Lovima 75mcg Tablets

What is Lovima 75mcg Tablets?

A daily contraceptive pill containing desogestrel, a progestogen, and no oestrogen. It is a pharmacy medicine, so it can be supplied without a prescription after a consultation with our pharmacist. It comes as a one-month pack of 28 tablets or a three-month pack of 84 tablets; the tablet is the same in both.

How does it help?

Desogestrel is a man-made version of the hormone progesterone. Taken every day, it works mainly by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg. It also thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb, which makes it harder for sperm to get through.

Key benefits

• Contains no oestrogen, so it can be an option for women who cannot or prefer not to take oestrogen, including while breastfeeding
• One tablet at the same time every day, with no break between packs
• If you are less than 12 hours late with a tablet, you take it as soon as you remember and carry on as normal
• Available after a consultation with our pharmacist, with no prescription needed

Who should take care?

Always read the patient information leaflet before use. Our pharmacist needs to rule out pregnancy before you start, and reviews you before your first supply, again within three months, and then at least every 12 months. Start on the first day of your period for protection straight away; if you start on days 2 to 5, use condoms as well for the first 7 days. If you are more than 12 hours late with a tablet, take it as soon as you remember, carry on as normal and use condoms for the next 7 days - and ask us about emergency contraception if you have had sex. Vomiting within 3 to 4 hours of a tablet, or severe diarrhoea, can stop it working. Some medicines, including some for epilepsy, tuberculosis and HIV, and the herbal remedy St John's wort, can make it less effective. Irregular bleeding is common. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Do not take it if you have a blood clot now, severe liver disease, a hormone-sensitive cancer such as breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or a peanut or soya allergy. Contact a doctor if you notice low mood or mood changes, or signs of a blood clot such as a painful swollen leg, chest pain or sudden breathlessness.