What is Lucette?

Lucette is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones — ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and drospirenone (progestogen) — which work together to provide effective contraception when taken correctly.

Taken once daily at the same time each day, Lucette helps prevent ovulation and reduces the chance of pregnancy. Many people also find their periods become lighter, more regular, and less painful while taking it.

Lucette does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — condoms are recommended for STI protection.

What is Lucette Used For?

Contraception: Preventing pregnancy when taken correctly
Cycle control: Helping regulate menstrual cycles
Lighter, less painful periods
May help with hormone-related bloating or acne in some users

How Does Lucette Work?

Lucette prevents pregnancy in three ways:

Stops ovulation — the ovaries do not release an egg
Thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg
Thins the lining of the womb, reducing the chance of implantation
When taken correctly, Lucette is over 99% effective.

When Should I Use Lucette?

Lucette may be suitable if you want a low-dose combined pill and are medically eligible to take oestrogen-containing contraception.

It may be preferred by some users because drospirenone has mild anti-androgen and anti-fluid-retention properties, although responses vary.

A clinician will review your medical history to confirm Lucette is appropriate for you.

Who Can Use Lucette?

Adult women (18+) who are medically eligible for combined oral contraception
Non-smokers, or smokers under 35 years old
Those without conditions that make combined pills unsuitable

Who Should Not Use Lucette?

You should not take Lucette if you:

Have ever had a blood clot (DVT or pulmonary embolism)
Have migraine with aura
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Have kidney, liver, or adrenal gland disease
Have a history of breast cancer or unexplained vaginal bleeding
Smoke and are aged 35 or over
Are allergic to ethinylestradiol, drospirenone, or any other ingredients

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) and complete the clinical assessment fully before starting.

Can I Get Lucette Without a Prescription?

No. Lucette is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
It can be prescribed through a UK-registered online pharmacy after a clinician confirms it is suitable for you.

Alternative Contraceptive Options

Other combined oral contraceptive pills
Progestogen-only pills (POPs)
Contraceptive patch or vaginal ring
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as implants or coils

A clinician can help you choose the option that best suits your health and lifestyle.

How to Take Lucette:

Take one tablet daily, at the same time each day
Take tablets for 21 consecutive days
Follow with a 7-day tablet-free break
You’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed during the break
Start the next pack after 7 days, even if bleeding hasn’t finished

If you miss a pill, follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet carefully, as missed pills can reduce effectiveness.

If you’re unsure what to do, speak to your pharmacist or GP, or call NHS 111 for advice.

Active ingredients:

Ethinylestradiol 20 micrograms
Drospirenone 3 mg

Other ingredients (excipients):

May include lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, and tablet coating agents.
Lucette contains lactose.

Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) for the full ingredient list, especially if you have allergies or lactose intolerance

Common side effects:

Nausea
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Mood changes
Mild bloating
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first few months

Less common:

Changes in libido
Skin changes
Raised potassium levels (rare)

Serious but rare:

Blood clots

Seek urgent medical help (999 / A&E) if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, sudden vision problems, or a severe headache

Contact your GP if side effects are persistent or concerning

Call NHS 111 if you’re unsure whether symptoms are related to Lucette

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for full safety and side-effect information.