How to use the Lizinna contraceptive pill

The Lizinna pill contains 21 pills per pack and each pill is marked with a day of the week. To take Lizinna, simply follow these steps:

1. Take 1 Lizinna pill every day at the same time. Start by taking the first Lizinna pill marked with the correct day of the week.
2. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
3. After all 21 pills have been taken, take a 7-day break before starting your new strip. This means if you take your last pill on a Friday, the first pill of your next pack should be taken on the following Saturday. During this break, you will have a withdrawal bleed — extra contraception isn’t required during this time.
4. Start taking Lizinna again after the seven pill-free days, even if you’re still bleeding.

Will I get pregnant if I miss one pill?

Lizinna is an effective method of contraception when taken correctly. However, missing two or more pills frequently will reduce its effectiveness and increase the chance of you becoming pregnant, even if you have a withdrawal bleed. Missing a pill or starting a new strip more than one day late may also affect the pill’s effectiveness.

For more information, refer to the patient information leaflet.

Lizinna ingredients

Lizinna pills contain synthetic versions of two female hormones — 250 micrograms norgestimate and 35 micrograms ethinylestradiol.

Other ingredients include Lactose Anhydrous, Lactose, Monohydrate, Povidone K-25, dl-a-tocopherol, Microcrystalline cellulose, Croscarmellose sodium, Starch Pregelatinised (starch 1500), Magnesium Stearate, Indigo carmine aluminium lake (E 132).

Lizinna pill side effects

As with all medicines, including the combined contraceptive pill, some patients may experience side effects when taking Lizinna.

There is an increased risk of blood clots for those taking Lizinna or other combined oral contraceptive pills. If you think you may have a blood clot, you should seek urgent medical assistance.

The most common symptoms of blood clots include:

• Swelling of the leg along with tenderness — this could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Increased warmth in the affected leg
• Sharp chest pain which may increase with deep breathing
• Painless blurring of vision which can progress to loss of vision (retinal vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the eye)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Upper body discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, arm and stomach

Other Lizinna side effects may include:

• Migraines
• Mood changes
• Stomach aches and bloating
• Acne
• Painful breasts
• Vaginal infections such as thrush

It is also important to note that while the combined pill may reduce your risk of cancer of the ovary and womb if taken over a long period, it may slightly increase your risk of breast cancer.

If you have any concerns about any of the information listed above (including the risk of blood clots) then you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist. When serious side effects occur such as difficulty breathing, seek professional medical help as soon as possible.

Lizinna warnings

Not all contraceptive pills are safe for everyone. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your GP, who will determine the risk factors and help you find a method of contraception that’s best suited to you.

Before taking Lizinna, you should speak to your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• You have problems with your heart, circulation or blood clotting, such as high blood pressure
• You have diabetes without secondary problems.
• You have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammatory bowel disease)
• You have a history of migraines
• You need an operation, or you are off your feet for a long time
• You have inflammation in the veins under the skin (superficial thrombophlebitis)
• You have (or have ever had) breast cancer

Can you take Lizinna while breastfeeding?

If you’re breast-feeding, your doctor or health advisor may advise you not to take Lizinna. Alternative contraceptive methods may be recommended. These include:

• Male and female condoms
• An intrauterine device (known as the ‘coil’)
• A diaphragm or cap