Logynon warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Logynon is unsuitable for you if you have:

• A history of heart attack or stroke
• A family history of blood clots
• A blood clotting disorder
• Very high blood pressure
• Very high lipid levels in the blood
• Severe migraines with visual disturbances
• Impaired liver function
• Any history of breast cancer.

You may be advised not to take Logynon if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Crohn’s disease or chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• Kidney disease
• Sickle-cell anaemia
• An inflamed pancreas
• Inflamed veins under the skin
• Varicose veins
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Migraines
• Obesity
• Porphyria.

Do not use Logynon if you have breast cancer, or if you have had it before. Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase your chance of developing breast cancer. Once you have stopped using the Pill for at least 10 years, your risk levels will come back down. Women who are elderly and/or overweight are more vulnerable to breast cancer. Take care using Logynon if a close relative has suffered from breast cancer before. Check your breasts and nipples regularly for any changes or lumps. If you notice anything abnormal, visit your doctor as soon as you can.

You may be more susceptible to blood clots while taking Logynon, especially during the first year of use. Talk to your GP before having any operation while taking the Pill. You may need to stop using Logynon in advance of the operation to avoid the increased risk of a blood clot. You are also at a heightened risk of developing a blood clot if you:

• Smoke
• Are obese
• Have a family history of blood clots
• Do not exercise regularly
• Have had a miscarriage in the past
• Have recently given birth.

Logynon may increase your chance of developing cervical cancer. For this reason, you should have regular smear tests while taking the Pill.

If you require any blood test, inform your doctor of which medicines you are taking – Logynon may alter the results of some blood tests.

Logynon and other medicines

The following medicines may impact the effectiveness of Logynon:

• Epilepsy medicines (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• HIV medicines
• Hepatitis C medicines
• Some antibiotics
• Barbiturates
• St John’s Wort
• Griseofulvin.

Logynon may also impact the effectiveness of certain medicines. Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Logynon directions

If possible, begin taking Logynon on the first day of your period. Take one pill at a similar time each day, in the indicated order.

1. For the first six days, you will take light brown tablets which contain 50mcg levonorgestrel.
2. For the following five days you will take white tablets which contain 75mcg levonorgestrel.
3. For the final ten days, you will take ochre-coloured tablets which contain 125mcg levonorgestrel.

There are 21 Logynon pills in a strip. Once you have finished a strip, you will stop taking the pill for seven days. During this time you will have a normal bleed. Once seven days have passed, begin your next cycle of treatment.

If you take Logynon ED, you will not have a break, your pill runs in 28-day cycles and is taken continuously. Logynon ED is taken in the same way as Logynon for the first 21 days and then you should take the 7 white tablets for the remaining 7 days before starting your next pack.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, even if it is nearly time for your next pill. If you have missed one day, you should still be protected from pregnancy. If you miss multiple days, you are advised to use additional contraception for the following seven days.

Logynon ingredients

The active ingredients contained in Logynon are:

6 light brown tablets – 50mcg levonorgestrel, 30mcg ethinylestradiol

5 white tablets – 75mcg levonorgestrel, 40mcg ethinylestradiol

10 ochre tablets – 125mcg levonorgestrel, 30mcg ethinylestradiol

Logynon also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Lactose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate (E572), sucrose, polyethylene glycol 6000, calcium carbonate (E170), talc, montan glycol wax, glycerin (E422), titanium dioxide (E171), ferric oxide pigment (red and yellow) (E172).

Logynon side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Logynon, however if you do they may include:

• Stomach pain
• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Mood swings
• Breast pain
• Headaches

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.