Lucette

Lucette is a birth control pill consisting of two active ingredients - ethinylestradiol (synthetic oestrogen) and drospirenone (synthetic progestogen). 

Ethinylestradiol affects the release of certain hormones such as luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which affect ovulation, while drospirenone causes the cervical mucus to thicken, preventing the sperm from entering the uterus to fertilise the egg. 

Lucette is used to prevent pregnancy. It is formulated to be taken at specific times throughout the monthly menstrual cycle and must be used as per the information in the patient information leaflet and the advice of a medical professional.

Lucette contraceptive pills work in three ways - stopping the release of an egg during a regular menstrual cycle, thickening the cervical mucus to stop sperm from reaching the egg, and altering the uterine lining to prevent the implantation of a fertilised egg.

Take one Lucette pill per day at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days. After this period, refrain from taking any Lucette pills for the next 7 days. During this break, you may experience withdrawal bleeding similar to a menstrual period. Once the 7-day interval is complete, resume the cycle, taking one Lucette pill per day at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days before taking another 7-day break. Continue this cycle as required.

Lucette should not be taken by women with uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of blood clots. Moreover, women who have cancer, a health condition affecting the liver, or who are pregnant or have recently had a baby should not take Lucette. Do not take Lucette if you are already taking another contraceptive pill, and always consult your doctor or GP before taking Lucette.

There are numerous alternative oral contraceptive pills to Lucette:

• Yasmin - Yasmin pills are a direct alternative to Lucette pills. Both Yasmin and Lucette contain the same dosage ratio of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone, making them medically identical with the only difference being the brand.
• Rigevidon, Microgynon, and Levest - These contraceptive pills contain a combination of different active ingredients to Lucette, namely ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.
• Gedarel, Marvelon, and Mercilon - These contraceptive pills contain a combination of ethinylestradiol and desogestrel.
• Lovima, Cerelle, and Cerazette - These contraceptive pills only contain one active ingredient (desogestrel).
• Noriday 350 mcg - This contraceptive pill also contains one active ingredient (norethisterone).
• Norgeston - This contraceptive pill also contains just one active ingredient (levonorgestrel). Levonorgestrel is also the active ingredient in the morning-after pill of the same name.

These brands differ in their active ingredients and dosages, allowing for a range of options to suit various health needs and preferences.

If you have missed a dose of Lucette and less than 12 hours have elapsed since the missed dose, take a Lucette pill as soon as you remember.

If more than 12 hours have elapsed since you forgot to take a Lucette pill, taking one may no longer be effective in preventing pregnancy. In this case, it is recommended to use barrier methods of contraception, like condoms, during intercourse for the next seven days after the missed dose. After this period, continue with your regular Lucette pill regimen as usual.

It is advised against using Lucette during breastfeeding because the synthetic oestrogen in Lucette (ethinylestradiol) can potentially be transferred to breast milk. 

This may lead to a decrease in milk production and changes in the milk's composition, which could impact the development and health of the breastfed baby.

While Lucette does not completely halt menstruation, it can make the periods lighter and less painful.

Lucette, along with other hormonal contraceptives, may lead to weight gain in some individuals because of possible changes in water retention and appetite. However, this is rare and any weight gain that occurs is typically quite slight.

It is advisable to seek advice from your doctor or GP before switching to Lucette from another form of contraceptive pill, as everyone responds uniquely to medications.