Aim to choose the lowest dosage of oestrogen and progestogen that:

  • maintains efficacy
  • has fewest side effects
  • gives good cycle control
  • takes into account differential risk of VTE
  • is cost effective.

A monophasic COC containing 20 to 35 micrograms of ethinylestradiol with a low dose of either norethisterone or levonorgestrel is a suitable first line option. Examples are Rigevidon, Ovranette, Microgynon 30, Ovysmen and Brevinor. Tailored regimes may improve bleeding patterns and hence improve compliance. Please see FSRH Clinical Guideline: Combined Hormonal Contraception (January 2019, Amended October 2023) for alternative COC regimens.  Transdermal or intravaginal preparations may be advantageous in situations where GI absorption is compromised, e.g. Inflammatory bowel disease, or in situations where this method will improve compliance.

 

CHC preparations

Monophasic preparations
Grouped by progestogen
type and generation		 Oestrogen dose Brand names
Norethisterone (1st) 35 micrograms EE Brevinor®
Norimin®
Levonorgestrel (2nd) 30mcg EE Microgynon 30®
Ovranette®
Rigevidon®
Levest®
Maexeni®
Ambelina®
Leandra®
Desogestrel (3rd) 30mcg EE Marvelon®
Gedarel 30/150®
Cimizt®
Desogestrel (3rd) 20mcg EE Mercilon®
Gedarel 20/150®
Bimizza®
Gestodene (3rd) 30mcg EE Femodene®
Katya®
Akizza®
Millinette 30/75®
Gestodene (3rd) 20mcg EE Femodette®
Sunya®
Millinette 20/75®
Cyproterone
(equivalent to 3rd)		 35mcg EE Co-cyprindiol®
Dianette®
Clairette®
Teragezza®
Norgestimate (3rd) 35mcg EE Cilique®
Lizinna®
Drospirenone (4th) 20mcg EE

Eloine®
Daylette®
Drospirenone (4th) 30mcg EE

Yasmin®
Lucette®
Yacella®
Dretine®
Yiznell®
Dretine®
Triphasic pills with
varied progestogens		 30 to 40mcg EE TriRegol®
Triadene®
Phasic with Dienogest (4th) 1 to 3mg estradiol
valerate		 Qlaira®
Nomegestrel acetate (4th) 1.5mg estradiol
hemihydrate		 Zoely®
Low dose patch
with norelgestromin		 20mcg EE Evra
Intravaginal ring
with etonogestrel		 15mcg EE

Nuvaring®

SyreniRing®

Prices vary between health boards and between Primary and Secondary Care. First
choice preparation will be guided by the stock arrangements/availability within each
service.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/01/2024

Next review date: 31/01/2026

Author(s): West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network for Sexual Health Clinical Guidelines Group.

Version: 9.1

Approved By: West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network for Sexual Health