Ovranette 3-month course

How to take Ovranette

• Take one pill daily for 21 days, starting with the pill that matches the current day of the week.
• Follow the directional arrows on the packaging.
• Stop taking Ovranette for 7 days after completing the first packet of pills, during which you may experience bleeding.
• After the seven-day break on the eighth day, start your new packet of 21 Ovranette pills.

It is important to take Ovranette at the same time each day to maintain its effectiveness. Taking the pill at the same time helps to keep hormone levels stable and ensures that the medication is consistently present in the body.

When can I start taking Ovranette?

For those new to or on a break from contraceptive pills:

Start on the first day of your period for immediate pregnancy protection, eliminating the need for extra barrier methods.

If you start Ovranette after the first day of your period, use a barrier contraceptive like condoms for the first 7 days.

Changing to Ovranette from another contraceptive pill:

For those taking a Pill for 21 days: 

Start Ovranette the day after finishing your current strip for immediate contraceptive protection. Your first bleed will occur after completing the first Ovranette strip.

For those taking a Pill for 28 days: 

Start Ovranette the day after your last active pill for immediate contraceptive protection. Your first bleed will occur after completing the first Ovranette strip.

For those taking a Progestogen-Only Pill (POP): 

Start Ovranette on the first day of bleeding, even if you’ve taken the progestogen-only Pill that day. Immediate contraceptive coverage will be in effect.

When can I stop taking Ovranette?

You can stop taking Ovranette at any time. If you are planning a pregnancy, you should use another method of contraception after stopping Ovranette until you have had a proper period. This helps your doctor estimate your due date accurately.

What should you do if you miss an Ovranette pill?

If it is less than 12 hours since your last dose of Ovranette:

Take the missed pill as soon as possible, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Your pregnancy protection should remain unaffected provided you continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time.

If it has been longer than 12 hours since your last dose of Ovranette:

Take the missed pill as soon as possible, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Use additional contraception like condoms for the next 7 days.

If you have missed multiple Ovranette pills:

Contact your doctor and refer to the patient information leaflet.

The listed side effects will not be experienced by everyone who uses Ovranette, but you should be aware of:

Common: Affecting up to 10% of users

• Vaginal infections like thrush
• Feeling nauseous or vomiting
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Changes in weight
• Changes in mood including depression
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Changes in sex drive
• Acne
• Sore or tender breasts
• Changes in breast size or discharge

Uncommon: Affecting up to 1% of users

• Diarrhoea
• Changes in appetite
• Changes to menstrual flow
• Skin rash
• Brown patches on your face or body (chloasma)
• Hives (urticaria)
• Swelling in ankles, hands, or feet due to fluid retention
• Increase in blood pressure
• Changes in fat levels in your blood

Rare: Affecting up to 0.1% of users

• Change in glucose tolerance
• Contact lenses may feel uncomfortable
• Painful red lumps on the skin
• Pink-red blotches on the skin
• Period pain or lack/absence of periods
• Vaginal discharge

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience: 

• Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of a blood clot such as:
  • Pain in the leg when standing or walking
  • Increased warmth in the leg
  • Change in colour of the skin
• Breathlessness or rapid breathing
• Sudden cough which may be blood-stained
• Dizziness, light-headedness, loss of balance or coordination
• Change in heartbeat
• Pain in the stomach
• Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision
• Chest pain, pressure, heaviness, or general discomfort
• Discomfort in the upper body radiating to the stomach, back, arm, throat and jaw
• Sweating, nausea, vomiting
• Anxiety, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Weakness of the body
• Sudden severe headache
• Loss of consciousness or fainting

Always report any side effects to your GP or pharmacist.

Does Ovranette cause weight gain?

The patient information leaflet lists changes in weight as a potential side effect of taking this medication; however, according to the NHS website, “There is no evidence that the pill will make you gain weight.”

Please read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects. Always report any side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use Ovranette if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You are 35 years old or over and smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day
• You have had heart problems, certain types of migraines, or issues like severe diabetes, high blood pressure, or liver disease
• You or anyone in your family has an increased risk of blood clots and circulation problems
• You are allergic to its ingredients or are using specific medications for hepatitis C.
• You have systemic lupus erythematosus

Ovranette interacts with certain medications, making it less effective. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist of any medication you are taking, so that they can check for interactions. The main medications that can interact with Ovranette are:

Anticonvulsants:

• Barbiturates (including phenobarbitone)
• Primidone
• Phenytoin
• Carbamazepine
• Oxcarbazepine
• Topiramate

Antibiotics/Antifungals:

• Griseofulvin
• Rifampicin

Herbal Remedies:

• St John’s Wort

Antiretroviral Agents:

• Ritonavir
• Nelfinavir
• Nevirapine

Stimulants:

• Modafinil

You should inform your GP or pharmacist of any medication you are taking, so that they can check for interactions.

Can I use Ovranette if I am breastfeeding?

Avoid using Ovranette if you are breastfeeding. Ovranette is an oral contraceptive pill used to protect against pregnancy.

• https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/combined-pill/
• https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1524