What is Ovranette?
Ovranette is a combined pill that contains an oestrogen hormone (Ethinyl Estradiol) and a progestogen hormone (Levonorgestrel). Doctors will usually consider prescribing Ovranette to the majority of healthy women of childbearing age, with few exceptions.
As well as being an effective low dosage contraceptive pill, Ovranette may lighten your periods and reduce any symptoms of PMS. It may also reduce the risk of certain cancers.
How to take Ovranette?
Ovranette is a monophasic pill that comes in labelled calendar strips of 21 pills. Take each pill on the appropriate day for 21 days. You should aim to take your pill at roughly the same time every day.
After 21 days of daily Ovranette pills, you should take a full 7-day break without any tablets. On the 8th day, you should start a new calendar strip of 21 pills.
You may experience light withdrawal bleeding (similar to menstruation) during each 7-day break. You should start a new batch of 21 pills on the 8th day, regardless of any vaginal bleeding.
Important for first time use:
You must take the pill daily, starting on the first day of your menstrual cycle for effective protection against pregnancy.
Who can use Ovranette?
Ovranette is usually suitable for healthy women of childbearing age (subject to medical screening). Unless you are a smoker over the age of 35, are seriously overweight, or are oestrogen intolerant, your doctor will usually consider prescribing Ovranette.
Ovranette may improve your skin if you suffer from acne, and may also help to lighten heavy periods, reduce period pains and ease other symptoms of PMS.
When you fill in our short online medical questionnaire, our duty GP will immediately review your health status to ensure that Ovranette is a safe choice of contraceptive pill for you.
Please read the Side Effects section for full information about whether Ovranette is suitable for you.
In what dosages is Ovranette available?
Ovranette is an oral contraceptive combined pill that uses low dosages of two synthetic hormones to protect against unwanted pregnancy.
Levonorgestrel 150mcg
Ethinyl Estradiol 30mcg
Levonorgestrel mimics the bodily hormone progestogen. Ethinyl Estradiol replicates your natural oestrogen. These hormones are used in combination pills like Levest and Rigevidon.
The majority of women (who follow medical instructions exactly) are unlikely to experience any side effects from the 150/30mcg hormone dosage in Ovranette.
What if I forget to take my Ovranette pill?
Less than 12 hours
If you forget to take a daily pill at the usual time (and you are less than 12 hours late) take that pill as soon as you remember. This may mean taking 2 pills in a single day. You will not be at any extra risk of pregnancy.
More than 12 hours
If you are more than 12 hours late, or you have missed more than one pill, contraception may be reduced. Take the last missed pill as soon as you remember. Continue to take the remaining pills as scheduled, but use an additional contraceptive like a condom etc. during sex. Read the detailed instructions in the manufacturer’s pamphlet which will be provided with the pills and can also be found under Product leaflet on this page.
What are the side effects of Ovranette?
Ovranette contains low doses of active hormones. If you follow your doctor’s and the manufacturer’s instructions exactly, you are unlikely to experience any unwelcome side effects.
As with all prescription medicines, you are recommended to familiarise yourself with any possible side effects before use.
Can I use Ovranette if I smoke? Smoking is generally not recommended while taking hormonal contraceptives because it increases the risk of serious side effects. This is specifically true for women over 35 years old who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day. Possible serious side effects may include strokes and blood clots. |
Possible common side effects
Approximately 9 out of 10 women who use Ovranette exactly as instructed by their doctor will not suffer from any side effects, but the following common side effects may occasionally occur in some users:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Depression or low moods
- Skin rash
- Weight gain
- Tender or painful breasts
Possible adverse reactions
A very small number of women may undergo an adverse reaction to Ovranette. If you experience any of the following symptoms you should stop taking your pills and seek immediate medical advice.
- Pancreatitis
- Liver problems
- Weight loss
Important Your prescription will come with a patient leaflet giving detailed information about the medication, its ingredients, possible side effects and contraindications. Please read this leaflet carefully before you begin taking your tablets. |
If you experience serious discomfort we recommend that you go straight to your nearest casualty department. In an emergency dial 999.
When not to take Ovranette
Do not take Ovranette if you are:
- Pregnant
- Overweight (BMI 35+)
- Suffering from serious liver conditions
- A smoker over the age of 35
Ovranette may not be used with a number of prescription medications (usually for serious medical conditions). Some medical conditions may also preclude the use of Ovranette. When you fill in the short online medical questionnaire please mention all relevant health issues. Our GP will review your answers on the spot to make sure that you can use Ovranette safely. Your order will then be processed for free next day delivery by UPS courier.
If you have any questions about birth control pills, contraceptive rings, or contraceptive patches you can login to your DoktorABC account and begin a free confidential chat with an online GP. |
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.