Side Effects

Lovima Side Effects

Like most medicines, Lovima can cause some side effects, although not everybody experiences them. It’s important that you are aware of the potential desogestrel side effects, which symptoms could be a sign of something more serious and when you should speak to your doctor for advice.

What are the side effects of Lovima ?

The most common Lovima contraceptive pill side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 women, include:

• Irregular or no periods
• Depressed mood
• Reduced sex drive
• Headache
• Nausea
• Acne
• Breast pain
• Weight gain

The more uncommon side effects of Lovima, affecting up to 1 in 100 women, include:

• Vaginal infection
• An intolerance to wearing contact lenses
• Vomiting
• Hair loss
• Painful periods
• Ovarian cysts
• Tiredness

The rare side effects of Lovima, affecting up to 1 in 1,000 women, include:

• Rash
• Hives
• Skin inflammation (tender, red-blue skin lumps)

There are possible serious side effects of contraceptive pills too. Although there is little evidence of an increased risk of the conditions listed below with Lovima, it is important to recognise the symptoms.

• Swollen face, tongue or throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe pain or swelling in either of the legs
• Unexplained pains in the chest
• Breathlessness
• An unusual cough, especially if blood is coughed up
• Sudden severe stomach-ache
• Jaundice with yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, or dark urine
• Sudden or severe pain in the lower abdomen or stomach area, with or without amenorrhoea and with or without vaginal bleeding
• Lump in the breast
• Nipple discharge
• Other breast symptoms

If you experience any of these serious side effects, especially if they are severe or persistent,   seek medical attention immediately.

You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or via the MRA Yellow Card app which is available in the Apple or Google Play App Store.

For more information regarding the Lovima mini pill side effects, please refer to your Lovima Patient Information Leaflet.

Does Lovima affect your period?

One of the most common reported side effects of Lovima is menstrual bleeding irregularity. This means that you may notice that your periods become irregular, or you may even find that they stop altogether. It’s important to note that irregular bleeding is not a sign that Lovima is not working, and you do not need to take any action. Simply continue to take Lovima as normal.

Up to 50% of women have reported some kind of bleeding irregularity as a result of using 75mg desogestrel tablets , such as Lovima. In 20 to 30% of women, bleeding may become more frequent, whereas in another 20%, bleeding may become less frequent or totally absent. You may also find that you bleed for longer. 

After taking Lovima for a couple of months, you may find that your periods tend to become less frequent. Some women may notice a change in bleeding frequency or duration, while others may notice an absence of bleeding, and may see this as an advantage.

You should be assured that it is normal for your periods to become less frequent or stop altogether after a few months of using Lovima. If you are worried about the changes to your periods or if bleeding becomes very frequent, irregular or heavy, you should speak to your doctor.

Does Lovima cause spotting?

Many women report spotting on the Lovima pill. In fact, after taking Lovima for 12 months, 4 in 10 women report spotting once or twice a month, while 1 in 10 women experience this more frequently.

Meanwhile, 2 in 10 women experience longer bleeding or spotting episodes. If you experience spotting on the Lovima mini pill, you should continue to take your tablets as normal. If you are worried about the changes to your periods or if bleeding becomes very frequent, irregular or heavy, you should speak to your doctor. 

Does Lovima cause weight gain?

Up to 1 in 10 women may experience weight gain when taking Lovima.

Does Lovima cause acne?

Up to 1 in 10 women may experience more acne when taking Lovima.

Does Lovima increase the risk of heart problems?

There is not sufficient evidence to suggest that taking a progestogen-only pill, like Lovima, increases the risk of heart problems, otherwise known as cardiovascular disease, and there is no evidence that it increases blood pressure.

Does Lovima increase the risk of blood clots?

The evidence available to date does not support an association between using a progestogen-only pill, like Lovima, and the increased risk of blood clots. However, it’s important to note that you should not take Lovima if you suffer from an active thrombosis. 

Does Lovima increase the risk of breast cancer?

According to Cancer Research UK, less than 1% of breast cancer cases in the UK are caused by oral contraceptive use.  

Find out if Lovima is right for you

To find out if Lovima is the right fit for you, simply complete our short consultation form online, or speak to your pharmacist.

You can buy Lovima on our website or from your local pharmacy.