: Pharmaceutical Press
- Schering AG. Logynon Product Information. Accessed online: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1127/smpc#gref, August 26th 2020
- Logynon coated tablets
- Logynon® tablets
Leaflet info
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from the PDF-version from this website because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged or the medicine is from another brand.