Do they still prescribe Microgynon?: The Status of a Common Oral Contraceptive

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

In the UK, Microgynon has been one of the most commonly prescribed oral contraceptives for decades. This raises a common question: Do they still prescribe Microgynon?, especially with the rise of cost-effective generic alternatives like Rigevidon.

Quick Summary

Microgynon is still widely prescribed, though generic versions like Rigevidon are often substituted for cost-efficiency. It remains available via prescription in the UK but is not the primary brand in the US. Individual suitability and potential side effects should be discussed with a doctor.

Key Points

Microgynon is Still Prescribed: The brand-name combined oral contraceptive is still prescribed, particularly in the UK, but requires a doctor's prescription.
Generic Equivalents are Common: Due to lower costs, pharmacists and doctors often provide generic versions with identical active ingredients, such as Rigevidon and Levest.
Same Active Ingredients, Different Names: Generic pills like Rigevidon contain the same 30mcg ethinylestradiol and 150mcg levonorgestrel as Microgynon, making them medically equivalent.
Inactive Ingredients Can Differ: While hormonally identical, different brands may contain varying inactive ingredients, which could cause different side effects for some individuals.
Requires Medical Assessment: All combined pills carry risks, including blood clots, necessitating a consultation with a doctor to assess suitability based on personal health history and lifestyle.
Switching is Possible and Safe: It is safe to switch between Microgynon and its generic forms, or to other pills, but a healthcare professional should provide guidance to ensure there is no gap in contraceptive protection.

The Continued Availability of Microgynon

Yes, Microgynon is still a commonly prescribed combined oral contraceptive (COC), particularly in the United Kingdom, where it has been used reliably for over two decades. It contains a combination of two synthetic female hormones: ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. Microgynon 30 is typically taken in a 21-day cycle, followed by a 7-day pill-free break, though an Every Day (ED) version with 7 placebo pills is also available.

While brand loyalty and familiarity lead many to specifically request Microgynon, the healthcare landscape has shifted. For reasons of cost-effectiveness, particularly within the NHS, doctors and pharmacists may offer or substitute a generic version that contains the exact same active ingredients at the same dosage. These generic equivalents, most notably Rigevidon and Levest, are medically identical in their hormonal composition and offer the same contraceptive benefits and risks.

In the United States, the brand name Microgynon is not the standard prescription, but generic medications containing the same hormone combination of levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol are widely available and commonly prescribed. Regardless of location, combined oral contraceptives like Microgynon are prescription-only medications, necessitating a consultation with a healthcare professional to ensure they are suitable for a patient's medical history and current health status.

Microgynon vs. Generic Alternatives: A Pharmacological Comparison

When a healthcare provider suggests a switch from Microgynon to a generic like Rigevidon, it's a financial decision rather than a change in the active drug. Both pills work in the same way to prevent pregnancy by: suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation.

However, some users report a different experience when switching between brand-name and generic pills, possibly due to inactive ingredients like fillers, coatings, and dyes. While the difference is often psychological, individual bodies can react differently to these non-hormonal components. Any persistent side effects after a switch should be discussed with a doctor, as another pill may be a better fit.

Comparison of Microgynon and Common Alternatives


Feature	Microgynon 30	Rigevidon	Gedarel 30	Yasmin
Active Ingredients	Ethinylestradiol (30mcg), Levonorgestrel (150mcg)	Ethinylestradiol (30mcg), Levonorgestrel (150mcg)	Ethinylestradiol (30mcg), Desogestrel (150mcg)	Ethinylestradiol (30mcg), Drospirenone (3mg)
Availability	UK: Prescribed via GP or online doctor. US: Equivalent generics available.	UK: Often prescribed generic for cost-effectiveness. US: Equivalent generics available.	UK: Prescribed via GP or online doctor. US: Similar generics available.	UK: Prescribed via GP or online doctor. US: Available by prescription.
Key Considerations	Long-standing and well-known brand in the UK.	Generic equivalent of Microgynon, identical hormonal composition.	Contains a different progestogen, sometimes preferred for side effect profile.	Contains a different progestogen with diuretic properties, often prescribed for acne or PMS.

Key Considerations for Users

Before starting or switching any hormonal contraceptive, a thorough consultation with a healthcare provider is essential. Your doctor will assess risk factors, including a history of blood clots (venous thromboembolism or VTE), heart disease, stroke, or migraine with aura. Age and smoking habits are particularly important, as smoking over 35 is a major contraindication for combined pills. Your blood pressure, weight, and BMI are also regularly checked to ensure safety.

Common side effects associated with pills like Microgynon include:

Nausea and headaches, especially in the first few months.
Breast tenderness or enlargement.
Changes in mood, including depression.
Breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
Fluid retention and mild weight fluctuations.

Side effects often subside within a few months as your body adjusts. However, persistent or severe symptoms warrant a follow-up with your doctor, who may recommend switching to a different formulation.

How to Safely Switch from Microgynon

Switching from one combined oral contraceptive to another is often a straightforward process. Healthcare professionals generally advise a direct switch with no gap between methods to ensure continuous pregnancy protection.

Switching to another combined pill: Finish your current Microgynon pack and start the new brand's pack the following day, instead of taking the usual 7-day break. Alternatively, some clinicians advise starting the new pill immediately after the last active pill from the old pack.

Switching to a progestogen-only pill (Mini-pill): You can start the mini-pill the day after your last active combined pill. Depending on the specific mini-pill, you may need a backup contraceptive method for a few days.

It is crucial to use a backup barrier method like condoms for the first seven days after any switch if a gap in hormonal coverage occurs, especially if you have had any missed pills or gastrointestinal upset. Always follow the specific instructions from your healthcare provider and the pill's patient information leaflet.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "Do they still prescribe Microgynon?," the answer is yes. It remains a safe and effective oral contraceptive available by prescription. However, many users will be prescribed a generic equivalent like Rigevidon or Levest due to cost-efficiency. These generics contain the same active ingredients and are equally effective, though minor differences in inactive ingredients can affect individual tolerance. The key to successful contraception, regardless of the specific brand, lies in consistent use and open communication with your healthcare provider. A doctor can help you navigate the options, assess your individual risk factors, and find the right pill for you, whether it is the branded Microgynon or a reliable generic alternative. For more guidance on switching contraceptive methods, consult with your healthcare provider.(https://www.carearc.org/latest-news-posts/how-to-switch-birth-control-methods-safely-and-effectively)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Microgynon is still widely available by prescription, particularly in the UK. However, due to cost-efficiency, you may be prescribed a generic version like Rigevidon instead.

Yes, Rigevidon is a generic version of Microgynon. They contain the exact same active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, at the same dosage.

Doctors and pharmacists may switch patients to a generic equivalent like Rigevidon as a cost-cutting measure, especially for the NHS. The medication is hormonally identical.

Yes, it is common and generally safe to switch between different combined oral contraceptive pill brands. To ensure continuous protection, it is often recommended to start the new pill the day after finishing your old pack, without a break.

Weight gain is listed as a potential side effect, but modern studies have found no firm evidence linking combined pills like Microgynon to significant weight gain. Any weight changes are often mild and related to fluid retention.

Common side effects include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood changes. These often improve after the first few months as your body adjusts to the hormones.

No, like all combined oral contraceptives, Microgynon and its generic equivalents are prescription-only medications and require medical approval.

If you experience unwanted side effects after switching to a generic, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist. While the active ingredients are the same, some individuals may react differently to the inactive ingredients, and an alternative might be more suitable.