Elevin

Elevin is a combined oral contraceptive pill (commonly called ‘the pill’) which uses two hormones to prevent pregnancy. It contains synthetic versions of oestrogen and progestogen as 30mcg of ethinylestradiol and 150 mcg of levonorgestrel.

In addition to being an effective and reversible method of preventing pregnancy, Elevin can help with premenstrual symptoms, regulate your periods, and make them lighter and less painful.

Oestrogen and progestogen levels are natural hormones with levels that change at different points during menstrual cycle. Combined pills like Elevin keep oestrogen and progestogen levels high, which prevents pregnancy in three ways:

1. it prevents the monthly release of an egg so that eggs are unable to be fertilised
2. it thickens the mucus in the womb, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg
3. it thins the lining of the womb so that a fertilised egg would be less able to implant into the womb and grow

Elevin is taken once daily, preferably around the same time each day, for 21 days followed by a 7-day break, when you will get a withdrawal bleed (this is like a period). After that, you should begin taking the next pack, even if you are still bleeding.

When first starting Elevin, you should take the first pill on the first day of your period. If you cannot do this, you can begin on day 2-5 of your cycle, but you should use an additional contraception method for the first seven days in addition to the pill to prevent pregnancy.

When taking any medication, it is important to follow the advice of your doctor.

If you miss a pill

If you miss a pill, take it as soon as possible, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time, and continue taking your pills as normal. Missing one pill in a 21-day pack does not increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

If you miss two or more pills, then you will not be protected from pregnancy and should use an additional contraception method for the next seven days.

Vomiting and diarrhoea

If you take your pill, but experience stomach troubles soon after, this may also decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Treat every day that you experience severe stomach trouble as though you have not taken your pill.

If you vomit within three hours of taking the pill, you should take another pill as soon as possible. You should then continue taking pills as normal.

Diarrhoea can also lessen the effectiveness of the pill. If you have had very severe diarrhoea, you should use additional contraception.

All medications can cause side effects, although combined contraceptive pills are usually well-tolerated.

Some of the most common side effects include:

• headaches
• migraines
• spotting

Less common side effects include:

• breast tenderness
• mood changes
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• bloating
• weight change

Not everyone will experience side effects, and some of these may be temporary as a result of starting the medication and will decrease over time.

You can read the prescription information leaflet for a complete list of side effects.

Blood clots

It has been noted that there is an increase in blood clots in women who take combined contraceptive pills compared with those who do not.

Although your overall risk of getting a blood clot is still low, they can be very serious. Your risk is further increased with smoking, increased age, high blood pressure, migraines, certain heart conditions, diabetes, and if you are overweight.

It is important to seek immediate medical help if you suspect you have a blood clot. Read the patient information leaflet for more information on how to spot a blood clot.

This pill is for sexually active women (over the age of 18 years if prescribed through an online doctor service) who need an effective method for preventing pregnancy.

Combined contraceptive pills are not recommended if you are over 35 or smoke.

Serious risks associated with taking Elevin are rare, but accurately detailing your previous medical history as well as other medications and supplements that you are taking (even if they are not prescribed) in your consultation can help the doctor ensure that this is the appropriate treatment for you. You should always read the patient information leaflet fully before taking any medication.

Contraceptive pills do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, so it is important to practise safe sex.

You will need to complete a quick online consultation to buy Elevin online. One of our doctors will then assess your suitability and if your consultation is approved, your tablets will be sent from our UK pharmacy with free next-day delivery.

Is it safe to buy Elevin online?

When you buy Elevin tablets online from us, one of our UK-based doctors will review your consultation before forwarding your prescription to our pharmacy, where it is rechecked before being dispatched to you.