Hana pill

The progestogen-only pill brands Hana and Lovima have recently become available over the counter, without needing a prescription from your doctor. The Lowdown don't sell these pills because it's actually more expensive to sell you them (without the cost of writing the prescription) than it is offer you alternative progestogen-only pills like Cerazette pill, Cerelle pill, Desogestrel pill and Desomono pill which require a prescription. These pills contain exactly the same hormonal ingredients as Hana pill and Lovima pill. Find the full list and find out more about our pill prescription service.

Hana is a small tablet you swallow daily that (unlike the combined pill) only contains one hormone – progestogen. It prevents pregnancy by making the fluid in your cervix thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb), and preventing the lining of your womb thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant in it. Progestogen-only pills containing desogestrel can also stop ovulation. There are a few things that can stop the progestogen-only pill from working properly including vomiting, some medicines, or missing a pill. Take a look at our complete guide to the progestogen-only pill.

Hana contains the hormone desogestrel and must be taken within 12 hours of the same time everyday. We recommend keeping your pill packet somewhere you look at everyday (like your makeup bag) to remind you to take it, or set an alarm on your phone. Most types of progestogen-only pills are designed to be taken for 28 days with no break between packs. Depending on where you are in your cycle when you start the pill, you might not be protected against pregnancy straight away. Find out more about the progesterone only pill. Coming off the pill is easy - you just stop taking it. When you do, you're no longer protected from pregnancy. If you want to stop the pill but do not wish to become pregnant then you might want to consider switching to another form of contraception before you stop taking your pill. Read our complete guide to coming off the pill.