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November 30, 2006

Marvelon Birth Control Pill

Filed under: Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 9:24 am

Marvelon is a combination pill of estrogen and progestin. The daily dose of hormones taken in the pill work mainly by tricking your body into thinking that ovulation has already happened. This prevents an egg from ripening and being released from the ovaries each month.

The hormones also increase the thickness of the natural mucus at the neck of the womb, which makes it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb and reach an egg. They also change the quality of the womb lining (endometrium), making it less likely that a fertilized egg can implant there.

How do I take Marvelon?

Marvelon is a monophasic pill which means that each tablet has the same dose of hormones in it. One tablet is taken every day for 21 days and you then have a seven day break from pill-taking. During the seven day break, the levels of the hormones in your blood drop, which results in a withdrawal bleed that is similar to your normal period. You start the next pack after the seven pill-free days are up, even if you are still having your period.

You will still be protected against pregnancy in your pill-free week, provided you took all the pills correctly, you start the next packet on time and nothing else happened that could make the pill less effective (eg. sickness, diarrhea, or taking certain medicines).

When can I start taking Marvelon?

You should start taking the pill the first day of your period. This will protect you from pregnancy immediately and you won’t need to use any back-up contraception. If necessary, you can also start taking it up to day five of your cycle without needing to use additional contraception when you start. However, if you have a short menstrual cycle (with your period coming every 23 days or less), starting as late as the fifth day of your cycle may not provide you with immediate protection. Speak with your doctor as to whether you would need a back-up for the first seven days.

What should I do if I forget to take a pill?

Always try to take your pill at the same time every day. Try combining it with brushing your teeth or eating a meal – so it’s easier to remember to take it. If you forget to take a pill, you should take it as soon as you remember (even if that means taking two pills in one day) and then continue to take your pills, one every day, as normal.

With Marvelon, if you have missed one or two pills, you will still be protected against pregnancy and you don’t need to use extra contraception. Take the last pill you missed as soon as you remember, then continue taking your pills as normal.

If you forget to take three or more pills, you will not be protected against pregnancy. You should take the last pill you missed as soon as you remember, forget the other missed ones and then continue to take your pills, one every day, as normal. You should then either not have sex, or use a back-up contraceptive, until you have taken a pill correctly for the next seven days in a row.

Marvelon should not be used if you:

  • have a known or suspected pregnancy
  • are breastfeeding (until weaning or for six months after birth)
  • have a personal or family history of a blood clot in a vein (venous thromboembolism), eg. in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
  • have blood disorders that increase the risk of blood clots in the veins, eg antiphospholipid syndrome or factor V Leiden
  • have a long-term condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • have excess of urea in the blood causing damaged red blood cells (haemolytic uraemic syndrome)
  • have two or more other risk factors for getting a blood clot in a vein, eg. obesity, varicose veins, long-term immobility
  • ever had a blood clot in an artery, eg a stroke or mini-stroke caused by a blood clot, or a heart attack
  • have angina
  • have a heart valve disease
  • have a irregular heartbeat caused by very rapid contraction of the top two chambers of the heart (atrial fibrillation)
  • have moderate to severe high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • have high cholesterol levels
  • have severe diabetes with complications, eg affecting the eyes, kidneys or nerves
  • smoke more than 40 cigarettes per day
  • are over 50 years of age
  • have two or more other risk factors for getting a blood clot in an artery, eg. family history of heart attack or stroke before the age of 45 (parent, brother or sister), diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, age over 35 years, obesity, migraines
  • get migraines with aura, severe migraines regularly lasting over 72 hours despite treatment, or migraines that are treated with ergot derivatives
  • have a history of breast cancer
  • have cancer involving the genital tract
  • have vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
  • have severe liver disease, eg. liver cancer, hepatitis
  • have a history of liver disease when liver function has not returned to normal
  • have disorders of bile excretion that cause jaundice (eg Dubin-Johnson or Rotor syndrome)
  • have gallstones (cholelithiasis)
  • have a history of jaundice, severe itching, hearing disorder called otosclerosis, or rash called pemphigoid gestationis during a previous pregnancy, or previous use of sex hormones
  • have hereditary blood disorders known as porphyrias

Does Marvelon have any side effects?

Common side effects for Marvelon can be:

  • Weight gain
  • Nausea and vomiting (felt for the first few cycles)
  • Dizziness
  • Increase or decrease in acne
  • Headaches
  • High blood pressure
  • Loss of libido
  • Depression
  • Vaginal infections

Serious, but less common, health risks can be:

  • Blood clots in legs, lungs, heart or brain
  • Stroke
  • Heart attacks
  • Possibly cervical cancer

If side effects persist or worsen while taking Marvelon contact your doctor immediately.

Marvelon will not protect you from HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.

Certain medications like antibiotics are also known to increase the chance of your birth control pill failing.

BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase birth control on-line.

For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

296 Comments »

  1. Hi, I’ve had been on this pill for over 1 year now and I got a boyfriend 🙂 for the first time. So I had unprotected sex with him but I forgot to take the pill the morning of that day. I always take it at 6:35 on the dot every morning, but somehow that morning I forgot. I realised this and ended up taking it around 2:00 am the next day. We had sex around 8:00pm the night before also the day I didn’t take the pill. I’m going to take the pill again at 6:35Am as usual so that will be 2 pills on the same day. I wanted to know can I get pregnant? Will I get pregnant? And am I protected? By the way I only have 5 more pills and then I will take 3 days of as advised from the doctor and start again. Its Marvelon 21 that I am taking. Just one last question is marvelon 21 a strong birth control pill? Thank you

    Comment by Judy — March 12, 2013 @ 4:56 pm

  2. Dear Judy,

    Sounds like you were able to make up for that pill in time. You should be protected. Marvelon 21 is a regular dose pill, it is not a low dose pill.

    Comment by Janine — March 14, 2013 @ 7:08 am

  3. Currently I am using O’cella (another birth control pill) and I decide to switch to Marvelon in the next pack. But I don’t know when should I start. O’cella has 28 pills with 21 active pills and 7 reminder pill for period. Should I take Marvelon after the period or should I take it in the first day of my period?

    Comment by Ming — March 18, 2013 @ 1:38 pm

  4. Dear Ming,

    Start Marvelon after your period because you are transitioning from one pill to another, not starting the pill for the first time.

    Comment by Janine — March 19, 2013 @ 2:21 am

  5. Hi, I have been on marvelon for almost 3 years stright. almost perfect at taking my pills.on my off week i forgot to get my prescription so i was 2 days late starting a new pack(went 9 days without taking pill instead of 7) i had unprotected sex today in the morning and now(around 7pm) i noticed some bright pink/red spotting. chances of being pregnant?

    Comment by aimee — March 20, 2013 @ 6:35 am

  6. Dear Janine,

    Good day!

    i am using 21 pill marvelon for almost 10 months now.
    i usually take the pills every 7:00 pm.
    i forget one pills and took it 9:00 in the morning, so i was 14 hours late.and i have sex with my husband 4:00 in the afternoon. i took already the other pills on the same time.
    am i safe?

    Comment by ariane vicente — March 20, 2013 @ 3:20 pm

  7. Dear Ariane,

    As long as you have taken your missed pills you should be safe.

    Comment by Janine — March 21, 2013 @ 3:31 am

  8. Dear aimee,

    Did you have unprotected sex when you are on your 8 or 9th day without taking the pill? Your risk for pregnancy is high whenever you are not taking the pill properly. I would advise you to go back on the pill as soon as you can and in a few weeks, take a pregnancy test to confirm.

    Comment by Janine — March 21, 2013 @ 3:40 am

  9. Hi, i was taking Diane 35 but they stopped selling it where i am and the pack i was on didnt have 21 pills cause i used a few from it because i lost my other pill pact (i know, hoe stupid) so i switched mid pack straight on to marvelon because i was visiting my boyfriend and didnt want to take any chances. Will this mess up my fertility rate?

    Comment by SophIng — March 31, 2013 @ 2:10 am

  10. Dear Sophing,

    No this will not mess up your fertility rate. Girls switch birth control pills all the time.

    Comment by Janine — April 1, 2013 @ 1:41 am

  11. hi.. i stopped taking diane on 28th of march ive had my period and started marvelon today(4th april) did i take it correctly? or i should have taken it on the next day afetr diane? im confused. i dont wanna get preggy!!

    Comment by elise — April 3, 2013 @ 11:07 pm

  12. Dear elise,

    When you stopped taking Diane on 28th, was that the end of the pack of Diane? If it is then you are safe. If you stopped mid-pack of Diane, took a 7 day break and had unprotected sex during that time, then started Marvelon afterwards then you should take a pregnancy test in a few weeks to see if you are pregnant.

    Comment by Janine — April 4, 2013 @ 1:25 am

  13. hi janine,

    wow then that is a good news. that was the end of the pack. and i just started as if i am taking diane. it was a relief. thank u so much.

    Comment by elise — April 4, 2013 @ 3:48 am

  14. Hi Janine. I have been on Yaz for 7 months but dues to breakthrough bleeding my GP prescribed Marvellon which I have been on before. My last active tablet is today and my period usually starts on Monday evening or Tuesday morning. My GP told me to start the Marvellon on the first day of my period and I Don’t need added protection. My pharmacist said start. On the first day or my period and use a month of extra protection. The insert says start the day after the active tablet (Saturday for me) and makes no comment about protection. What do I do and am I protected?

    Comment by Kim — April 4, 2013 @ 8:29 pm

  15. i would like to know ive been on marvelon for 25 years andi take the tablits like they tell u but ive never took a break after 21 days just went onto the next lot.of tablits due to very heavy and painfull periods .i came.off the pill for 2 weeks no.period so i took.menapostrol i then had a bleed with a few clots.is this a normal period .? i do feel movement in my stomach what is it ? ive allways taken.tablits i havnt missed any .please help thank.u

    Comment by louisewalsh — April 7, 2013 @ 11:41 am

  16. Dear Kim,

    If you start it on your first day of your period, you should be protected and do not need extra protection.

    Comment by Janine — April 8, 2013 @ 6:14 am

  17. Dear louisewalsh,

    It takes your body up to 3 months to return to it’s natural rhythm so it irregular bleeding during the first 3 months after coming off the pill is normal.

    Comment by Janine — April 8, 2013 @ 7:03 am

  18. I have been taking Marvelon for 7 years, and recently I forgot to take the very first pill of my new pack. I have a friday start, so meaning i took 2 pills on saturday…however, right after i took those 2 pills, I had unprotected sex. Was i protected? what are the chances of me getting pregnant? please reply, thank you

    Comment by Dee — April 14, 2013 @ 9:37 am

  19. Dear Dee,

    You made up for your missed pill as soon as you remembered so you should be protected.

    Comment by Janine — April 15, 2013 @ 1:18 am

  20. Hi, I just started taking Marvelon to regulate my periods and treat dysmenorrhoea. I usually have long and irregular menstrual cycles, ranging from 35 to 50 days between periods. If I take Marvelon for the normal 21 days, will the withdrawal bleeding come after the specified 2-3 days or would my long menstrual cycle affect the timing of this? What if after 7 days my withdrawal period doesn’t come? Should I wait until I see bleeding or continue on to the next pack?
    Thank you very much.

    Comment by Lily — April 15, 2013 @ 9:08 pm

  21. Dear Lily,

    When starting on a new birth control pill, it will take your body up to 3 months to get used to the pill. After taking 21 days of active pills, you should have your period during the 7 day break. If your period doesn’t come at all, that is normal because again, your body is adjusting to the pill. Just continue with the next pack as you normally would.

    Comment by Janine — April 16, 2013 @ 2:31 am

  22. I have been taking Marvelon for 5 years, and always had my period normally, when I was taking “empty” pills. But this month I didn’t have my period. I started the new box as usually but my period was supposed to start 9 days ago. I didn’t miss any pills and I didn’t have sex during the last months, so I can’t be pregnant. Why could it happen? What would you suggest me to do?

    Comment by Veronique — April 25, 2013 @ 6:59 am

  23. The first day of my period I have very bad menstrual cramps, causing me to miss work one day a month. Is there another pill out there that I should switch to to help with my cramps? My sister switched from Marvelon to Alesse to help with her moodiness (which it did) and I’m wondering if maybe there’s a pill to help with cramps. Thanks.

    Comment by Joanna — April 30, 2013 @ 9:05 am

  24. Hey, I have been taking Marevlon for one month and a week, I started my period on the 19th, ended 6 days later, and today (30th) I started a brown bleeding…. uhhm, does anyone know why?! thanks!

    Comment by amanda — April 30, 2013 @ 7:43 pm

  25. Dear Veronique,

    If you hadn’t had sex the past month and you haven’t missed any pills, I would advise you to check in with your doctor.

    Comment by Janine — May 2, 2013 @ 3:33 pm

  26. Dear Joanna,

    I would advise you to talk to your doctor about other birth control pill options that can help with menstrual pain. He/she would also be able to advise you on any recommendations on over the counter medication that can also help with menstrual pain.

    Comment by Janine — May 2, 2013 @ 3:38 pm

  27. Dear Amanda,

    Irregular bleeding during the first 3 months of being on a pill is normal. Your body is adjusting to the hormones from Marvelon so the bleeding should only be temporary.

    Comment by Janine — May 2, 2013 @ 3:40 pm

  28. Hi I am ending my second month on Marvelon after switching from Yasmin (I had been on for 3 years stopped due to periods beginning a week early for the last 3 months of it) and every couple of days I am spotting (later in the month getting heavier spotting) I was wondering if this will stop or if I should seek a different pill.
    Thank you

    Comment by Laura — May 6, 2013 @ 5:39 pm

  29. Hi
    I have been on Marvelon for 2 months now after being on Yasmin for 4 years. I switched because the last 3 months on yasmin my periods were beginning a week early. Since being on Marvelon I am spotting every couple days and was wondering if this was just due to my body adjusting and when I should expect it to stop.

    Thank you,
    Laura

    Comment by Laura — May 8, 2013 @ 9:33 am

  30. Dear Lauren,

    That is correct, your body is adjusting to the pills and it should stop when you are done with the first pack when you actually get your period. If the spotting continues when you are on your 4th pack, check in with your doctor.

    Comment by Janine — May 8, 2013 @ 9:42 am

  31. Hi,

    For the past month I have been exercising 4-5 times a week, eating a very healthy diet about 1600 calories, doing lots of strength training and I have seen absolutely no weight loss and no results. I have been googling things about marvelon and apparently other women have experienced the same struggle with weight loss. Can you comment on this?

    Thank you,
    Ann

    Comment by Ann — May 10, 2013 @ 12:08 am

  32. Dear Ann,

    There is no proven relation between weight gain and the birth control pill at the moment but weight gain/loss is mentioned as a side effect of many birth control pills. I personally do notice that it is more difficult for me to lose weight as well when I am on the pill. Goodluck!

    Comment by Janine — May 13, 2013 @ 5:46 pm

  33. Hi,

    i have been taking MarvelonR for the past 5 months, now my husband is away for 2 months or so. I don’t want to take the pill for the period he is away. is it ok to have breaks of 2-3 months? i am afraid it might be stress for the body with all those hormones…

    thanks in advance!

    Comment by ann — June 9, 2013 @ 12:33 pm

  34. hi im in the last pack of diane35 but ill try to buy the new pack today they said in the pharmacy they hold the diane35 they don’t know when it will come then they said in the pharmacy I can use marvelon do I need to stop for 7days break after I will start the new pack of marvelon please help me thank you in advance

    Comment by chel — June 10, 2013 @ 9:03 pm

  35. Dear chel,

    You can buy diane35 from birthcontrolbuzz.com as well. It will be mailed to your door. Otherwise, if you want to use marvelon instead while you wait, you do need to stop for 7 days like you normally do for diane35. When you finish the Marvelon pack and you get back on diane35, you don’t need a break because marvelon comes with 7 day inactive sugar pills where you will get your period.

    Comment by Janine — June 14, 2013 @ 11:17 am

  36. Dear Ann,

    I would advise you to stay on Marvelon for a couple of reasons. First, your body will get used to the hormones from the pill. Coming on and off the pill will require your body to get used to being on and then off and then back on the pill. By doing this you will experience the side effects when starting the pill again because your body is trying to get used to the pill again. This puts your body under more stress because of the transitions of being on and off the pill. Second, by not taking the pill regularly, chances of you missing the pill is a lot greater. If you want to not get pregnant, you don’t want to be missing any pills.

    Hope that helps!

    Comment by Janine — June 14, 2013 @ 11:30 am

  37. hi,

    I have taking diane35 for 8months now im in the 2nd day tablet free but I want to change in marvelon can I still dink this marvelon after my tablet free in diane35?any way my husband will be away for 3months coz I think the diane35 is very strong for me I always feel dizzy and weak…thank you so much have a nice day hoping for your reply

    Comment by Jhaz — June 15, 2013 @ 8:45 pm

  38. Dear Jhaz,

    Since you are on your tablet free period, complete the tablet free period and start your new pack of Marvelon as if you were to start the next pack of Diane35 when you have finished the tablet free period.

    Comment by Janine — June 18, 2013 @ 7:58 am

  39. i lost one of my marvelon birth control pills and couldn’t find it. i didnt have another one to make it for it as it was the last pill in the pack and didnt have another. am i protected?

    Comment by tina — July 7, 2013 @ 11:43 pm

  40. Hi Tina,

    Just continue the pack as you normally would and at the end of the pack you will just have an extra pill free day.

    Comment by Janine — July 11, 2013 @ 8:45 am

  41. Hi there
    I started my period the last 2 monthes in the middle of my current pills. I went ti the doctor yesterday she gave me a prescription for marvelon. This current period strated on friday so I’m 5 days in and still have 2+ weeks left with my pill. Can I start the marvelon now or should I aait until I finish this pack of pills?

    Comment by concerned — July 31, 2013 @ 3:26 am

  42. Hello.

    I took Marvelon for 5 straight weeks and just got off of it this past Tuesday and started spotting Thursday and it was full blown period on Sunday (last night). When I woke up last night I felt something come down and when I went to check it was a piece of skin 3″ long. I went to ER and they said I’m not pregnant but it still might be an incomplete abortion (that’s what the ultrasound paper said) or blood clot. I wonder if this is normal? I’m 31 and been on this pill once only. My husband and I are worried about if Marvelon BC pills affect chances of having a baby?? How long should we wait and why? (I read on here that u recommended 2-3 menstration cycles but I’m curious as to why??? Will something bad happen if we tried before???

    God bless

    Comment by Joayla — August 11, 2013 @ 9:31 pm

  43. Dear Joayla,

    It is normal to bleed after you are off birth control pills. Once you are off Marvelon it should not affect your chances of having a baby. Doctor’s usually recommend waiting 2-3 menstruation cycles because it takes 2-3 months for your body to return to it’s natural rhythm after coming off birth control pills. Good luck!

    Comment by Janine — August 20, 2013 @ 9:59 am

  44. Dear concerned,

    I would advise you to start the pack of Marvelon pills after you have finished your current pack of pills.

    Comment by Janine — August 20, 2013 @ 4:53 pm

  45. I started taking Marvelon last thursday. I was in the middle of my period and we had unprotected sex the day after i took my first pill, but he for sure did not ejaculate inside. Am i safe?

    Comment by Megan — December 18, 2013 @ 6:28 pm

  46. Hi Megan,

    Using birth control for one day means that it is not fully effective. Though he did not ejaculate inside of you, it is always better to be safe, rather than sorry. Take a pregnancy test to make sure that you are safe.

    Comment by pdhillon — February 6, 2014 @ 4:17 pm

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