Combined Pill
Containing both oestrogen and progestogen, it prevents pregnancy and also offers additional health benefits such as lighter periods, reduced cramps, and improved acne. When taken correctly, the combined pill is over 99% effective.
Medically reviewed by Muhammad Abdul Jalil, Superintendent Pharmacist · GPhC Reg No: 2236161
Last reviewed
Overview
The combined oral contraceptive pill contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, which work together to prevent pregnancy. When taken correctly, the combined pill is over 99% effective.
Understanding Combined Pill
The combined pill works by: preventing ovulation (the release of eggs), thickening cervical mucus (makes it harder for sperm to reach the womb), and thinning the uterine lining (reduces the chance of a fertilised egg implanting).
Treatment & Prevention
After the break, begin a new pack, even if bleeding hasn't finished. Missed pill guidance: If one pill is missed, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. If two or more are missed, take the last missed pill and use extra contraception for seven days.
Select Your Treatment
Choose a treatment below then start your consultation. Our pharmacist will review and approve.
TabletBrevinor
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing norethisterone and ethinylestradiol.
Cilest
Combined pill containing norgestimate and ethinylestradiol.
TabletCimizt
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined contraceptive pill.
TabletDianette
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill also used to treat acne and hirsutism.
TabletElevin
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined oral contraceptive pill.
TabletEloine
2 pack sizes across these options
Low-dose combined pill with a shortened hormone-free interval.
TabletFemodene
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing gestodene and ethinylestradiol.
TabletFemodette
2 pack sizes across these options
Low-dose combined pill containing gestodene and ethinylestradiol.
TabletGedarel 20/150
Combined pill containing 20mcg ethinylestradiol and 150mcg desogestrel.
TabletGedarel 30/150
Combined pill containing 30mcg ethinylestradiol and 150mcg desogestrel.
TabletKatya
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined contraceptive pill.
TabletLevest
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol.
TabletLizinna
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined oral contraceptive pill.
TabletLogynon
Triphasic combined pill with varying hormone doses.
TabletLucette
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing drospirenone and ethinylestradiol.
TabletMaexeni
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined oral contraceptive pill.
TabletMarvelon
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing desogestrel and ethinylestradiol.
TabletMercilon
2 pack sizes across these options
Low-dose combined pill containing desogestrel and ethinylestradiol.
TabletMicrogynon
4 pack sizes across these options
One of the most commonly prescribed combined pills.
TabletMicrogynon 30 ED
2 pack sizes across these options
Every-day version of Microgynon with 7 inactive tablets.
TabletMillinette 20/75
Combined pill containing 20mcg ethinylestradiol and 75mcg gestodene.
TabletMillinette 30/75
Combined pill containing 30mcg ethinylestradiol and 75mcg gestodene.
TabletNorinyl-1
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing norethisterone and mestranol.
TabletOvranette
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol.
TabletQlaira Contraceptive Pill
2 pack sizes across these options
Multiphasic pill containing estradiol valerate and dienogest.
TabletRigevidon
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol.
TabletSunya
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined oral contraceptive pill.
TabletTriRegol
2 pack sizes across these options
Triphasic combined pill.
TabletYacella
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing drospirenone and ethinylestradiol.
TabletYasmin
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing drospirenone and ethinylestradiol.
TabletZoely
2 pack sizes across these options
Combined pill containing nomegestrol and estradiol.
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Our pharmacist will review your answers and may recommend an alternative based on your health profile. You're not committed until approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about combined pill and available treatments.
Related guides
Reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication.
- How to delay your period for a holiday
Norethisterone can delay your period by up to 17 days. When to start taking it, how it works, side effects and who should avoid taking it.
- Switching contraceptive pills without losing cover
How to switch contraceptive pills safely — combined to combined, combined to mini pill and back — with the timing rules that keep you protected throughout.