Logest 75 micrograms/20 micrograms coated tablets – gestodene and ethinylestradiol, combined contraceptive pill

Logest is a combined contraceptive pill (“the pill”) containing two female sex hormones: the progestogen gestodene (75 micrograms) and the oestrogen ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms). It is used to prevent pregnancy.

The hormones prevent the release of an egg, thicken the mucus in the cervix and alter the lining of the womb. Logest is a 21-day pill: one tablet is taken daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.

How does Logest work and how should it be taken correctly?

Basic information about the medicine

What is Logest used for?

According to the leaflet, Logest is used for:

• preventing pregnancy (oral hormonal contraception).
• Used correctly, it is one of the most reliable reversible methods; periods usually become more regular, lighter and less painful.

How is Logest used and dosed?

• Take 1 tablet every day for 21 days, at the same time, following the days and arrow on the blister; swallow the tablet whole with water.
• This is followed by 7 tablet-free days, during which a bleed usually occurs; start the new pack on day 8, even if the bleeding is still going on.
• First time: take the first tablet on the first day of your period – you are protected from the first tablet.
• Switching from a 21-day pill: the day after the last tablet of the previous pack; from a 28-day pill – the day after the last active tablet; from a mini-pill – on the first day of bleeding.
• After childbirth: the doctor may advise starting 21 days after delivery, using condoms for the first 7 days; after a first-trimester miscarriage – immediately.
• Missed pill: less than 12 hours late – take it straight away and continue as usual. More than 12 hours late – take the last missed tablet as soon as you remember, continue as normal and also use condoms for 7 days; if the pack runs out during these 7 days, start the next one without a break.
• Vomiting or severe diarrhoea within 4 hours of taking a tablet – follow the missed pill advice.

Special patient groups

• Before starting: the doctor checks your medical and family history and blood pressure and rules out pregnancy.
• During use: regular check-ups, cervical smears and monthly breast self-examination.
• Smokers over 35: the doctor may recommend another method because of the increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Before surgery or prolonged immobility: the medicine may need to be stopped at least 4 weeks before surgery.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

• current or previous blood clot (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) or a known clotting disorder (protein C or S deficiency, antithrombin III deficiency, factor V Leiden, antiphospholipid antibodies);
• upcoming surgery or prolonged immobility;
• previous heart attack or stroke, angina pectoris, TIA;
• severe diabetes with blood vessel damage, very high blood pressure, very high blood fats, hyperhomocysteinaemia;
• migraine with aura;
• current or previous breast cancer, liver tumour or severe liver disease with abnormal results;
• allergy to the active substances or excipients;
• hepatitis C with medicines containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, dasabuvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir.

Precautions and warnings

• hereditary or acquired angioedema, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, HUS, sickle cell anaemia, pancreatitis or raised triglycerides;
• recent childbirth, superficial thrombophlebitis, varicose veins;
• diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, migraines, porphyria, heart or clotting disorders in the family;
• depression and mood changes – may occur during hormonal contraception;
• flights longer than 4 hours temporarily increase the risk of a clot.

Interactions with other medicines, food and drink

• medicines that may reduce its effect: some epilepsy medicines, HIV and hepatitis C medicines, griseofulvin, certain antibiotics, barbiturates and St John’s wort – additional contraception may be needed;
• Logest may affect the action of other medicines and the results of laboratory tests;
• there are no special restrictions regarding food and drink.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: do not use if you are pregnant; if you think you may be pregnant, do a test before stopping the pill.
• Breastfeeding: the doctor may advise another method of contraception; breastfeeding does not prevent pregnancy.

Driving and using machines

• Logest is not known to affect the ability to drive or use machines.

Possible side effects

• Common: nausea, abdominal pain, weight gain, headaches, depressed mood or mood changes, swollen or tender breasts;
• Uncommon: vomiting, diarrhoea, fluid retention, migraine, loss of interest in sex, breast enlargement, rash;
• Rare: poor tolerance of contact lenses, weight loss, vaginal or breast discharge; serious – blood clots in veins or arteries (leg, lungs, heart attack or stroke);
• Other: breakthrough bleeding in the first months (usually stops), chloasma (patches on the skin, especially with sun exposure), worsening of conditions that worsened during pregnancy.

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Overdose: taking several tablets is unlikely to cause harm, but nausea, vomiting or vaginal bleeding may occur; contact a doctor if symptoms appear.
• Missed pill: follow the 12-hour rule (see above); if you missed a tablet in the first week of the pack and had intercourse, contact a doctor or pharmacist (emergency contraception may be possible).
• Stopping: if you plan a pregnancy, after stopping wait for your first natural period while using another method; becoming pregnant straight away does not harm you or the baby.

Related information

Logest does not protect against sexually transmitted infections – a condom is needed for that protection. For additional care and support with a suspected pregnancy (e.g. after a missed pill or an absent withdrawal bleed), see also the category Pregnancy and ovulation tests – products in this category do not replace the medicine prescribed to you.

Composition, pack and manufacturer

• Active substances per tablet: gestodene 75 micrograms and ethinylestradiol 20 micrograms.
• Excipients – core: lactose monohydrate; maize starch; povidone 25000; magnesium stearate; coating: sucrose; povidone 90; macrogol 6000; calcium carbonate; talc; montan glycol wax. Contains lactose and sucrose.
• Appearance: round white coated tablets; blister of 21 tablets marked with days of the week.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Bayer d.o.o. Belgrade, Omladinskih brigada 88b. Manufacturer: Bayer AG, Mullerstrasse 178, Berlin, Germany.
• Authorisation number: 000457636 2023 of 03.09.2024.

Storage

• Store below 25 °C in the original package to protect from light.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children; do not use after the expiry date.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take Logest?

If you are less than 12 hours late, take the tablet straight away and continue as usual. If you are more than 12 hours late, take the last missed tablet as soon as you remember, carry on as normal and also use condoms for the next 7 days.

Am I protected during the 7-day break?

Yes, if you have taken the tablets correctly and start the new pack on time – no additional contraception is needed during the break.

Does Logest increase the risk of thrombosis?

Yes, slightly. With gestodene pills a clot occurs in about 9–12 out of 10,000 women per year, compared with about 2 in women not using hormonal contraception. The risk is highest in the first year.

What if there is no bleed during the break?

If you took the tablets correctly, pregnancy is unlikely – start the new pack on time. If you missed tablets or the bleed is absent again next time, do a pregnancy test.

Sources

• ALIMS – Patient information leaflet Logest (PIL)
• ALIMS – Summary of product characteristics Logest (SmPC)

Sources checked on: 25 October 2026.