Millinette 30/75mcg - 63 Tablets (3-month course)

Contraception Doctor Service

Millinette is a Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) tablet also called pill. It contains two types of female hormones in a low dose - a progestogen: gestodene and an oestrogen: ethinylestradiol.

These help to stop you from getting pregnant, just as your natural hormones would stop you conceiving again when you are already pregnant.

The COC pill protects you against getting pregnant in three ways: 

• Alter the lining of the womb to make it less likely to accept a fertilised egg
• Stop the ovary from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)
• Also thicken the fluid (at the neck of the womb making it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg

This combined contraceptive pill can be prescribed for females who experience painful or irregular menstruation in order to ease the pain and regulate the period. 

You can order Millinette tablets from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. To see if you are suitable for this treatment, complete the online assessment and checkout. Our UK registered doctors will review the order and after approval pass the prescription to the Pharmacy team. We will then dispense and dispatch your order to your chosen address.

• The safety and efficacy in adolescents below 18 years has not been established.
• This medicine is not recommended for females who have an elevated risk of having thrombosis. 

A good self care guide and information for contraceptives is available on the NHS website.

NHS - Contraception

Millinette tablets, like other hormonal contraceptives, do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted disease.=

What are the side effects of the Contraceptive Pill? 

While side effects are usually uncommon and mild in nature, it is best to be aware of any that may occur. Some of the most common side effects include mood swings, headaches nausea, breast tenderness. For a full list of side effects and more information, you can read the Patient Information Leaflet of the medication.

What are the Advantages of the Combined Oral Contraceptive?

Can reduce the risk of some cancers
Can improve acne symptoms 
Can reduce menopausal symptoms

What are the disadvantages of the Combined Oral Contraceptive?

Can cause headaches, breast tenderness and mood changes
Can increase blood pressure
Can experience breakthrough bleeding

What are the advantages of Progesterone only contraceptives?

Reduced likelihood of side effects associated with combined pill
Can be used during breastfeeding
Can help with premenstrual symptoms

What are the disadvantages of Progesterone only contraceptives?

Can cause irregular periods
Can cause periods to be more frequent, or stop altogether
Must be taken at the same time each day

Which pill is right for me?

Prescribers will take a thorough medical history before choosing the right contraceptive pill for you. For most people, the combined contraceptive pill works best. For those who are over 35, smoke, suffer from migraine or have other risk factors your doctor will look into, the Progesterone-only pill may be more suitable.

Am I protected straight away?

Some pills, if taken correctly, will provide protection immediately, while others take time to provide contraceptive cover. Refer to your patient information leaflet to find out when you are protected on your pill.

Do I still need to use a condom?

Although you will be covered against pregnancy with the pill, it is always advised to use a condom. This is to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

I forgot to take my pill – what should I do?

You should always take your pill around the same time each day to ensure maximum contraceptive cover. Different pills vary in the amount of time you can delay your dose. Always refer to your prescribed medication’s patient information leaflet to find more detailed information relating to missed doses.

Like all medicines Millinette can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

While side effects are usually uncommon and mild in nature, it is best to be aware of any that may occur.

An increased risk of blood clots in your arteries is present for all women taking combined hormonal contraceptives.

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• headache, irregular bleeding and spotting between periods, gain weight, nausea, tender breast

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• vaginitis, fungal infection of vagina, mood altered including depression, nervousness,  dizziness, nausea,  upper abdominal pain, acne, menstruation pain, absence of menstruation, changes in vaginal secretion, weight gain, tender breasts, breast pain, breast discharge.

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 

• fluid retention, decreased sexual desire, migraine, impaired hearing, diarrhoea, breast enlargement, changed appetite, increase in blood pressure, vomiting, excessive hair growth, hair loss.

For a full list of side effects, read the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, our Rightdose pharmacists or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

You can help to make medicines safer by reporting any side-effects to the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

Patient Information Leaflet Millinette 30/75mcg Coated Tablets

They are one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraceptives if used correctly.

Important information about Combined Hormonal Contraceptives

They slightly increase the risk of having a blood clot in their veins and arteries, especially in the first year when restarting a combined hormonal contraceptive following a break of 4 or more weeks.

• Please be alert and see your doctor if you think you may have symptoms of a blood clot.

Regular check-ups

Before you start taking Millinette, your doctor should take your medical history  by asking you some questions about yourself and other members of your family. Your doctor will take your blood pressure and make sure you are not pregnant. Your doctor may also examine you. Once you have started taking mIllinette, your doctor will see you again for regular check-ups. This will happen when you go back to your doctor for more pills.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

You must not use Millinette when you are pregnant. If you become or you think you might be pregnant, stop taking Gedarel and talk to your doctor immediately.

Millinette should not be taken during breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding and want to take the pill, you should discuss this with your doctor.

Driving and using machines

Millinette has no or only minor influence on the ability to drive and operate machinery.

Millinette contains lactose and sucrose

If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

How to store Millinette tablets

• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the tube after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw
  away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Before using any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

Millinette tablet is for oral use only.

Always use this medicine exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Each pack of Millinette contains 1 calendar strip of 21 coated tablets or 3, 6, 13 calendar strips of 21 coated tablets. The calendar strip has been designed to help you remember to take your tablet, and each tablet marked with the day of the week it should be taken on. 

Directions:

• 1. Swallow one tablet per day with water for 21 days. Take the first tablet on the first day of your period. The first day of your cycle - the day when bleeding starts. Take a tablet marked for the day of the week (for example, if it is Tuesday when your period starts, take the tablet marked Tuesday on the pack). Follow the direction of the arrow and continue to take one tablet each day until the strip is empty.

If you start on day 2-5 of your period, you should use another method of contraception as well, such as condom for the first seven tablet-taking days, but this is only for the first pack.

Try to take the pill at the same time each day. It can be taken at any time but taking it at the same time everyday will increase its effectiveness.

• 2. After 21 days, you will take a 7-day pill free break. During the break, you will have a withdrawal bleed, like your period. You will still be protected from pregnancy during the 7-day break if you took all the pills as instructed during the week before your break.
• 3. After the 7-day break, start your next strip on the day 8th - even if the bleeding has not ended yet. As long as you take Millinette correctly, you will always start each strip on the same day of the week, and you will always have your monthly period on the same day of the week in each month (in every 28 days). 

What happens if you miss a Millinette pill?

If you miss one pill and are less than 12 hours late then your protection from pregnancy will not be reduced. You should take the missed tablet as soon as you remember even if it means taking two in one day. Take the following pills at your usual time.

If you are more than 12 hours late taking your pill, your protection from pregnancy may be reduced. Continue to take your pill as normal but you should avoid unprotected sex for 7 days. If you have already had unprotected sex (after your missed pill), you will need to use emergency contraception.

If you miss a pill and your strip ends within the next six days, you should skip your usual 7-day break and continue with the next strip of pills.

If you take more Millinette than you should it is not likely that it will do you any harm, but you may feel sick, actually be sick or have some vaginal bleeding. If you have any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor who can tell you what, if anything, you need to do.

Can I take Millinette without a break?

Yes, you can take Millinette without a break and this can reduce side effects in some women.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Millinette tablets.

When should you contact your doctor or seek urgent medical attention:

If you notice possible signs of a blood clot that may mean you are suffering from a blood clot in the leg (i.e. deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot in the lung (i.e. pulmonary embolism), heart attack or a stroke.

For a description of the symptoms of these serious side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet. If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions apply to you:

• You have pain in your upper abdomen that does not get better. Also if your skin becomes yellow (jaundiced), you must tell  your doctor.
• Psychiatric disorders. Some women using hormonal contraceptives including Millinette have reported depression or depressed mood. If you experience mood changes and depressive symptoms contact your doctor for further medical advice as soon as possible.
• Migraine/headache. You should talk to your doctor immediately if your migraine worsens or if a recurrent, persistent or severe headache develops.
• Sudden changes of eyesight or difficulties in seeing or speaking.
• Immune system disorder. Millinette can induce or worsen the symptoms of angioedema (sudden swelling of the face, tongue and windpipe that can cause difficulties in breathing and swallowing). The risk is higher if you or your close relatives have ever had troubles with angioedema.
• Other medicines and Millinette.  Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Also tell any other doctor or dentist who prescribes another medicine (or the dispensing pharmacist) that you use Millinette. They can tell you if you need to take additional contraceptive precautions (for example condoms) and if so how long., or if you may need to change the dose of other medicines you use.

Some medicines can have an influence on the blood levels of Millinette and can make it less effective in preventing pregnancy, or can cause unexpected bleeding. Please talk to your doctor and read the Patient Information Leaflet for the list of medicines used for the treatment of:

• Epilepsy
• Medicine used for the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension
• HIV and Hepatitis C Virus infections
• Tuberculosis
• Fungal infections
• Arthritis, arthrosis
• The herbal remedy St. John's wort. If you want to use herbal products containing St. John's wort, while you are already using Millinette you should consult your doctor first.

Ingredients:

The active substances are 30 micrograms ethinylestradiol and 75 micrograms gestodene in coated tablets.

The other ingredients are:

Tablet core: Sodium calcium edetate, stearic acid,  Lactose monohydrate, Magnesium stearate, Silica colloidal, anhydrous, Povidone K 30, Maize starch, Lactose monohydrate.

Tablet coating: Quinoline yellow (E 104), Povidone K-90, Titanium dioxide (E171), Macrogol 6000, Talc, Calcium carbonate, (E170), Sucrose.

What Millinette tablets looks like and contents of the pack

Pale yellow, round shaped, biconvex sugar-coated tablets, both sides are without imprinting.