Elevin

Elevin is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) containing norgestimate 250 micrograms and ethinylestradiol 35 micrograms. It belongs to the third-generation progestogen group and is used primarily to prevent pregnancy. When taken correctly and consistently, Elevin is more than 99% effective.

Contraceptive Mechanism

Elevin prevents pregnancy through the same mechanisms as other combined pills: suppression of ovulation via inhibition of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) surges, thickening of cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration, and changes to the endometrium reducing receptivity to implantation.

Norgestimate as the Progestogen

Norgestimate is converted to its active metabolite norgestrel in the body and has relatively low androgenic activity compared to older progestogens. This makes Elevin a useful option for women who experience androgen-related symptoms such as acne or hirsuitism with other contraceptive pills.

How to Take Elevin

Elevin comes in strips of 21 active tablets. Take one tablet daily at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days, then take a seven-day tablet-free break. A withdrawal bleed usually occurs during the break. Start the next strip after the seven-day break, whether or not bleeding has finished.

If starting on day 1 to 5 of your period, contraceptive protection is immediate. If starting at any other time, use condoms for the first seven days. If you miss a tablet by more than 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember, continue the pack, and use condoms for the next seven days.

Switching from Another Pill

If switching from another combined pill, start Elevin the day after finishing your last active tablet, without a pill-free interval between packs.

Each Elevin strip contains 21 film-coated tablets, each providing norgestimate 250 mcg and ethinylestradiol 35 mcg. Take one tablet daily for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Tablets must be taken at the same time each day to maintain maximum effectiveness.

Common Side Effects

As with other combined pills, the most commonly reported side effects include:

• Nausea (particularly in the first cycle — taking the tablet with food or at bedtime helps)
• Headache
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Mood changes, including low mood or irritability
• Irregular spotting or breakthrough bleeding in the first few months

These typically resolve as the body adjusts over the first two to three cycles.

Serious Risks

Combined oral contraceptives like Elevin carry a small increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism), stroke, and high blood pressure. These risks are small for most healthy young women but are significantly higher in smokers, particularly over the age of 35. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop sudden leg pain or swelling, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe headache.

Elevin must not be used by women who smoke and are aged 35 or over. It is not suitable for women with a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, severe or complicated migraine (including migraine with aura), uncontrolled hypertension, liver disease, or oestrogen-sensitive cancers. Blood pressure should be measured before prescribing and monitored regularly. Combined pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Contraindicated in women with active venous or arterial thromboembolism, migraine with aura, severe hypertension, diabetes with vascular complications, liver tumours or active liver disease, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, known or suspected hormone-sensitive cancer, and known hypersensitivity to any component.