Millinette is a type of contraceptive pill known as the combined pill. It is used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It contains two active ingredients, ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and gestodene (progesterone).

Millinette is available in 2 doses:

• low dose: contains a low dose of oestrogen (20 micrograms) and 75 micrograms of gestodene (progesterone)
• standard dose: 30/75 which has 30mcg of ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and 75mcg of gestodene

Millinette 20/75 is suitable for people who are concerned about oestrogen-related side effects because it contains a lower dose.

Millinette works to prevent pregnancy in three ways:

1. Thickens the cervical mucus, so sperm cannot reach an egg.
2. Thins the lining of the womb, so an egg cannot implant itself.
3. Prevents ovulation, stops an egg from leaving the ovaries reducing the risk of fertilisation.

How effective is Millinette?

If it is used correctly, Millinette can be more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, it is more likely to be closer to 91% effective when things like user error such as forgetting to take the pill or illness are considered.

Research shows that a combined pill containing ethinylestradiol and gestodene (the active ingredients in Millinette) is effective at managing the menstrual cycle. Whilst taking the pill, researchers noted that it had excellent cycle control and that the incidences of irregular bleeding and minor side effects were low. The pill can also help to improve acne.

Millinette is supplied in strips of 21 pills with each pill marked with the specific day of the week it should be taken.

To take Millinette:

1. select a pill that relates to the correct day of the week, so if it is Wednesday, choose the first pill in the strip marked ‘Wed’
2. swallow 1 pill at the same time every day for 21 days, each pill must be swallowed whole, do not crush or chew it
3. follow the direction of the arrows on the strip until you have taken all of the pills over 21 days
4. then have a 7-day break where you will take no pills for 7 days
5. during this break, you should experience a withdrawal bleed, similar to a period, but you don’t need to use any other contraception
6. on the 8th day after taking your last Millinette pill, start a new Millinette strip, even if you are still bleeding

If you take Millinette this way, you should start a new strip on the same day each week and have a withdrawal bleed every 4th week.

You can find full instructions on how to take Millinette in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

When to take Millinette

Millinette can be taken at any time of day that suits you but it must be taken at the same time each day. Some people find it easier to remember to take their pill if they take it at the same time as something else they do every day at the same time, like brushing their teeth or going to bed. If you are worried you might forget to take your pill, setting an alarm on your phone can be helpful.

You can start Millinette at any time during your menstrual cycle. You will only be protected straight away from pregnancy if you start it on days 1 to 5 of your period. If you take it after this, you will need to use another contraception method, like condoms, for the first 7 days.

How often to take Millinette

Millinette is taken once every day for 21 days until you have completed the strip followed by a 7-day break. During this time you don’t take any pills.

How long do you need to take Millinette for?

You should take Millinette for as long as you do not want to become pregnant. It is safe to take long-term alongside annual pill checks by your doctor but you should report any ongoing or serious side effects to your doctor straight away.

If you wish to try for a baby, you can stop taking Millinette at any time, but you will no longer be protected from pregnancy from the day you stop taking the pill.

What should I do if I forget to take the pill?

If you forget to take Millinette and it is:

• less than 12 hours late: Take it as soon as you remember, then continue with the next scheduled pill at your usual time.
• more than 12 hours late: Take the most recently missed pill as soon as you remember, then take your next tablet at your usual time, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Your contraceptive protection may be reduced, so you will need to use additional non-hormonal contraception, like condoms, for 7 days.

Millinette is a prescription-only medication so you will need the approval of a doctor to obtain it.

You can request Millinette from reputable online services like Superdrug Online Doctor or it may be available on prescription from the NHS.

Can I buy Millinette online?

Yes, Millinette can be requested from Superdrug Online Doctor. Our online service is fast, effective, and easy to use. You just need to complete a short online questionnaire about your health and lifestyle to obtain a doctor’s approval. All our orders are sent in unmarked packaging and delivered next-day to your home address.

Can I buy Millinette over-the-counter?

No, Millinette is a prescription-only medication so it is not available over-the-counter. A brand of mini pill called Hana is available to buy over-the-counter in pharmacies.

Can I get Millinette on the NHS?

• Millinette may be available on the NHS but you will need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your health, lifestyle, and contraception options.

Millinette can cause side effects, but not everyone will experience them.

Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):

• irregular bleeding or spotting between periods
• headaches

Common side effects (affecting 1 in 10 people):

• vaginal yeast infection (thrush)
• depression
• dizziness
• feeling sick (nausea)
• upper abdominal pain
• nervousness
• weight gain
• acne
• changes to vaginal secretions
• painful or absent periods
• breast pain
• breast discharge
• swollen breasts

Uncommon side effects (affecting 1 in 100 people):

• fluid retention
• migraine
• increased or reduced appetite
• increased blood pressure
• being sick (vomiting)
• skin rash
• diarrhoea
• yellow-brownish patches on the skin (chloasma)
• hair growth or loss
• low sex drive
• changes to serum lipid level

Rare side effects (affecting 1 in 1000 people):

• glucose intolerance
• eye irritation when wearing contact lenses
• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• ear infections and disease
• skin issues
• increased sex drive
• blood clots (gestodene is associated with clots in 9-12 women a year out of every 10,000 who take Millinette)

A full list of side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet.

How long do Millinette side effects last for?

If you experience Millinette side effects, they should go away by themselves within the first few weeks or months as your body gets used to the hormonal changes taking place.

If you experience side effects that last longer than 3 months or are difficult to manage, speak to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for advice.

What to do if you get Millinette side effects

Mild side effects usually no require no treatment but, if needed, they can be managed with over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol.

If side effects are hard to manage, last for more than 3 months, or are affecting your quality of life, contact your doctor or nurse. They may recommend a more suitable contraception that has less side effects.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, call 999 or go to A&E immediately:

• swollen face, tongue and/or throat
• difficulty swallowing
• hives with difficulty breathing
• difficulty breathing
• signs of a blood clot (swelling in one leg, sudden unexplained breathlessness, vision loss, chest pain, severe pain in your stomach)

Do not take Millinette if you:

• are allergic to gestodene or ethinylestradiol or any of the other ingredients in this medication
• have a blood clot in your leg, lungs, or any other organ
• have a blood clotting condition
• are waiting for an operation and will be off your feet for a while
• ever had a heart attack or stroke
• have angina
• experience migraine with aura
• are severely diabetic
• have very high blood pressure
• have high levels of fat in your blood
• have a condition called hyperhomocysteinemia
• have pancreatitis
• have or have had liver disease or liver tumours
• have or have had cancer that is affected by hormones such as breast or cervical
• experience unusual bleeding from the vagina
• are over age 35 and smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day

You should also tell your doctor if you are taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications as they could impact the effectiveness of Millinette.

Millinette and breastfeeding

Millinette should not be taken whilst breastfeeding. If you do need contraception whilst you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor to discuss safe alternatives.

There are several alternative contraception options available, including hormonal and non-hormonal methods.

Hormonal contraception:

• Other combined pills: Alternatives include Microgynon 30, Yasmin, Gedarel, Eloine, and Lizinna.
• Mini pills: Only contain a synthetic form of progesterone, suitable for people who cannot take oestrogen, such as Cerelle, Cerazette, Noriday, Hana, and Desomono.
• Contraceptive patch: A patch worn on the skin that delivers oestrogen and progesterone into the bloodstream, like the Evra Patch.
• Vaginal ring: Includes the brand NuvaRing, these deliver oestrogen and progesterone via a small ring that is inserted into the vagina and is effective for up to 3 weeks.
• Contraceptive injection: Progesterone-only injections given every 3 months by a doctor or nurse.
• Contraceptive implant: Small contraceptive devices inserted into the arm that releases progesterone and works similarly to the mini pill.
• Hormonal coil or intrauterine system (IUS): A small device that’s inserted into the womb by a medical professional and steadily releases progesterone to prevent pregnancy.

Non-hormonal contraception includes:

• condoms
• diaphragms
• the copper coil
• natural family planning (although statistically less effective)

Is Millinette the same as Marvelon?

No, Millinette and Marvelon are not the same. They work in similar ways but Marvelon contains different active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. Millinette is also available in a low and standard dose.

Is Millinette the same as Rigevidon?

No, Millinette and Rigevidon are not the same, Rigevidon contains 30mcg of ethinylestradiol and 150mcg of levonorgestrel whereas Millinette contains 20 or 30mcg of ethinylestradiol and 75mcg gestodene.

Will Millinette affect my weight?

Side effects from Millinette are the same as other combined contraceptive pills. There have been reports of both weight loss and gain. However, there is not substantial evidence to back this.

Can Millinette stop my periods?

Yes, a common Millinette side effect is absent periods, but not everyone will experience this. You can delay your period when taking Millinette by taking 2 strips back to back without a 7-day break. However, Millinette should not be used solely for this purpose. If you want to delay your period, consider our period delay medications.

Does Millinette increase your risk of blood clots?

Yes, there is a slightly increased risk of developing blood clots while using Millinette compared to using no combined hormonal contraceptive at all.

The risk of developing a blood clot is highest during the first year of taking a combined contraceptive for the first time or if you restart it after taking a break of at least 4 weeks. The risk reduces as you continue taking the pill but it will always be higher than if you were not using a combined contraceptive.

The risk of developing a blood clot in people who use any combined hormonal contraceptive is 2 in 10,000 people each year.

The risk of developing a blood clot when taking a combined hormonal contraceptive containing gestodene is between 9 and 12 out of 10,000 people each year.

If you are concerned about developing a blood clot while taking Millinette, contact your doctor.

Can Millinette help with acne?

Yes, a study investigating the effect of 75mcg of gestodene and 30mcg of ethinylestradiol on acne found that acne improved in 62% of cases. The participants had either none or minimal acne lesions, possibly due to the levels of male hormones (androgens) returning to normal levels following treatment.