Lovima Contraceptive Pill

Buy Lovima contraceptive pill

Lovima is a progestogen-only pill (POP), sometimes called the mini pill. Each small, film-coated pill contains 75 micrograms of desogestrel. Unlike the combined pill, Lovima doesn't contain oestrogen, which makes it suitable for people who can't or don't want to take oestrogen-based contraceptives.

It comes in strips of 28 tablets and is taken every day, with no pill-free break.

How does the Lovima pill work?

Lovima works in a few different ways to prevent pregnancy. Its primary job is to stop ovulation, so it prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg every month.

It also thickens the mucus at the entrance to your womb (the cervix), making it harder for sperm to get through.

Additionally, it thins the lining of the womb, making it less likely that a fertilised egg will implant.

How long does Lovima take to work?

How quickly Lovima starts working depends on when in your cycle you begin taking it.

If you start on day one of your period, you're protected against pregnancy straight away with no extra contraception needed.

If you start on days two to five of your period, you'll need to use additional contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days.

If you’re stopping another form of hormonal contraception and switching to Lovima, start Lovima on the day after your last active pill or on the day your patch, ring, implant, IUD, or injection is removed or is due.

If you've just had a baby, miscarriage, or abortion, speak to a healthcare professional about the best time to start, as the timing can vary depending on your situation.

How effective is Lovima?

When taken correctly, Lovima is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. That means fewer than one in 100 people who use it perfectly will get pregnant in a year.

In real-world use, or ‘typical use’ accounting for the occasional missed pill or late dose, effectiveness can be lower, at 91%.

How to take Lovima

Take one tablet every day at the same time, swallowing it whole with water. You don't have to take it with food.

There's no pill-free break with Lovima. Once you finish one strip, you start the next one the following day. You take a pill every single day. Always follow the direction of the arrows printed on the pack.

Lovima has a 12-hour window, which means you need to take it within 12 hours of your usual time. If you take it more than 12 hours late, it's considered a missed pill, and you'll need to take extra precautions.

We’ll go into more detail about what to do if you miss a pill below.

What to do if you miss your Lovima pill

If you're less than 12 hours late, take the missed pill as soon as you remember and carry on as usual. You're still protected.

If you're more than 12 hours late, take the missed pill as soon as you remember (even if that means taking two pills in one day), then continue taking the rest of the strip as normal. Use condoms or avoid sex for the next seven days, as you won't be fully protected during that time.

If you've missed one or more pills in the first seven days of the pack and had unprotected sex in the week before missing them, the risk of pregnancy is higher. Ask your prescriber for advice and whether you need emergency contraception.

If you vomit within three to four hours of taking Lovima, or have severe diarrhoea, treat it the same as a missed pill and follow the guidance above.

Cost of Lovima

If you get a private prescription with us, Lovima starts from £11.99 (28 pack), at the time of writing. That price includes your consultation, prescription, and treatment, so there are no hidden costs.

Lovima is also available through the NHS Free Contraception Service. Simply complete an online consultation and one of our clinicians will arrange a phone call to make sure it's the right choice for you.

It's also a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have. Once you're both happy, we'll deliver your prescription quickly and discreetly to your door.

Lovima side effects

Like all medicines, Lovima can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. Side effects of the contraceptive pill may include (affecting up to one in 10 people):

• mood changes
• depressed mood
• decreased sexual drive (libido)
• headaches
• nausea
• acne
• breast pain
• irregular or no periods
• weight increase

It's common to notice changes to your periods while you're taking Lovima. You don't need to do anything differently; just keep taking it exactly as directed, even if these changes start to happen.

Your periods might become irregular, more frequent, less frequent, shorter, longer, lighter, or heavier. You might also notice some spotting or bleeding between periods. Some people find their periods stop altogether while they're on Lovima, and that's completely normal too.

However, if your bleeding is frequent, heavy, or prolonged, or you’re worried about any changes in bleeding, you should talk to your doctor for advice.

It's also worth knowing that while blood clots are rare, people taking hormonal contraceptive pills do have a slightly increased risk.

Symptoms to look out for include swelling, redness or pain in the leg, chest pain, breathlessness, and coughing up blood. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these, or go to A&E.

Side effects of coming off Lovima

There's no evidence that stopping Lovima causes long-term side effects. Most people find their periods return to their usual pattern within a few weeks, though it can take a little longer for some.

Your fertility can return quickly after stopping, sometimes within days. So, if you don't want to get pregnant, make sure you have another form of contraception in place before you stop taking it.

Some people notice temporary changes in mood, skin, or cycle regularity as their body adjusts to its natural hormone levels again. These usually settle down within a couple of months.

Who shouldn’t use Lovima?

Lovima isn't right for everyone. Don't take it if you:

• are allergic to desogestrel, peanuts, soya, or any of the other listed ingredients
• are pregnant or think you might be
• have a blood clot (thrombosis), or have had one in the past
• have or have had jaundice (yellowing of the skin) or serious liver disease, and your liver still isn't working normally
• have or are suspected of having a hormone-sensitive cancer, like certain types of breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer
• have any unexplained vaginal bleeding

Lovima tablets and other medication

Tell your prescriber about any medicines you're taking, including herbal products, as some medicines can make Lovima less effective.

If you're taking any of these short-term, keep taking Lovima but use extra contraception (like condoms) during treatment and for 28 days after. If you're taking them long-term, talk to your doctor as you might need a different contraception.

Medicines that can make Lovima less effective include those for:

• epilepsy (like carbamazepine or phenytoin)
• tuberculosis (like rifampicin)
• low mood (St John's Wort)
• drug poisoning or overdose (medicinal charcoal)
• HIV or hepatitis C (like ritonavir or boceprevir)

Medicines that can increase hormone levels while taking Lovima include those for:

• bacterial or fungal infections (like clarithromycin or ketoconazole)
• high blood pressure or heart rhythm issues (like diltiazem)

Lovima and breastfeeding

You can take Lovima while breastfeeding. Desogestrel doesn't appear to affect how much milk you produce or its quality, though there have been some reports of reduced milk production. A small amount does pass into breast milk.

Storage information

Keep Lovima out of the sight and reach of children and store it below 30°C in the original packaging. Don't use it after the expiry date printed on the carton after “EXP”, as this refers to the last day of that month.

Don't throw any medicines away via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use.

Alternatives to Lovima

There are plenty of other mini pill alternatives to Lovima, including:

• Cerazette (desogestrel)
• Cerelle (desogestrel)
• desogestrel
• Desomono (desogestrel)
• Desorex (desogestrel)
• Hana (desogestrel)
• Norgeston (levonorgestrel)
• Noriday (norethisterone)
• Slynd (drospirenone)
• Zelleta (desogestrel)

Frequently asked questions about Lovima

Does Lovima stop your period?

It can do, but it varies a lot from person-to-person. Some people find their periods become lighter and less frequent, while others stop having periods altogether. Others notice more irregular bleeding, especially in the first few months.

These changes are normal and not harmful. If you're worried about your bleeding pattern or it's affecting your day-to-day life, speak to your prescriber or GP.

Does Lovima cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain is listed as a common side effect of Lovima, so some people do notice a change. That said, everyone's body responds differently to hormonal contraceptives and not everyone will experience this.

Is Lovima a combined pill?

No, Lovima is not a combined pill - it’s a progestogen-only pill (POP). This means it only contains one hormone: desogestrel. The combined pill contains both oestrogen and progestogen.

Because Lovima is oestrogen-free, it can be a good option if you're unable to take oestrogen for medical reasons, if you're breastfeeding, or if you simply prefer to avoid oestrogen.

Is Lovima the same as Cerazette?

Both Lovima and Cerazette contain the same active ingredient (desogestrel 75mcg) in the same dose. They work in the same way and are equally effective. The main difference is the brand name.

Is Lovima the same as desogestrel?

Lovima is a branded version of desogestrel and the active ingredient is the same. You'll also find desogestrel sold under other brand names like Cerazette and Hana, as well as an unbranded generic. They all contain 75 micrograms of desogestrel and work in the same way.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet. MHRA. [Accessed 25th March 2026].
• How Well Contraception Works at Preventing Pregnancy. (2024). NHS. [Accessed 25th March 2026].