Femodette

Prescription-only medicine · Womens · UK online pharmacy

Femodette is a popular combined oral contraceptive pill designed to prevent pregnancy. It contains two synthetic hormones: ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms, a form of oestrogen) and gestodene (75 micrograms, a form of progestogen). Femodette is a monophasic pill, meaning each tablet contains the same dose of hormones, reducing mood swings and making it easy to use.

Key facts

• Classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK
• Treatment category: Womens
• Price (if prescribed): from £18.99
• Typical supply: 84 days
• Availability: Available following an online consultation
• Prescriber review: every order is assessed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist

Femodette prices by dose and pack size

Prices correct as of 2026-08-21. The exact dose is confirmed during the clinical assessment.

Femodette: A Reliable Combined Oral Contraceptive

What is Femodette?

Femodette is a popular combined oral contraceptive pill designed to prevent pregnancy. It contains two synthetic hormones: ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms, a form of oestrogen) and gestodene (75 micrograms, a form of progestogen). Femodette is a monophasic pill, meaning each tablet contains the same dose of hormones, reducing mood swings and making it easy to use.

Benefits of Femodette

Femodette offers effective contraceptive protection when taken correctly. It also provides additional benefits, such as:

• Regulating menstrual cycles to make periods lighter, more regular, and less painful.
• Reducing premenstrual tension by providing consistent hormone levels throughout the cycle.
• Lower oestrogen levels compared to other combined pills, can reduce the risk of side effects for some women.

How Does Femodette Work?

Femodette prevents pregnancy through three mechanisms:

1. Inhibiting ovulation: Stops the ovaries from releasing eggs.
2. Thickening cervical mucus: Makes it difficult for sperm to reach the womb.
3. Thinning the uterine lining: Prevents a fertilised egg from implanting and growing.

These combined actions make Femodette a reliable contraceptive choice.

How to Take Femodette

Starting Femodette

• Start on Day 1 of your period for immediate contraceptive protection.
• If starting on Days 2-5 of your cycle, use additional contraception (e.g., condoms) for 7 days.

Daily Use

• Take one pill daily for 21 consecutive days at the same time each day, followed by a 7-day break.
• During the break, you may experience a withdrawal bleed similar to a period.

Missed Pill Instructions

• Missed 1 pill (less than 12 hours late): Take it as soon as you remember and continue as normal. You remain protected.
• Missed 1 pill (more than 12 hours late): Take it as soon as possible, but use additional contraception for 7 days.
• Missed 2 or more pills: Take the most recent missed pill immediately and use barrier contraception for 7 days. Skip missed pills if they’re close to the next dose.

Vomiting or Diarrhoea

• If vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs within 4 hours of taking Femodette, treat it as a missed pill and follow the instructions above.

Dosage Information

Femodette is available in a standard dosage of:

• Ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms) and Gestodene (75 micrograms) per tablet. Each pack contains 21 pills for one cycle, followed by a 7-day break.

Possible Side Effects

Most women tolerate Femodette well, but some may experience mild side effects, especially in the first few months. Common side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Headaches.
• Breast tenderness.
• Irregular spotting or bleeding.

These usually subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Rare side effects include:

• Depression or mood changes.
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
• Disturbance in liver function.

If you experience severe or persistent side effects, consult your healthcare professional immediately.

Precautions and Interactions

Femodette may not be suitable if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Have a history of blood clots, severe migraines, or liver disease.
• Are obese or have diabetes.

Medication Interactions Certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of Femodette, including:

• Antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin).
• Anti-epileptic drugs.
• Herbal remedies like St. John’s Wort.

Always inform your healthcare professional about any medications or supplements you are taking.

Can I Buy Femodette Online?

Yes, Femodette is available to buy online from Medihealth Direct. To purchase, simply:

1. Complete a free, confidential online consultation.
2. Have your answers reviewed by a registered healthcare professional.
3. Once approved, your prescription will be processed, and your medication dispatched with next-day delivery in discreet packaging.

Femodette FAQs

What is Femodette used for?

Femodette is a combined oral contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It also helps regulate menstrual cycles and reduce period pain.

Is Femodette the same as Femodene?

No, Femodette contains a lower dose of oestrogen (20 mcg) compared to Femodene (30 mcg).

Can I use Femodette as emergency contraception?

No, Femodette is not suitable for emergency contraception. For such needs, consider options like ellaOne or Levonelle.

Does Femodette cause weight gain?

Some women report slight weight changes while on Femodette. Consult your healthcare professional if this is a concern.

Does Femodette clear acne?

Yes, Femodette can help improve acne in some women by regulating hormone levels.

Is Femodette safe to buy online?

Yes, buying Femodette from Medihealth Direct is safe. Our service complies with UK pharmacy regulations to ensure you receive genuine medication securely.

How do I renew my prescription for Femodette?

Sign up for our Subscribe & Save programme to enjoy automatic deliveries and a 10% discount on repeat orders.

How does the online consultation for Femodette work?

1. Complete a confidential online health questionnaire.
2. A GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews your answers and confirms whether the treatment is clinically appropriate.
3. If approved, your medication is dispensed by the pharmacy and delivered in discreet packaging by tracked UK delivery.

See how the service works or browse all treatments.