Eloine Contraceptive Pill

What is Eloine birth control?

Eloine is a combined oral contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones, drospirenone and ethinylestradiol, that work together to stop ovulation and make it harder for sperm to reach an egg.

Eloine offers lower-dose of oestrogen (in this case ethinylestradiol) when compared to something like Yasmin, designed to offer effective contraception while potentially reducing hormone-related side effects for some people.

Combined pills like Eloine are one of the most commonly used contraceptive methods in the UK. They are highly effective when taken correctly and can also help with symptoms like heavy or painful periods.

How does Eloine work?

Eloine works by using two hormones (ethinylestradiol and drospirenone) to prevent pregnancy in three main ways:

• It stops ovulation so your ovaries don’t release an egg.
• It thickens your cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
• It thins your womb lining, reducing the chance of implantation.

Together, these effects create multiple layers of protection against pregnancy when the pill is taken consistently.

How long does Eloine take to work?

Eloine works immediately if you start taking it on the first day of your period.

If you start at any other time in your cycle, it takes seven days to become effective, so you’ll need to use additional contraception (like condoms) during this time.

How effective is Eloine?

Eloine is over 99% effective with perfect use, meaning fewer than 1 in 100 people will become pregnant in a year when taken correctly. However, with ‘typical’ use, factoring in things like missing a pill and inconsistent timing, it's about 91% effective.

To keep your level of protection as high as possible:

• take it at the same time every day
• avoid missing pills
• follow guidance if a dose is late or missed

Eloine vs Yasmin

Eloine and Yasmin are very similar contraceptive pills. Both contain the same type of hormones, but in slightly different doses.

Eloine contains a lower dose of oestrogen (ethinylestradiol), which may reduce the risk of certain birth control side effects (like headaches or nausea) for some people.

Your doctor or pharmacist will help decide which option is most suitable based on your health and how your body responds to hormones.

How to take Eloine

Eloine is taken daily in a 28-day cycle, with 24 active tablets and 4 inactive tablets.

How it works

• Take one tablet every day, at the same time.
• Follow the order on the blister pack.
• Continue taking pills every day, including during the inactive tablet days.
• You’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed during the inactive pills.

This continuous cycle means you don’t need to take a break between packs.

What to do if you miss a dose

If you miss an active pill, your protection may be reduced depending on timing.

If you’re less than 24 hours late:

• Take the missed pill as soon as you remember.
• Continue as normal.

If you’re more than 24 hours late:

• Take the most recent missed pill.
• Continue taking the rest as normal.
• Use extra contraception for seven days.

If you’ve missed pills and had unprotected sex, you may need emergency contraception.

Potential Eloine side effects

Like all hormonal contraceptives, Eloine can cause side effects, especially when you first start taking it. Common side effects include:

• headaches
• nausea
• breast tenderness
• mood changes
• breakthrough bleeding (spotting)

These often improve within a few months as your body adjusts to the hormones.

Seek urgent medical help if you experience:

• chest pain or shortness of breath
• severe headaches or vision problems
• swelling or pain in one leg

These could be signs of a blood clot, which is rare but serious.

When not to use Eloine

Eloine may not be suitable for you if you:

• have a history of blood clots
• have certain heart or liver conditions
• experience migraines with aura
• are a smoker aged over 35
• have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• have a BMI greater than 35

A healthcare professional will assess your medical history before prescribing Eloine.

Eloine tablets and other medication

Some medicines can reduce how well Eloine works, including:

• certain antibiotics (e.g. rifampicin)
• epilepsy medicines
• HIV treatments
• herbal remedies like St John’s Wort

These can affect hormone levels in your body, reducing contraceptive protection. You may need to use alternative contraception if you need to take these medications regularly.

Eloine and breastfeeding

Eloine can be used during breastfeeding. It can be started after six weeks of giving birth but not before. This is because the oestrogen component may reduce your milk supply.

Progestogen-only methods (mini pill) are usually preferred during breastfeeding.

How to store Eloine

• Store below 25°C.
• Keep in original packaging.
• Protect from heat and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Always check the expiry date before taking your medication.

Frequently asked questions about Eloine birth control

Is Eloine a combined pill?

Yes. Eloine is a combined oral contraceptive pill, meaning it contains both oestrogen and progestogen.

Is Eloine the same as Yasmin?

No, but they are very similar. Both contain the same hormones, but Eloine has a lower dosage of oestrogen.

Does Eloine cause weight gain?

There is no strong evidence that Eloine causes significant weight gain. Some people may notice temporary bloating or fluid retention when starting the pill.

Does Eloine stop your period?

Eloine does not stop your periods or bleeding. You exhibit a withdrawal bleed rather than a true period which is often lighter, less painful and more regular.

Is Eloine available on the NHS?

Yes, you can get Eloine through the NHS and Chemist4U using the free contraceptive pill service.

Sources

• Eloine PIL. EMC. [Accessed 10 April 2026].
• The combined pill. (2023). NHS. [Accessed 10 April 2026].
• Contraception guide. (2023). NHS. [Accessed 10 April 2026].
• Contraception guidance. (2019). NICE. [Accessed 10 April 2026].