Mercilon

Mercilon works by halting ovulation, meaning there is no egg to be fertilised, thereby preventing the chance of pregnancy. Secondly, the synthetic oestrogen and progestogen contained in Mercilon thicken the cervical mucus at the entry to the cervix, making it increasingly difficult for sperm cells to enter the uterus. Finally, Mercilon thins the uterine lining, reducing the chance of a fertilised egg implanting itself and developing into an embryo.

Mercilon will become effective immediately in preventing pregnancy if taken on the first day of menstruation. If it is taken at any other time during the menstrual cycle or if you experience irregular periods, Mercilon typically takes seven days to become effective. During this time, barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, should be used alongside it to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

Take one pill daily for 21 consecutive days (at the same time each day), following the direction of the arrows on the strip. Each strip contains 21 pills, each marked with a specific day of the week. Swallow each pill whole, with water if necessary.

After completing all 21 pills, take a 7-day break during which you should experience a withdrawal bleed.

Begin the next strip after the 7 pill-free days, even if you are still bleeding, ensuring you always start on the same day of the week.

If taken correctly, Mercilon is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. To maintain its effectiveness, it is essential to take the pill at the same time every day without missing any doses.

You should not take Mercilon, or you should speak to your GP before doing so if any of the following apply to you:

• You have a disorder that affects blood clotting
• You need to undergo surgery
• You will be immobile for long periods
• You have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• You have (or have ever had) angina pectoris (a condition that causes severe chest pain)
• You have severe diabetes
• You have high blood pressure
• You have a very high level of fat (cholesterol or triglycerides) in the blood
• You have or have had severe migraines (migraines with aura)
• You have or have recently had a severe liver disease
• You have had a liver tumour in the past
• You have or have had pancreatitis (an inflammation of the pancreas)
• You are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant
• You have breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer
• You have vaginal bleeding that has not been explained by your doctor
• You are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients in Mercilon (see the patient information leaflet for a full list of ingredients)

If you miss a Mercilon pill, take it as soon as you remember. If it's within 12 hours of your usual time of taking the pill, its effectiveness is unaffected. 

If you miss a Mercilon pill and more than 12 hours have passed since your usual time, take the missed pill immediately and the next pill at your usual time, even if it means taking two pills in one day. For maximum protection from pregnancy, it is recommended to use barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, for the next 7 days.

If you miss more than one pill or start a new pack late, consult your pharmacist or refer to the patient information leaflet for further guidance​

Yes, you can take Mercilon without a break by starting a new pack immediately after finishing the previous one without the 7-day pill break. This method, known as continuous use, may help to skip your period. However, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your contraceptive routine to ensure it's suitable for your individual health needs.

Weight gain while taking Mercilon will vary depending on the individual and how the body adapts to the pill. Certain studies suggest that due to the smaller dosage of ethinylestradiol (20 mcg) found in Mercilon compared to other combined contraceptive pills, which usually contain 30 mcg, there is a reduced chance of weight gain when taking Mercilon. 

Mercilon is approved for use in the UK as a contraceptive pill by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Mercilon and Yasmin are both combined oral contraceptive pills, but they differ in their hormone composition. Mercilon contains 20 mcg of ethinylestradiol and 150 mcg of desogestrel, offering a lower dose of oestrogen compared to many other pills. Yasmin, on the other hand, contains 30 mcg of ethinylestradiol and 3 mcg of drospirenone. Both pills effectively prevent pregnancy, but the choice between them may depend on individual health needs and how one's body responds to the different hormone levels.

• Yasmin or Lucette, which contain ethinylestradiol and drospirenone.
• Rigevidon, Microgynon 30, and Levest, which contain levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol
• Progestogen-only pills (mini-pills) such as Lovima, Cerelle, and Cerazette (which contain desogestrel), Noriday 350 mcg (which contains norethisterone), and Norgeston (which contains levonorgestrel).

You can buy Mercilon from Pharmica after completing a quick online consultation to determine if Mercilon is suitable for you.