Mercilon

What is Mercilon?

Mercilon is a combined contraceptive pill that contains two synthetic hormones, a Progestogen (Desogestrel) and Oestrogen (Ethinylestradiol). Reversible contraception doesn’t interrupt sex and can make periods lighter, more regular and less painful.

Mercilon prevents ovulation - the release of an egg from the ovaries - and thickens the mucous lining of the cervix, making it uninhabitable for sperm. These hormones also affect the lining of the womb, making it less likely for an egg to implant itself.

When used correctly, Mercilon is 99% effective at preventing an unwanted pregnancy.

Please be aware that Mercilon does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. Only condoms are effective at preventing the spread of STDs.

How do I take Mercilon?

You should take Mercilon for 21 days out of every 28.

During the 7 days in which you do not take Mercilon, your period will occur.

What should I do if I forget to take Mercilon?

If you miss a dose of Mercilon or are taking antibiotics, you should use additional protection, such as condoms, for 7 days.

Oral contraceptives only protect you if they are taken regularly.

Side effects of Mercilon

Before taking Mercilon, it's essential to read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medication. The patient information leaflet contains information about using, storing and disposing of Mercilon.

If you have any concerns or questions about any of the information presented in the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

You can view the patient information leaflet for Mercilon online.

You should speak to your doctor before taking Mercilon if:

• You are about to have surgery
• You are aged over 35 years
• You are often immobile for long periods
• You have an inflammatory bowel disease
• You have circulation problems
• You are galactose intolerance
• You have or have a family history of hypertriglyceridaemia.

If you are unsure whether Mercilon is safe for you, speak to your doctor.

All medicines can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. You should be aware of potential side effects while taking your medication.

Side effects of Mercilon include:

• Breast pain or tenderness
• Changes in sex drive
• Changes to weight
• Low mood
• Discharge from the breast
• Fluid retention
• Nausea
• Heightened blood pressure
• Skin disorders
• Hives.

This is not a complete list of side effects associated with Mercilon. For further information on the safety of Mercilon pills, please refer to the patient information leaflet enclosed with your treatment.

If you experience any side effects, whether listed above or in the patient information leaflet, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Your prescriber or GP will assess whether the risks outweigh the benefits when prescribing Mercilon to you. If Mercilon is not right for you, we offer other contraceptive pills that you can buy online now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I miss a pill?

If you forget to take the pill by less than 12 hours, take the forgotten pill and continue the strip as normal. You should still be protected in this case.

If you forget to take the pill by more than 12 hours, take the last missed pill straight away and continue the strip as normal. You may not be protected in this case, and additional contraceptive methods, such as condoms, should be used.

Can I take Mercilon after having a baby?

If you are not breastfeeding, you should be able to take Mercilon more than 3 weeks after giving birth. You will need to use protection for the first week of taking Mercilon.

What do I do if I accidentally take two pills in one day?

Taking more than one pill by accident shouldn’t cause any harm. You may feel sick or experience bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you have taken more than one contraceptive pill.

Can I buy Mercilon online?

You can order Mercilon contraceptive pills with confidence from Prescription Doctor.

We package all items in discreet packaging, which does not indicate the contents of the parcel.

Additional resources

How long does it take for the contraceptive pill to work?

What is the best contraceptive pill for me?

Which contraceptive method is right for me?

What should you do if your contraception fails?

What's the difference between the combined contraceptive pill and the mini pill?