Mercilon Contraceptive Pill

Mercilon is a low-dose, combined oral contraceptive pill, sometimes known as ‘the combined pill’. Combined pills contain man-made versions of two sex hormones called oestrogen and progestogen.

Mercilon is effective at preventing pregnancy and has also been found to be helpful for women who experience irregular, heavy, and painful periods. Mercilon contains a lower dose of hormones compared to other contraceptive pills, which means it may cause fewer and less severe side effects.

What is Mercilon used for?

Mercilon is a contraceptive pill that is used by women to prevent pregnancy. Mercilon can also offer benefits beyond contraception, such as:

• improving acne
• stopping or reducing heavy or painful periods
• improving symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis

Mercilon pills contain synthetic versions of natural hormones called oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones cause changes in your body that help to prevent pregnancy. Mercilon works by:

• preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg, also known as ovulation
• thickening the fluid your cervix produces so that sperm cannot get into your womb

If you take Mercilon perfectly, it is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, if you take your pill late, or miss a dose altogether, this can reduce its effectiveness. This makes Mercilon around 91% effective in practice.

How strong is Mercilon?

Mercilon is a low-dose pill, containing 20mcg of the oestrogen ethinylestradiol – 30% less than most other combined pills. Lower-dose pills cause fewer side effects yet are similarly effective at preventing pregnancy.

What are the benefits of Mercilon pills?

Taking the Mercilon combined, low-dose pill may be beneficial if you:

• think you’ll be able to take a pill at the same time every day
• would like to have the option to control whether you have a bleed each month
• wish to get help with acne
• want to use a birth control method that does not interrupt sex
• do not require protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) OR are happy to use additional methods to protect against them
• have painful periods and want to manage them
• experience side effects when taking higher-dose, stronger pills

It may not be suitable if you:

• only need protection against STIs
• want to get pregnant
• experience severe side effects when taking hormonal contraception
• struggle to remember to take pills at the same time each day, as this will reduce its effectiveness
• are on certain medications or have certain medical conditions (your doctor will check your suitability before prescribing)

If you would prefer to buy Mercilon tablets without visiting a doctor, they are available from reputable online doctors such as ZAVA. Combined contraceptive pills are also available free of charge for everyone via the NHS, from either:

• your GP
• contraception clinics
• sexual health clinics
• pharmacies
• some young people’s services

However, you will need to speak to a doctor or health worker before they are prescribed.

How to buy Mercilon online?

You can buy Mercilon contraceptive pills safely and legally with ZAVA. All you need to do is complete a short online questionnaire about your health. Our doctors will review your answers and prescribe Mercilon if it is right for you. We’ll then send your Mercilon pills to you using our discreet delivery service.

Taking Mercilon with a 7-day break:

Take 1 Mercilon pill at around the same time each day for 21 days. On the back of the blister strip, you’ll see the days of the week printed on the foil. Start taking Mercilon on the day of the week it is and follow the arrows around until you complete all 21 pills. The arrows will help you to remember if you forget to take a pill.

After finishing a strip of pills, you’ll have a 7-day pill-free break. You should start your next strip of pills on the eighth day. You may have some light bleeding during your break but you should still start the next cycle of pills on time, even if you have not finished bleeding.

You’ll still have protection during this 7-day break, but only if you remember to start your next pack on time. You do not need to use extra contraception during this week. You can set a reminder to take your pill on your phone or keep your packet of pills somewhere easy for you to access.

Taking Mercilon on a continuous regime:

Combined contraceptive pills like Mercilon can also be taken on a continuous regime, especially when taken to improve irregular, heavy, or painful periods. This involves taking Mercilon every day, without taking a break. You’ll still need to take 1 Mercilon pill each day at the same time, but instead of taking a break between packs, you’ll go straight to your next pack of tablets.

You’ll be protected from pregnancy the whole time, although effectiveness can decrease with missed and late doses. Make sure you order a repeat prescription in plenty of time, so you don’t run out of pills. Some women still get breakthrough bleeding (small bleeds like a period) but this may stop when you take Mercilon continuously.

Taking Mercilon on an extended regime:

Mercilon can also be taken on an extended regime to help with periods, or if you’d prefer to have fewer withdrawal bleeds. It’s taken the same as if you’re on a continuous regime (each day at the same time) but after 2 or 3 pill packets, you’ll then take a short break for 4-7 days.

Discuss this with your doctor first so you can create an extended regime that works best for you. During your pill-free break, you’ll still be protected from pregnancy but only if you restart treatment within 7 days.

Yes. If you start taking Mercilon during the first 5 days of your period you will be protected straight away and will need no additional contraception.

If you start it on any other day, you should use additional contraception (such as a condom) for 7 days.

When is the best time to take a pill?

The Mercilon pill needs to be taken at the same time each day, so take it when you:

• know you will always have a ready supply to hand.
• won’t be doing anything else.
• are most likely to remember, such as first thing in the morning, at lunchtime, or at bedtime.

Some women find that it helps to set a reminder on their phone or an alarm to help them remember to take the pill. Others take it as part of their routine, such as after they brush their teeth in the morning.

What if I miss a pill?

A missed pill means a pill that is 24 or more hours late. If you forget a pill and it’s been less than 24 hours, take it as soon as you remember and continue as normal following this, even if you’re taking 2 pills close together. You’ll still be protected from pregnancy during this time.

If you’ve missed 1 Mercilon pill and it’s more than 24 hours late:

• Take your missed pill as soon as you remember, then resume taking your pills as normal.
• This may mean taking 2 pills together.

If you’ve missed 2 or more Mercilon pills:

• You may not be protected from pregnancy, especially if this was from the first 7 pills after your pill-free break.
• Take a pill as soon as you remember, then continue taking your pills as normal.
• You’ll need to use another form of contraception to prevent pregnancy for 7 days. If these 7 days run into your pill-free break, start your next packet straight away and skip your pill-free break this time.

Emergency contraception is recommended if 2 or more Mercilon pills are missed from the first 7 tablets in your pill packet and you’ve had unprotected sex since finishing your last pill packet.

If you’re sick or have diarrhoea, you can continue to take Mercilon as normal. You should use a condom during the time you are unwell if you plan on having sex, and for the next 7 days.

Can I take Mercilon continuously?

Yes, you can take Mercilon with no break – this is known as continuous use. Taking the pills in this way will delay your withdrawal bleed. Another option is to complete 3 cycles of pills followed by a 4-7 day break. This is known as ‘tricycling’.

Taking the pill continuously is safe, and may even be more effective than a 21-day regimen as there is a lower risk of breakthrough ovulation.

You may experience some side effects while taking Mercilon, but not everyone gets them. Most Mercilon side effects are temporary and will disappear as your body gets used to taking the medication.

Common side effects can occur when you start taking Mercilon. It might take a few days or weeks for you to feel better.

Common Mercilon side effects include:

• mood changes
• headache
• weight gain
• sore breasts
• feeling sick

Uncommon side effects usually happen in less than 1 in 100 women. Some uncommon side effects might occur over a longer period of time, like having skin problems.

Uncommon Mercilon pill side effects include:

• migraine
• fluid retention
• less interest in sex drive
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• breast enlargement
• skin rashes

If you get a migraine for the first time after taking Mercilon or find that the migraine is worse than usual, speak to your doctor immediately.

Mercilon can slightly increase your risk of blood clots although the risk is still very low. If you notice any symptoms of a blood clot after taking Mercilon, contact 999 immediately:

• shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
• chest pain
• swelling or tenderness in a leg
• extreme weakness
• sudden loss of vision

You can read more about the side effects of Mercilon in the patient information leaflet.

The active ingredients in Mercilon are ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. Each pill contains 150 micrograms of desogestrel and 20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol.

The inactive ingredients in each tablet are:

• dl-alpha-tocopherol
• potato starch
• povidone
• stearic acid
• aerosil
• lactose – Mercilon may not be suitable if you are lactose intolerant

There are some health conditions where taking Mercilon may make you feel worse.

Do not take Mercilon if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients found in Mercilon
• are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• have ever had a blood clot
• have a blood clotting disorder
• have had a stroke or a heart attack, or have angina (chest pain)
• have severe diabetes with blood vessel damage
• have high blood pressure
• have a high level of cholesterol (fat) in your blood
• have migraines with aura (often visual or auditory disturbances)
• have severe liver disease or liver tumours
• have ever had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• have cancer affected by sex hormones, such as breast cancer

If you might be off your feet for a long time, such as after having an operation, speak to your doctor. Your risk of blood clots can increase after an operation, so your doctor may ask you to stop taking Mercilon temporarily.

Speak to your doctor before taking Mercilon if you have:

• recently given birth
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• heart disease
• diabetes
• kidney or liver problems
• severe depression
• brown patches on your skin (chloasma)
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• sickle cell anaemia
• varicose veins

You can also speak to your doctor or pharmacist to find out if Mercilon is suitable for you.

Other medications can interact with how Mercilon works. This means the effectiveness of Mercilon can be reduced, or that Mercilon pills interfere with how these medications work. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications or over-the-counter products.

Some medications that interact with Mercilon are:

• epilepsy treatment such as phenytoin, lamotrigine or carbamazepine
• antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis like rifampicin
• treatment for HIV or hepatitis C such as ritonavir or efavirenz
• bosentan, a high blood pressure medication
• St. John’s wort, a herbal remedy used to treat low-mood
• griseofulvin, an antifungal medication

If you are taking medications that make Mercilon less effective, your doctor may advise you to use condoms with the pill.

If you do not think Mercilon is right for you, there are many alternative contraceptive pills to consider. At ZAVA, we have a wide range of oral contraceptive pills that you can try.

Other low-dose (20 mcg) pills available at ZAVA include:

• Gedarel 20/50
• Femodette
• Sunya 20/75
• Millinette 20/75

These may contain a different active or non-active ingredient that may be more suitable.

Other combined contraceptive pills you can request from us include:

• Microgynon
• Yasmin
• Cilest

You can also try the progesterone-only pill, also known as the mini pill. The mini pill is taken continuously, which means you do not need to take a 7 day pill free break. This might be suitable for you if you have side effects related to oestrogen. Some mini pills available through our contraceptive pill service include:

• Cerelle
• Norgeston

Mercilon Vs Yasmin

Mercilon and Yasmin are both combined pills that contain ethinylestradiol. Both have a 12-hour window in which you can take a pill if you have missed your usual time.

Differences between Mercilon and Yasmin include:

Mercilon

• Is cheaper than Yasmin.
• Has a lower dose of ethinylestradiol; 20mcg. It is regarded as a low-dose pill.
• Combined with 150 mcg of desogestrel; a less-androgenic progestogen.
• Made by Organon Pharma Ltd.

Yasmin

• Is more expensive than Mercilon.
• Contains 30 mcg of ethinylestradiol. It is regarded as a medium-dose pill.
• Combined with 3mcg of drospirenone: an anti-androgenic progestogen.
• Made by Bayer Plc.

Both contain lactose and are unsuitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.

Mercilon and Microgynon 30 are both combined pills and contain ethinylestradiol. Both have a 12-hour window in which you can take a pill if you have missed your usual time.

Mercilon

• Is more expensive than Microgynon.
• Has a lower dose of ethinylestradiol; 20mcg. It is regarded as a low-dose pill.
• Combined with 150 mcg of desogestrel; a less-androgenic (relating to the male hormone) progestogen.
• Made by Organon Pharma Ltd.

Microgynon 30

• Is cheaper than Mercilon.
• Contains 30 mcg of ethinylestradiol. It is regarded as a medium-dose pill.
• Combined with 150 mcg of levonorgestrel: an androgenic progestogen.
• Made by Bayer Plc.

Both contain lactose and are unsuitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.

Find out more about different contraceptive pill brands.

Other types of contraception

Contraceptive pills are not the only type of contraception. Hormonal contraceptives for women come in many different types, such as:

• patches
• implants
• the coil

You can read our guide on the different types of contraception, or speak to your doctor or sexual health clinic for more information, such as non-hormonal birth control options.

“This pill has been a lifesaver. I've tried lots of different combined pills and all were giving me problems with varicose veins. My doctor recommended going on the mini pill which was even worse. I eventually got put on Mercilon as it's low estrogen. My periods are lighter and shorter, my skin has cleared up and my mood has been fine. Only negative side effect is loss of sex drive.” Anonymous, thelowdown.com

“I used this for quite a while and to be honest it seemed like it was alright. Did get a loss of libido and the occasional headache but other than that I felt it was fine. Although I have been trying different contraception and have recently gone back onto Mercellion. Turns out it’s not as good as I thought. My moods are not good. I have a short temper on these and my anxiety is through the roof. It’s only when you come off something and come back a year later that actually you can tell a difference.” Kirstie89, thelowdown.com

“I've had very minimal problems using this pill other than loss of sex drive (kind of what I started taking it for lol). Honestly though, it's been really easy sailing with this pill, lighter periods, helped my acne, no crazy side effects. It has a low dose of oestrogen so I think that helps. I will be switching back to this one once I'm finished with my new one.” Anonymous, thelowdown.com

“I took this pill for two months, however, due to the bad skin eruption I had as a side effect, I decided to change it. My acne worsened within a week of starting taking this pill. I did not experience any other issue, other than some spotting in between periods and a couple of episodes of migraine during the pill break. Having PCOS and already acne-prone skin, I have been advised to swap from a pill containing Desogestrel to one with drospirenone.” Anonymous, thelowdown.com

Mercilon is a safe, effective form of birth control, and is most effective when used correctly. It could be a good option if you have problems with your period, have acne, or you’d prefer a low-dose combined contraceptive. The best way to know if Mercilon is a good contraceptive for you is by speaking to a doctor and finding out if it’s suitable based on your medical history.