Lovima Mini-Pill 75mcg Tablets

Lovima Mini-Pill 75mcg is a Pharmacy (P) medicine is a Pharmacy (P) medicine — you can buy it without a prescription, following a short consultation with our pharmacist, who will check it is suitable for you. Reclassified by the MHRA from prescription-only to Pharmacy status, Lovima lets you get your progestogen-only contraception from a pharmacy rather than needing a GP or clinic appointment.

Lovima Mini-Pill 75mcg (Desogestrel) – Progestogen-Only Contraceptive

Lovima Mini-Pill 75mcg contains the active ingredient desogestrel and is a progestogen-only form of contraception used to prevent pregnancy. Commonly called a “mini-pill” or progestogen-only pill (POP), it contains no oestrogen, making it a suitable option for those who cannot use combined oral contraceptives. It is taken as one tablet daily at the same time each day, with no break between packs.

How Lovima Mini-Pill 75mcg Works

Lovima works mainly by thickening the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to pass through the cervix. It also inhibits ovulation, so an egg is not released. Together, these actions make it over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. Lovima does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Key Features

• Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly.
• Oestrogen-free — a progestogen-only option.
• One tablet daily, with no break between packs.
• Can be started on the first day of a period, or at another point depending on previous contraception.
• Available as a Pharmacy medicine following a pharmacist consultation — no prescription required.

Directions for Use

Take Lovima Mini-Pill 75mcg exactly as set out in the patient information leaflet, or as advised by your pharmacist. Take one tablet every day at the same time, with no break between packs. The days of the week are printed on the blister strip to help track doses.

If a tablet is missed, or in the case of severe vomiting or diarrhoea, refer to the patient information leaflet — additional contraception, such as condoms, may be needed for a short period.

Starting Lovima Mini-Pill 75mcg

• New to hormonal contraception: start on the first day of your period for immediate protection, with no additional contraception needed.
• Switching from a combined pill: start the day after your last active pill.
• Switching from a vaginal ring or patch: start on the day of removal.
• Switching from another progestogen-only pill: start the following day.
• Switching from an injection, implant or hormonal IUS: start when the next injection would have been due, or the day after the implant/IUS is removed.

Where there is a gap between methods, or when starting after childbirth or miscarriage, additional contraception may be needed for the first 7 days. Your pharmacist can advise.

Side Effects

Lovima is generally well tolerated. Some people may experience mild, usually short-lived effects as the body adjusts, including mood changes, headaches, nausea, irregular periods, acne, breast tenderness or weight changes. If these persist or worsen, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Serious side effects are rare but may include an allergic reaction, signs of a blood clot (such as swelling or pain in the leg), or an unexplained breast lump. If any of these occur, seek immediate medical help. As with all hormonal contraception, there is a slightly increased risk of blood clots, though this is lower than with combined hormonal contraceptives.

Warnings and Precautions

Lovima may not be suitable for everyone. Do not take it if you have any of the following:

• An allergy to any of the ingredients
• A history of thrombosis (blood clots)
• Liver conditions such as jaundice
• Certain cancers, particularly breast cancer
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

Before starting, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you have a history of breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes or liver problems; epilepsy or tuberculosis; or if you take any other medicines, particularly those for epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV or infections.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Lovima should not be used during pregnancy. If you are or may be pregnant, speak to your pharmacist or doctor before use. Lovima is generally suitable while breastfeeding, with minimal effect on milk production, but check with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack. Dispose of any unused medication responsibly — do not put it in household waste or wastewater.