How effective is Lovima?

How effective is Lovima?

It’s important to know when and how to take Lovima to ensure you’re protected against pregnancy. Here you can find out more about the Lovima mini pill effectiveness.

How long does it take Lovima to work?

How long Lovima takes to work depends on which day of your period you started taking it, and if you are choosing to switch from another type of contraceptive.

If you start Lovima on the first day of your period

You do not need to use an additional barrier contraception method, such as condoms, to protect you from pregnancy.

If you start Lovima after the first day of your period

You can start Lovima on days 2 to 5 of your period, but you will need to use additional barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, for the first 7 days of taking Lovima to prevent pregnancy.

If you switch from another hormonal contraception to Lovima

If you are switching from another contraceptive pill, such as a combined pill that contains oestrogen and progesterone, you should start taking Lovima the day after you take your last active pill. You do not need to use additional contraception to protect yourself from pregnancy.

If you are switching from a hormonal patch, vaginal ring, implant or IUS, you should take Lovima on the day your patch, vaginal ring, implant or IUS is removed. You don’t not need to use additional contraception to protect you from pregnancy.

If there is a break since you last stopped your previous type of hormonal contraception before starting Lovima, you will need to use a barrier method, such as condoms, for the first 7 days of taking Lovima to protect you from pregnancy.

If you have taken emergency hormonal contraception before using Lovima

This depends on the type of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) you have taken.

If you have taken EHC containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel, you can start Lovima straight away, but you will need to either abstain from sex or use barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, for the first 7 days of taking Lovima to protect you from pregnancy.

If you have taken EHC that contains the active ingredient ulipristal, you should wait 5 days before taking Lovima. To prevent pregnancy, you should either abstain from sex or use additional contraception (such as condoms) for these 5 days, plus an additional 7 days after starting Lovima.

If a woman wishes to start Lovima after using emergency hormonal contraception, it is advisable to start tablet taking on day 1 of the woman's natural cycle.

For more information check the Patient Information Leaflet in your Lovima packet, or ask your pharmacist for advice.

What are the chances of getting pregnant with Lovima?

Lovima is clinically proven to be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, provided you take it at the same time each day from the start of your menstrual cycle.

What can make Lovima less effective?

There are a number of ways in which the Lovima pill can be made less effective. These can include:

• Taking your pill at different times each day
• Missing or forgetting one or more pills
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Certain medications or herbal remedies
  
  

What happens if I have vomiting or diarrhoea?

If you experience vomiting or diarrhoea, your Lovima pill may not have fully absorbed into your body. This means the contraceptive pill effectiveness is reduced, putting you at risk of pregnancy.

Experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea within 3 to 4 hours of taking Lovima counts as a missed pill. This means that you should use an additional method of contraception, such as condoms, for the duration of your illness, and for the first 7 days of normal tablet-.

You should follow the advice under ‘If you forget to take Lovima’ section in the Lovima Patient Information Leaflet. If you are unsure what to do, speak to your pharmacist.

What should I do if I’m taking antibiotics?

The good news is, most antibiotics can be taken alongside Lovima without increasing the chances of pregnancy.

However, there are a handful of antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, that can interact with Lovima. As a result, you may need to use additional methods of contraception, such as condoms, during the time you are taking antibiotics plus 28 days after the course has finished.

You should tell your pharmacist, doctor or family planning nurse if you are currently taking, or have taken or might take any other medicine or herbal product. You should also advise any doctor or dentist who prescribes any other medication for you that you take Lovima.

Check the Lovima Patient Information Leaflet for more information about what medication interacts with Lovima. If you’re unsure, always consult your pharmacist.

Buy Lovima

You can buy Lovima online or from your local pharmacy following a short consultation to ensure that this type of contraceptive is right for you.