Minipil 20 Tablet

Minipil 20 Tablet is a combined hormonal oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, supplied as a 21-tablet strip. Despite the brand name, it contains both an oestrogen and a progestogen (unlike a true progestogen-only ‘mini-pill’) and is used to prevent pregnancy.

The combination of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel mainly works by suppressing ovulation – it prevents the surge of luteinising hormone needed to release an egg from the ovary. It also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus, and alters the lining of the womb, all of which reduce the chance of pregnancy.

Minipil 20 Tablet combines an oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and a progestogen (levonorgestrel) to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian hormonal signalling that triggers ovulation each month. Without ovulation, no egg is available for fertilisation. The progestogen component also thickens cervical mucus and thins the womb lining as additional contraceptive mechanisms.

Take one Minipil 20 Tablet tablet at approximately the same time each day, with or without food, following the arrows or numbering on the blister pack. After completing all 21 tablets, take a 7-day break (during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs), then start a new strip on the same day of the week as before, regardless of whether bleeding has finished. Use an additional barrier method of contraception if you miss a tablet, as advised in the package leaflet, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Minipil 20 Tablet is taken as one tablet daily for 21 days, in the order indicated on the blister strip, followed by a 7-day tablet-free interval before starting the next strip. Your doctor will confirm exactly when to start your first strip based on your cycle and individual circumstances.

Use this product before the expiry date stated on the packaging. Do not use the medicine if the expiry date has passed.

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

• Known or suspected pregnancy
• Current or past history of venous or arterial blood clots (e.g. deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack)
• Migraine with aura
• Smokers aged over 35 years, due to a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events with combined hormonal contraceptives
• Known or suspected breast cancer or other oestrogen-sensitive cancer
• Severe liver disease or liver tumours
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Breastfeeding in the early weeks after childbirth, as combined hormonal contraceptives are generally not recommended during this period

• Enzyme-inducing medicines such as rifampicin, certain anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine), and the herbal product St John’s Wort can reduce contraceptive effectiveness
• Some antibiotics and other medicines may interact – always tell your doctor and pharmacist you are taking this contraceptive before starting any new medicine
• Smoking significantly increases the cardiovascular risks (blood clots, stroke, heart attack) associated with this medicine
• Persistent vomiting or severe diarrhoea can reduce absorption and contraceptive protection

• Take your tablet at the same time every day to maintain effective contraceptive protection
• Do not smoke while taking this medicine, particularly if you are over 35, due to increased cardiovascular risk
• Use a barrier method (e.g. condoms) if you miss a tablet or are unsure about your protection, and check the package leaflet or ask your pharmacist for missed-dose guidance
• Seek urgent medical attention for leg swelling/pain, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or severe headache with vision changes
• Tell any doctor or dentist that you take this medicine before you start a new medicine or have surgery
• This medicine does not protect against sexually transmitted infections