Mercilon is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill containing desogestrel (150 micrograms) and ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms). It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the lining of the womb to reduce implantation.
Each pack contains 21 active tablets. When taken correctly, Mercilon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Mercilon Tablets
From: £19.99
Description
Directions for Use
- Take one tablet daily at the same time each day.
- Take tablets for 21 days, followed by a 7-day tablet-free break.
- Start the next pack after 7 days, even if bleeding continues.
- A withdrawal bleed usually occurs during the pill-free break.
Starting Mercilon:
- Start on Day 1 of your period for immediate protection.
- If starting on Day 2–5, use additional contraception for 7 days.
Missed tablet:
- Less than 12 hours late: take as soon as remembered and continue as normal.
- More than 12 hours late: take the most recent missed tablet immediately and use extra contraception for 7 days.
- If pills are missed in week 1 and unprotected sex occurred, seek urgent medical advice.
Vomiting within 3–4 hours of taking a tablet or severe diarrhoea may reduce protection — follow missed-pill advice and use extra contraception for 7 days.
After childbirth:
- If not breastfeeding, you may start from 3 weeks after delivery.
- If breastfeeding, Mercilon is not recommended — seek medical advice.
Side Effects
Serious side effects (seek urgent medical help):
- Blood clots (DVT, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, stroke).
- Sudden leg swelling, chest pain, breathlessness, severe headache, or visual problems.
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat).
- Severe liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain).
- Possible signs of breast or cervical cancer.
Common side effects:
- Headache or migraine
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Weight gain
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes or depression
- Breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first few months
Report side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Warnings
Do NOT take Mercilon if you:
- Are pregnant.
- Have ever had a blood clot, stroke, heart attack or angina.
- Have migraine with aura.
- Have severe liver disease or liver tumours.
- Have breast cancer or hormone-dependent cancer.
- Have very high blood pressure or severe diabetes with complications.
- Are taking certain Hepatitis C medicines (e.g. ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir).
Speak to a clinician before use if you:
- Are over 35 and smoke.
- Are overweight.
- Have diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, epilepsy, lupus, Crohn’s disease, kidney or gallbladder disease.
- Have a personal or family history of blood clots.
Important information:
- Slightly increases the risk of blood clots and breast/cervical cancer, but reduces the risk of ovarian and womb cancer.
- Does not protect against STIs — condoms are recommended.
- Some medicines and herbal remedies (e.g. rifampicin, epilepsy medicines, St John’s Wort, HIV treatments) can reduce effectiveness.
- Contains lactose.
Faqs
How effective is Mercilon?
Over 99% effective with correct use.
Will Mercilon change my periods?
Periods usually become regular, lighter and less painful.
Can I get pregnant after stopping Mercilon?
Yes — fertility returns quickly after stopping.
What should I do if I miss a pill?
Take the most recent missed pill immediately and use extra contraception for 7 days if more than 12 hours late.
Can I take Mercilon after having a baby?
Yes, from 3 weeks after delivery if not breastfeeding. Breastfeeding women should use an alternative method.
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