Buy Mercilon online with free consultation & prescription

Book a quick face-to-face video consultation with a UK certified prescribing pharmacist, nurse, or doctor. If approved, your Mercilon will be prescribed* and delivered straight to your door within 10-14 working days. Avoid doctor waiting lists. No delays. Just expert care.

Mercilon is a combined oral contraceptive pill used for contraception.

*Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.

Manufactured by Organon.

Mercilon packaging which is available to order online from NowPatient with free next day delivery
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Mercilon packaging which is available to order online from NowPatient with free next day delivery

Mercilon

Mercilon doses and pack sizes

*Your clinician will recommend the right strength and quantity for you during the consultation.

Treatment£34.34
Shipping£25.00
Total if approved£59.34

How it works

Fast, simple booking with a certified prescribing clinician

If approved, get your treatment prescription

Get tracked delivery straight to your door

No hidden fees. No delays.

Similar treatments

Mercilon alternatives

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Mercilon prices

Brand/GenericFormDosageQuantityPriceDelivery CostConsultation Cost
MercilonBrandTablets63£34.34£0.00*(with Core+ Plan)£0.00

FAQs

Answers to popular questions about Mercilon

What is Mercilon?

Mercilon is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing desogestrel 150 micrograms and ethinylestradiol 20 micrograms. It is a low-dose pill manufactured by Organon and is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. The lower ethinylestradiol dose (20 micrograms vs the standard 30–35 micrograms in many pills) may suit women who experience oestrogen-related side effects such as headaches, breast tenderness, or nausea with higher-dose pills. Mercilon is taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day pill-free break.

How does Mercilon work?

Mercilon works through the standard combined pill mechanisms: suppressing ovulation by inhibiting the release of an egg from the ovaries, thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thinning the endometrial lining. The combination of desogestrel and low-dose ethinylestradiol provides reliable contraception. Desogestrel is a third-generation progestogen with good cycle control and minimal androgenic effects.

What is the difference between Mercilon and Marvelon?

Both Mercilon and Marvelon contain desogestrel 150 micrograms, but they differ in oestrogen dose. Mercilon contains 20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol (lower dose), while Marvelon contains 30 micrograms. The lower oestrogen in Mercilon may reduce oestrogen-related side effects but can cause more breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first few months. Gedarel 20/150 is a generic equivalent of Mercilon, and Gedarel 30/150 is a generic equivalent of Marvelon.

How do I take Mercilon?

Take one Mercilon tablet daily at the same time for 21 consecutive days. Then have a 7-day pill-free break during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs. Start the next pack after the 7-day break. If starting on day 1 of your period, protection is immediate. If starting at any other time, use condoms for the first 7 days. Consistency with timing is important — aim to take it within the same 1–2 hour window each day.

What should I do if I miss a Mercilon pill?

Follow the standard standard missed pill rules. One pill missed (less than 48 hours late): take it immediately, continue as normal, no extra precautions. Two or more pills missed (48+ hours late): take the last missed pill, discard any earlier missed pills, use condoms for 7 days, and follow week-specific advice (week 1: consider emergency contraception if sex occurred; week 3: skip the pill-free break and start the next pack immediately).

What are the side effects of Mercilon?

Common side effects include headache, mood changes, breast tenderness, nausea, and breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Breakthrough bleeding may be more common with Mercilon’s lower oestrogen dose, particularly in the first 3 months. This usually settles with continued use. The VTE risk with desogestrel-containing pills is estimated at 9–12 per 10,000 women per year, slightly higher than levonorgestrel-containing pills (5–7 per 10,000). Your prescriber will discuss this risk.

Is Mercilon good for women sensitive to oestrogen side effects?

Yes, Mercilon’s lower ethinylestradiol content (20 micrograms vs 30–35 micrograms) may be beneficial for women who experience oestrogen-related side effects such as headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, bloating, or mood changes on higher-dose pills. The trade-off is a slightly higher chance of breakthrough bleeding. If you had side effects on a 30 microgram pill, a switch to Mercilon (or Gedarel 20/150) may improve your experience.

How can I get Mercilon?

You can request Mercilon through NowPatient by completing a short online consultation with one of our prescribing clinicians. Your clinician will review your medical history, blood pressure and BMI to check that Mercilon is a safe choice of contraception for you. If treatment is suitable, a prescription is issued and your medication is dispensed by our registered pharmacy and delivered to your door.

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We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in regulated health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do.