Brevinor

Brevinor is commonly known as 'the pill' or the combined pill and is a daily oral contraceptive. Brevinor can also help to regulate your periods, reduce pain and shorten the duration of your period. Brevinor contains both artificial oestrogen and progestogen (ethinylestradiol and norethisterone), and if taken on the first day of your period, protection is immediate.

What are the additional benefits of Brevinor?

If you take Brevinor on the first day of your period, you'll be able to benefit from this protection straight away. Brevinor contains the same dose of contraceptives as Binovum, but it's monophasic, so you only have to ingest a single dose during your entire cycle, which makes it easier to take.

Taking a monophasic birth control pill can help to regulate your hormone levels, which makes it less likely that you will experience mood changes as a result of natural fluctuating hormone cycles.

Some women use Brevinor pills to treat acne, and improvements are often seen within three months in the patients who respond well to hormonal treatments.

=BiNovum and Trinovum have both been discontinued by their manufacturer, but contain the same active ingredients as Brevinor. If you were previously on either pill, Brevinor could be taken as an alternative.

As Brevinor is a version of the combined pill, it works in three ways to stop you from falling pregnant. Firstly, it supplements your body with hormones (ethinylestradiol 35 micrograms and norethisterone 0.5 milligrams) which override your natural cycle. This makes your body think that ovulation has already occurred, so that your body doesn't release an egg as usual. Secondly, because ovulation isn't happening, the womb lining doesn't thicken, which means that even if an egg does get released it can't attach itself to the womb lining and grow. Thirdly, the hormones prevent sperm from entering the womb, as they change the consistency of the cervical fluid.

For immediate protection, you should take your first Brevinor pill on the first day of your period. You can also take it up to the fifth day of your period, but then you will have to wait for up to seven days before it is completely effective. In this time, you can use condoms or refrain from sex. Brevinor is a 21-day oral contraceptive, which means that you'll have to take it for 21 consecutive days, preferably at the same time each day.

After the 21 days, you need to take a seven-day break. You will be completely protected during this time and may experience a withdrawal bleed similar to your period.

After the seven-day break, you should start with your next 21 pills immediately.

If not taken on the first day of your period, use condoms for the following seven days. Take each pill around the same time every day for maximum effectiveness. Many women set an alarm to remember their next dose. Each Brevinor pill can be easily swallowed with or without drink and food. Store away from direct sunlight and under the temperature of 25°C. Double check the expiry date and patient leaflet regarding use and missed pill if unsure.

What should I do about a missed Brevinor pill?

If you happen to forget to take your pill or more than one pill in one blister pack at the usual time, follow the below protocol:

• If you have missed one Brevinor pill then take it as soon as possible unless it is close to the time of your next pill. If it is nearer to the next pill than the previous time, miss it out completely and continue with the blister pack as normal. Missing one pill in one blister pack will not affect the effectiveness and you will not need further barrier protection.
• If you miss two or more pills in one blister pack, then you will not be protected at maximum effect. However, take the last missed pill as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time of your next pill. Do not take two pills in close proximity - this will not combat the mistake - and skip the missed pills. It is advised to use condoms or refrain from sex for the next seven days.

Use our interactive tool below on what to do if you miss one or multiple pills in one month (menstrual cycle). Simply click to begin.

For more information about what to do if you've missed your dosage for a significant period, it's always best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

There is one standard dosage, which contains 35 micrograms of ethinylestradiol, and 500 micrograms of norethisterone. There are 21 pills per pack which will last a month, including your required seven-day break.

Like a lot of prescription medications available to buy, taking Brevinor tablets may cause side effects, although most women are able to use it without any complications. The most common side effects are changes in menstrual bleeding, changes in libido, headaches or nausea.

Mild side effects aren't unusual if you are starting a new pill, but they normally go away after your body has become used to the medication's effects. This is usually a timeframe of three months. However, if they persist or if you experience any severe reactions, it is advisable to speak to your GP who may be able to recommend a more suitable medication for you.

Most women over 18 can buy Brevinor online for contraceptive purposes, however you should not use Brevinor pills if you have:

• Heart problems
• Bad migraines
• Jaundice
• Thrombosis
• Liver problems
• Current or previous cancer of the cervix, womb, vagina or breast.

There may be other conditions or medications which could prohibit you from being prescribed Brevinor that are not mentioned above. You should ensure you answer all questions as thoroughly as possible when you take your online consultation.

Older women, women who smoke and those who are breastfeeding should use a mini pill as an alternative to Brevinor.

If you would like more information about the precautions and interactions of Brevinor, please refer to the helpful patient leaflet, which is available for download towards the bottom of this page.

You can purchase Brevinor tablets online from HealthExpress, after completing a completely free and confidential online consultation form. When you've completed the form, one of our doctors will review it and see whether Brevinor is the most suitable medication for you. Once you've placed your order, our pharmacy will dispatch Brevinor directly to your home via free next day delivery. If you have any queries, please speak to our friendly UK Customer Service team.