Combined Contraceptive Pill
Also known as: Microgynon, Rigevidon, Cilest, Yasmin, The Pill
What it's for
The combined pill contains oestrogen and progestogen to prevent pregnancy. Take it correctly and it is over 99% effective. It can also help with period pain and acne.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Take 1 pill daily for 21 days, then have a 7-day break (or take inactive pills).
- Take at roughly the same time each day.
- Start your next pack after the break, even if still bleeding.
- Some packs are taken continuously - follow your specific instructions.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Headaches
- Feeling sick
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Breakthrough bleeding (spotting)
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
- Small increased risk of blood clots - know the warning signs
- Not suitable for smokers over 35 or those with certain conditions
- Some medicines reduce its effectiveness - check with your pharmacist
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have sudden severe headache or migraine with aura
- You have chest pain or difficulty breathing
- You have pain or swelling in your leg
- You have sudden vision or speech problems
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.