Marvelon Contraceptive Pill

Marvelon is a combined oral contraceptive pill (also known more simply as “the pill”) used to prevent pregnancy.

Manufactured by Organon, it first became available in Europe in the 1980s and has since become one of the most widely used and trusted contraceptive pills. It contains synthetic versions of oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and a third-generation progestin (desogestrel)—the latter of which is known for its lower risk of side effects like acne and bloating, and for improved menstrual cycle control.

While its primary use is birth control, many users also experience additional benefits like clearer skin and lighter, more regular periods—though it’s not prescribed specifically for these effects.

At euroClinix, we prescribe Marvelon 150/30 mcg tablets for preventing pregnancy.

Marvelon works in three core ways to stop you from becoming pregnant:

Stops ovulation

Ethinylestradiol and desogestrel mimic natural hormones to signal ovulation has already happened—preventing the release of an egg.

Thickens cervical mucus

Desogestrel thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate and reach an egg.

Thins womb lining

Makes the lining of the womb (the endometrium) thinner, reducing the likelihood of a fertilised egg implanting and growing.

Making Marvelon your birth control pill of choice offers many health benefits:

Convenient daily dosing

Once-daily dosing makes it simple to incorporate into your daily routine for around-the-clock protection from pregnancy.

Lower risk of side effects

Contains a third-generation progestin that may offer fewer side effects compared to older contraceptive formulations.

Immediate pregnancy protection

Provides immediate protection against pregnancy when taken exactly as instructed.

Regulates menstrual cycle

Helps make periods lighter, less painful, and more regular, providing relief from menstrual discomfort and symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Can help with acne

Its anti-androgenic properties reduce testosterone, which may improve skin conditions like acne.

May regulate cholesterol levels

One study found that Marvelon improved heart health by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, and lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Marvelon is a highly effective combined oral contraceptive pill, and clinical trial data support this. When taken correctly, it is over 99% effective.

One study involving 1,195 women reported only 9 pregnancies after about 9 months. However, all of these resulted from patients not using Marvelon correctly. This means that, when used correctly, Marvelon has a clinical efficacy of over 99%.

While Marvelon is highly effective, no contraceptive method is 100% reliable, and results may vary. Contact your GP or pharmacist for tailored advice.

This medication is not suitable for everyone. When you complete a consultation, our UK-registered doctors will determine whether Marvelon is safe for you.

Who can take it?

To be prescribed Marvelon, you must be a woman over the age of 18.

Who cannot take it?

Do not take Marvelon if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you have ever had:

• a blood clot in your legs, lungs, or any other organ
• a disorder that affects blood clotting
• an operation or are off your feet for a long time (for example, if you have injured your leg)
• a heart attack or stroke
• angina pectoris (a condition causing severe chest pain)
• any of the following diseases:
  • diabetes with blood vessel damage
  • very high blood pressure
  • a very high level of fat in the blood
  • a condition known as hyperhomocysteinaemia (high levels of amino acid in the blood)
• migraine with aura
• a severe liver disease
• a liver tumour
• pancreatitis
• cancer affected by sex hormones (like breast or uterine cancer)
• unexplained vaginal bleeding

Cautions

Oral contraceptives containing oestrogen, like Marvelon, can slightly increase your risk of developing a blood clot.

• In women not using a combined hormonal contraceptive, around 2 in 10,000 may develop a blood clot each year.
• In women taking Marvelon, this increases to about 9-12 in 10,000.

Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. Our clinical team will evaluate whether treatment is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.

To use Marvelon correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the drug's effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.

Dosage

Each strip contains 21 tablets—each marked with a day of the week.

Each tablet contains 150 mcg of desogestrel and 30 mcg of ethinylestradiol.

How to take it

How long does Marvelon take to work, and when do I take it?

When you start taking your tablets differs between individuals and can change how long it takes to work.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of a contraceptive pill like Marvelon, you leave yourself more at risk of becoming pregnant. What you do next will depend on how late you are.

Use our interactive tool below to find out what to do if you have missed a pill or if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea.

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You can take Marvelon for as long as you need contraception. This is typically until menopause, but you can stop earlier if you wish.

From the day you stop, you are no longer protected from pregnancy. You can stop at any time.

When taking contraceptive medication, there are some things you can do to ensure treatment success and support general health.

Maintain a healthy diet

Consume foods rich in B vitamins and folate, such as leafy greens and whole grains, to support your body while on Marvelon. Stay hydrated to minimise side effects.

Maintain an exercise routine

Incorporate regular exercise to improve circulation and help manage potential fluid retention that some women experience while using Marvelon.

Prioritise emotional wellbeing

Be mindful of mood changes, as combined hormonal contraceptives like Marvelon can affect emotional balance. Seek support if you notice significant shifts.

Support your immune system

Maintain good sleep habits and consider vitamin D supplementation, particularly important while taking hormonal contraceptives like Marvelon.

Track your cycle patterns

Monitor your withdrawal bleeds and any breakthrough bleeding. Marvelon typically creates predictable cycles, so note any unexpected changes to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Focus on foods rich in healthy fats like salmon, nuts, and avocados to support hormone balance, and include leafy greens and vitamin C-rich fruits in your diet to help manage any potential bloating or fluid retention.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Marvelon can cause some unwanted side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Marvelon side effects include:

Common side effects

Uncommon side effects

Rare side effects

How to manage side effects

Most side effects should go away within a few days as your body gets used to the medicine. However, some may be persistent or bothersome. Here’s how to manage the most common side effects:

Headache

Drink plenty of water, reduce your caffeine intake, and maintain a regular sleep schedule.

Weight gain

Develop an exercise routine and maintain a balanced diet to stay healthy. Most weight gain on contraceptives is water weight, so shouldn’t affect your health.

Breast pain

Wear a supportive, comfortable bra and limit salt intake, as excess salt can cause water retention, making breasts feel tender.

Mood changes

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help with changes in mood. Try some mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation if you are stressed.

Stomach problems

Some people experience mild fluid shifts or bloating early on. Drink plenty of water to help regulate digestion and ease bloating.

Make sure you take your pill at the same time every day to ensure a steady flow of hormones and reduce the risk of hormonal imbalance. If changes in mood are extreme, make sure you consult a doctor.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

For more detailed information, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Some medicines can impact the effectiveness of Marvelon pills or increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take in your consultation, including the following:

• Epilepsy medication (e.g. Primidone, Carbamazepine)
• Tuberculosis medication (e.g. Rifampicin)
• HIV medication (e.g. Ritonavir, Nelfinavir)
• Hepatitis C medication (e.g. Boceprevir, Telaprevir)
• Antifungals (e.g. Griseofulvin)
• Blood pressure medications (e.g. Bosentan)
• Herbal preparations containing St John’s wort

This list does not cover all possible interactions. For a comprehensive list, please visit the interactions checker on Drugs.com.

Make sure you follow the safety guidelines detailed below during treatment. This ensures safety and reduces the risk of side effects.

Safety Tips

Pregnancy Avoid

Do not take Marvelon if you are pregnant or suspect you might be. If pregnancy occurs while taking Marvelon, discontinue use and consult your doctor immediately.

Breastfeeding Consult your doctor

Marvelon is generally not recommended while breastfeeding, especially within the first six weeks postpartum. Consult your doctor for alternative contraceptive methods during this period.

Alcohol Caution

Limit alcohol intake while taking Marvelon, as excessive consumption may increase the risk of side effects like nausea or dizziness.

Driving Safe

Marvelon does not typically impair your ability to drive. However, if you experience side effects like dizziness or visual disturbances, avoid driving and consult your doctor.

Smoking Avoid

Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects when using combined oral contraceptives like Marvelon, especially in women over 35. It is strongly advised to stop smoking if you are using Marvelon.

Blood clotting risk Important

Marvelon may increase the risk of blood clots. Be alert for symptoms like unusual leg pain, swelling, or sudden shortness of breath, and seek medical attention immediately if they occur.

Follow these guidelines when storing your Marvelon tablets:

• Store below 25°C in the original packaging
• Do not store in the fridge or freezer
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date

Disposal

Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Take any unused medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures help to protect the environment.

No, Marvelon is a prescription-only medication. You need a valid prescription from a healthcare professional to purchase it. This ensures the medication is safe and suitable for your needs.

You can receive an online prescription from euroClinix.

Ordering Marvelon online from euroClinix is convenient.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, swift approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery make ordering quick and convenient.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Marvelon at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

While Marvelon is one of the most effective birth control pills, there are alternative ones available that might be better suited to your needs.

Consult the table below to see how the different options stack up.

For a non-oral contraceptive, consider the Evra Patch or the NuvaRing.