How to take Lovima

How To Take Lovima

Taking the contraceptive pill may seem daunting, especially if you’re new to this form of contraception. However, the good news is that Lovima is easy for most people to take and it is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly. To find out exactly how to take this contraceptive pill, read on.

How should I take Lovima?

Start Lovima on the first day of your period. This is known as day one of your menstrual cycle.

Take one Lovima tablet at the same time every day, so that you have 24 hours between each dose. Take one tablet every day until the Lovima packet is empty, then start a new packet with no break. You don’t need to wait a week to allow for bleeding and you may find your periods become lighter, less frequent, less regular or can stop altogether.

You can take your Lovima tablet with or without food (on an empty stomach), but it is best to just swallow the tablet whole, don’t crush or chew. Taking with water can make it easier to swallow.

To remind you to take Lovima at the same time every day, it helps to make this a routine, so try and tie it into something that you do at the same time every day. You could take it every morning or night, or take it with a specific meal, whatever works best for you. You could also use an electronic calendar, alarm clock or electronic device to remind you.

Although you can start Lovima on day 2 to 5 of your cycle, you will need to use additional contraception for 7 days to help keep you protected against pregnancy.

Starting Lovima after childbirth

Lovima can be taken straight away after birth. However, if more than 21 days have passed since delivery, pregnancy must be ruled out first.

If it is less than 21 days after delivery and your periods have not returned, you can take Lovima without needing additional contraception.

If your period has returned following birth, you should start taking Lovima on the first day of your menstrual cycle. You will not need additional contraception to protect against pregnancy, except when you’re waiting for your period to start.

Starting Lovima after a miscarriage or abortion

 Lovima can be started straight away or within 5 days after a miscarriage or abortion. If taken in this timeframe, no additional contraception is required to protect against pregnancy.  

Starting Lovima after emergency contraception

If you have taken an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel and you want to start using Lovima, you can do so immediately but you should use a barrier method of contraception (such as condoms) for 7 days.

If you have taken an emergency contraceptive pill containing ulipristal, you should wait 5 days (120 hours) before you start taking Lovima. You should also use a barrier contraception (such as condoms) for 5 days after taking ulipristal and for another 7 days after beginning Lovima.

Starting Lovima after other types of contraception

If you are switching to Lovima from the combined pill, vaginal ring or transdermal patch, you should start taking Lovima the day after you take the last active pill from your combined pill pack or on the day your vaginal ring or transdermal patch is removed. If you follow these instructions, you won’t need additional contraception. However, if there is a delay between taking the last active combined pill and starting Lovima, you will need to use additional contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days of taking Lovima.

If you are changing from another progestogen-only pill, you should start taking Lovima the next day after you take your last pill. You will not need extra contraception to protect against pregnancy.

If you are changing from an implant, hormonal IUS or an injectable, you should start taking Lovima on the day of removal or the day you’re due your next injection. You will not need additional contraception to prevent pregnancy.

If you are already taking Lovima and need a repeat supply, you should take Lovima without a break. As long as you do this, you won’t need additional contraception.

Ask your pharmacist for advice

If you’re in any doubt about how to take Lovima, consult your pharmacist for advice.

Ready to start?

If you want to start taking Lovima, you can buy it online or in your local pharmacy after a short consultation to ensure it’s suitable for you.