Lucette Pills

What is Lucette?

Lucette is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill, containing two active synthetic hormones:

• Ethinylestradiol (0.03 mg): A synthetic version of the natural hormone oestrogen.
• Drospirenone (3 mg): A synthetic progestogen with anti-mineralocorticoid and mild anti-androgenic properties.

Mechanism of Action

Think of your menstrual cycle as a carefully coordinated monthly event directed by hormones from your brain (FSH and LH). Lucette works by:

1. Preventing Ovulation (The Main Event): The steady level of hormones from the pill "tricks" your brain's pituitary gland into thinking ovulation has already happened. This stops it from releasing the surge of LH that triggers an egg to be released from the ovary.
2. Thickening Cervical Mucus: The progestogen (drospirenone) causes the mucus at the entrance to the womb (cervix) to become thicker. This forms a sticky barrier that is difficult for sperm to penetrate.
3. Thinning the Uterine Lining: The hormones make the lining of the womb (endometrium) less receptive, so even if an egg were fertilised, it would be much less likely to implant and grow.

What is Lucette Used For?

Lucette has one primary, MHRA-approved indication:

• Contraception: Prevention of pregnancy.

It is suitable for women of reproductive age who seek a reliable, reversible contraceptive method and have no contraindications to combined hormonal contraception.

Before Using Lucette

A thorough medical assessment is mandatory before starting Lucette. Your clinician will:

• Take a detailed personal and family medical history.
• Measure your blood pressure.
• Assess your Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Discuss the risks and benefits, particularly regarding venous and arterial thrombosis.

You must inform your doctor about all existing or past conditions, especially those listed in the Contraindications section.

Lucette Contraindications

Do not use Lucette if you have any of the following conditions (Absolute Contraindications):

• Current or history of venous thromboembolism (VTE): e.g., deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Current or history of arterial thromboembolism (ATE): e.g., stroke, heart attack, angina.
• Known hereditary or acquired predisposition to thrombosis: e.g., Factor V Leiden, protein C/S deficiency, antiphospholipid antibodies.
• Major surgery with prolonged immobilisation.
• Migraine with aura (at any time in your history).
• Current or history of severe liver disease (or liver tumours).
• Severe renal impairment or acute renal failure.
• Current or suspected hormone-dependent cancers (e.g., breast, genital organs).
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Hypersensitivity to any ingredient. Contains soya lecithin.
• Hepatitis C treatment with certain antiviral regimens (e.g., ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir).

Special Population Considerations

• Elderly: Not indicated after menopause.
• Adolescents: Can be used after menstruation has started.
• Renal Impairment: Contraindicated in severe impairment/failure. Drospirenone has anti-mineralocorticoid activity; monitor potassium in mild/moderate impairment if on other drugs that raise potassium.
• Hepatic Impairment: Contraindicated in severe disease. Discontinue if jaundice or acute liver disease develops.

Lucette and Other Medicines

Some medicines reduce Lucette's effectiveness, potentially leading to pregnancy or breakthrough bleeding. Always inform any prescriber you are taking Lucette.

• Enzyme inducers (reduce effectiveness):
  • Epilepsy drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate).
  • Antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin).
  • Some HIV/Hepatitis C antivirals.
  • The herbal remedy St. John's Wort.
  Use additional barrier contraception (condoms) during and for 28 days after stopping such medicines.
• Medicines affected by Lucette: Lucette may increase levels of ciclosporin, tizanidine, and theophylline, or reduce levels of lamotrigine.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: NOT SUITABLE. Do not take Lucette if pregnant. Stop immediately if pregnancy occurs.
• Breastfeeding: NOT RECOMMENDED. Combined pills can reduce milk supply and hormones may pass to the baby. Progestogen-only pills are preferred during breastfeeding.
• Fertility after stopping: Returns rapidly. You can try to conceive after your next natural period.

Driving & Machinery

No effects on ability to drive or operate machinery have been observed. However, if you experience dizziness, migraine, or visual disturbances as a side effect, do not drive or use machines.

Lucette Ingredients

• Active Substances: Ethinylestradiol (0.03 mg), Drospirenone (3 mg).
• Excipients (Core): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate.
• Film-Coating: Polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide (E171), talc, macrogol, soya lecithin.

Allergen Warning: Contains lactose (milk sugar) and soya lecithin. Do not use if you have galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency, or allergy to peanut/soya.

How to Use Lucette

Take one tablet daily at approximately the same time for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day tablet-free break. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs during this break.

Lucette Dosage Guidelines

One 0.03 mg/3 mg tablet, once daily. There is only one strength. The regimen is fixed.

Administration Instructions

1. Start:
   • No prior hormones: Start on Day 1 of your period (immediate protection). Starting Days 2-5 requires extra precautions (condoms) for 7 days.
   • Switching from another COC: Start Lucette the day after your last active pill (no break).
   • After childbirth: Start from Day 21-28 postpartum. Start later than Day 28 requires extra precautions for 7 days.
2. Daily: Swallow tablet whole with water, with or without food.
3. Finish pack: Take all 21 tablets.
4. 7-Day Break: Have a 7-day break from tablets. Expect bleeding.
5. Start New Pack: Begin the next pack on the 8th day after your last tablet, even if bleeding hasn't stopped.

Missed Dose Management

Key rule: If you are more than 12 hours late taking a pill, protection may be reduced.

If you miss more than one pill, or are unsure, use condoms and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose Information

Serious harm from overdose is unlikely. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding in young girls. No specific antidote exists. Treat symptomatically. If concerned, contact a doctor or Poison Control.

Lucette Side Effects

Stop taking Lucette and seek URGENT medical help if you experience signs of:

• Severe allergic reaction (angioedema): Swelling of face/tongue/throat, difficulty swallowing/breathing.
• Blood clot (thrombosis): Sudden severe headache, chest pain, leg swelling, vision changes.
• Severe abdominal pain (possible liver tumour).
• Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts.

Frequency of Side Effects

• Common (≥1/100 to <1/10): Headache, migraine, nausea, breast pain/tenderness, menstrual disorders, mood changes (including depression), vaginal discharge/thrush.
• Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100): Vomiting, diarrhoea, acne, skin rash, hair loss, weight change, fluid retention, libido changes.
• Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000): Allergic reactions, breast secretion, hearing impairment, erythema nodosum/multiforme, hypertension.
• Very Rare (<1/10,000): Venous or arterial thromboembolism (blood clots), benign liver tumours, gallbladder disease.

Report any side effect via the Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Lucette

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep in original blister pack to protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date (printed on pack).
• Dispose of unused tablets via pharmacy "take-back" schemes. Do not flush.

Lucette Pack Information

• Appearance: White/almost white, round, biconvex film-coated tablet. Engraved "G63" on one side.
• Pack Sizes Available: 1x21, 3x21, 6x21, 13x21 tablets.
• Marketing Authorisation Holder: Gedeon Richter Plc., Hungary.

Where Can I Buy Lucette Online in the UK