drospirenone + ethinylestradiol at a glance
Medicine class
Combined hormonal contraceptive.
Licensed use
Oral contraception.
Administration
Follow the blister order and product leaflet. Food does not materially affect drospirenone absorption.
STI protection
It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections; condoms provide barrier protection.
What is drospirenone + ethinylestradiol used for?
The selected Lucette product is licensed for:
Preventing pregnancy through oral contraception.
How does drospirenone + ethinylestradiol work?
It mainly prevents ovulation and changes the womb lining. Drospirenone also partly opposes androgen and aldosterone activity.
drospirenone + ethinylestradiol preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.02 mg + 3 mg, 0.03 mg + 3 mg
How to take drospirenone + ethinylestradiol
Swallow tablets in the order shown on the calendar blister and follow the leaflet for the specific product. Starting, switching and altering bleeding patterns require product-specific instructions. Vomiting soon after a tablet may prevent complete absorption, so a replacement tablet may be needed.
Check the pack name because active-tablet and placebo-tablet layouts can differ.
Food does not materially alter drospirenone bioavailability.
Prolonged vomiting or severe diarrhoea can reduce contraceptive protection.
drospirenone + ethinylestradiol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or migraine
- Nausea
- Depressed mood
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or other menstrual changes
- Vaginal discharge or thrush
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a blood clot in a leg or lung
- Possible heart attack, stroke or transient ischaemic attack symptoms
- Severe allergic reaction or worsening angioedema
- Severe or persistent depression, particularly with thoughts of self-harm
drospirenone + ethinylestradiol in pregnancy
This combination is not indicated during pregnancy and should be stopped if pregnancy is confirmed. Evidence does not show that accidental oral-contraceptive exposure in early pregnancy usually harms the baby or requires extra monitoring, but discuss the pregnancy with the maternity or prescribing team.
drospirenone + ethinylestradiol while breastfeeding
The Lucette product information says combined oral contraceptives may reduce or alter breast milk and are generally not recommended until weaning. Other UK guidance allows their consideration while breastfeeding. Discuss product choice and individual clot risk with a clinician.
drospirenone + ethinylestradiol interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products. Important interactions include:
Enzyme-inducing medicines, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, some HIV medicines and St John’s wort
These can lower hormone exposure, causing breakthrough bleeding and reduced contraceptive protection. Alternative or additional contraception may be required.
Certain hepatitis C combinations
Ethinylestradiol-containing contraception is contraindicated with specified regimens because clinically important liver-enzyme elevations can occur.
Lamotrigine
Combined oral contraceptives may reduce lamotrigine concentrations and affect seizure control.
Common questions about drospirenone + ethinylestradiol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. It prevents pregnancy but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections; condoms provide barrier protection.
What should I do if I vomit after taking it?
Absorption may be incomplete if vomiting occurs soon afterwards. Follow the product leaflet because a replacement tablet and temporary barrier contraception may be needed.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.