What is Lovima?
Lovima is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill designed to prevent pregnancy in women of childbearing age. Progestogen-only pills, commonly referred to as a mini-pill or POP, do not contain oestrogen. Lovima contains 75mcg of desogestrel, which works to prevent pregnancy primarily by preventing the egg cells from ripening.
How does desogestrel prevent pregnancy?
Desogestrel is a progestogen, a type of female sex hormone. Mini-pills containing progestogen usually work by preventing the sperm cells from entering the womb. Lovima works slightly differently by having a high enough dose of desogestrel that is often capable of preventing the egg from ripening. This means Lovima is a highly effective form of contraception.
How to take Lovima
Each strip of Lovima contains 28 tablets (4 weeks supply) which should be taken consecutively without a break in between each pack. Take one pill per day with a glass of water, at the same time each day. Each pill is marked with a corresponding day of the week - it is important that you take the correct pill on the correct day.
If you are starting Lovima as your first hormonal contraceptive, wait for your period to begin and take your first pill on the first day of your period. If you start taking Lovima at a different point in your cycle, you will need to use an extra method of contraception (e.g. a condom) for the first 7 days. If you are changing to Lovima from a different method of hormonal contraceptive, refer to the patient information leaflet or ask your pharmacist for advice.