Leonore

Leonore is an oral contraceptive pill known as a 'low-dose' pill or 'micro pill'. It is a combined pill, and contains both oestrogen and progesterone hormones, in the form of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. In Leonore, the strength of each hormone is relatively low, which makes this pill particularly suitable for women who have not been able to tolerate other combined pills.

Leonore is taken daily in three-week cycles and mainly prevents pregnancy by stopping your body from releasing any eggs, so stopping ovulation. However, it also helps to prevent fertilisation of the egg by thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb (cervix), which stops the sperm getting in, and thins the lining of the womb, which helps to prevent implantation of a fertilised egg.

Like most combined contraceptive pills, if taken properly and no tablets are missed, Leonore is thought to be more than 99% effective. Always remember some illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or inflammatory bowel conditions, may prevent proper absorption of the pill and make it less effective.

Leonore's efficacy can be reduced by certain medicines - including those prescribed by a doctor and herbal medicines. Always tell your doctor about any medication you take or have taken when discussing a prescription for Leonore. You can check the patient information leaflet that comes with Leonore for the full list of medicines that may interact with Leonore.

Many women will be suitable for Leonore, but unfortunately, it is not appropriate for all women. Leonore is not suitable for women who:

• are over 35 and smoke
• are diabetic
• have had blood pressure problems
• have had some form of cancer or disease
• have a blood coagulation disorder
• have had a blood clot
• have had a heart attack
• have or have had severe migraines with aura
• have or have had problems with their liver/pancreas
• have an allergy to any of its ingredients, including lactose

This list is not exhaustive and there are other conditions which may affect Leonore's effectiveness or be worsened by Leonore. It is important to tell your doctor of any medical conditions you have and all medications you take, so they can decide if this contraception is safe for you.

Each blister pack of Leonore will contain 21 pills. You should take one pill every day for 21 consecutive days, then have 7 pill-free days, so one pack should last for one monthly cycle. After your 7 pill-free days, start a new pack as before, and take the pill again for the next 21 days.

During your pill-free week, you will have a “withdrawal bleed”, which may differ from your usual periods in heaviness or length. You will still be protected during this week-long period, so as long as you have taken your pill as directed, there should be no need to use any additional contraception.

If you start taking Leonore on the first day of your period, you can assume you have protection from pregnancy straight away. If you start taking the pill on any other day, you will need to use an additional form of contraception like condoms, for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy. You should also ensure you are not pregnant before starting the pill.

To work effectively as a contraceptive, it’s important you take the pill at the same time each day. If you do forget, but still take it within 12 hours of when you should have taken it, you will still have contraceptive cover. Beyond this time, you should take the pill when you remember and consult your patient information leaflet and/or GP for advice. It may be necessary to take emergency contraception if there is a risk of unprotected sex.

Most women will find it easiest to take their pill in day order as directed on the pack. Although, as each tablet contains the same amount of hormones, this is not strictly necessary. It’s not always easy to remember to take a pill, so you may want to set an alarm on your phone to make sure you take it at the right time, on the right day, wherever you are.

All contraceptive pills can cause side effects, including Leonore.

The most common side effects of Leonore include:

• tender or sore breasts
• headaches (mild or severe)
• nausea and/or vomiting
• mood swings
• fluctuations in your weight
• changes in the heaviness of your period
• water retention
• changes in sexual desire (an increase or decrease)

It’s worth remembering that if you do experience any of these side effects, many of them improve in the first few weeks of using the pill.

Uncommon side effects of Leonore include:

• jaundice
• blood clots
• decrease in folic acid levels
• severe allergic reactions

Do check your patient information leaflet for the full list of Leonore side effects and contact your doctor if you experience any of them.

If you believe you have any symptoms of a blood clot, (swelling and pain with discolouration of your leg, sudden difficulty in breathing, cough with blood stained phlegm and chest pains) seek immediate medical assistance.