About Hana Pills

Hana is a convenient, effective progestogen-only pill offering reliable contraception without a prescription in the UK.

It is an oral hormonal contraceptive pill that prevents unintended pregnancy. It is different from combined pills and does not contain estrogen hormone.

It contains a small amount of progesterone (female sex hormone) called desogestrel. Hana is not an emergency contraceptive; it only works and prevents pregnancy in the future if taken daily.

Moreover, if you are postmenopausal (your menstrual periods have been absent for over 12 months in a row), you may not need to take Hana pill, so talk to your doctor. 

Hana desogestrel contraceptive do not protect you from AIDS (HIV infection) or other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), so to avoid these infections, use condoms.

How does Hana progestogen-only pill (POP) work?

Hana contraceptive pill contains an artificial progestogen (desogestrel) and mimics the female sex hormone called progesterone. Desogestrel works by:

• Preventing ovulation during menstrual cycle
• Preventing the release of eggs from ovaries.
• Thickening the mucus in the cervix and making it harder for sperm to approach an egg.
• Reducing the lining of the womb and not letting the fertilized egg implant itself. 

If you are taking Hana pill, you have to take it regularly at the same time without any breaks between packs to prevent pregnancy.

Hana Contraceptive Pill: How to Use it Properly

If you are taking Hana 75mcg mini pill for the first time, carefully read the patient leaflet. However: 

• ✅ If you have used Hana contraceptive in the past, ensure this medicine suits you.
  
  
• ✅ If you do not use hormonal contraception like vaginal ring, skin patch, pill, injection, implant, or hormone-containing coil in the past month, wait for your periods to begin. 
  
  
• ✅ Only take one tablet regularly at the same time without any break between packs, the interval between two tablets must be 24 hours.
  
  
• ✅ You must take the first tablet on the first day of menstrual bleeding. After this, take pills regularly.
  
  
• ✅ If you take your first tablet on the second day, you have to use condoms for the first 7 days of taking tablets for extra contraception. 
  
  
• ✅ While taking Hana, you will get bleeding patterns that are different from your usual periods or no periods at all.
  
  
• ✅ Once the pack of tablets is finished, start the new pack the next day without any gap.
  
  
• ✅ Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Breaking from a Combined Pill

If you have taken a break from a combined pill, take the first Hana progestogen-only contraception tablet the next day after your break.

However, if you did not take a break from a combined pill, take a Hana tablet on the day after you take the last pill from your current tablet pack. 

Changing from a Skin Patch or Vaginal Ring

If you have taken a break between removal of a skin patch or vaginal ring and taking a Hana tablet, use extra contraception such as condoms for the first 7 days of taking Hana.

However, if you take Hana on the day you remove a skin patch or vaginal ring, you do not need extra contraception.

Changing from other Progestogen-Only Pill

You can switch from other progestogen-only pills to Hana on any day. Take Hana once you stop taking other pills without any extra contraception. 

Changing from Injection, Implant, or Hormone-Containing Coil (IUS)

If you are changing from injection, take Hana on the same day your injection is due. In this case, you will need extra contraception. However, if you are changing from IUS, take Hana on the same day you remove the implant or IUS. 

Resuming or starting Hana after Emergency Contraception

After taking emergency contraception, if you want to resume or start Hana, wait until day 1 of your next period. Most emergency contraception contains levonorgestrel, and you can take it with Hana.

However, if you have used emergency contraception containing levonorgestrel during your menstrual cycle, you can take Hana on the same day with extra contraception, such as condoms for the next 7 days. 

Besides this, if your emergency contraception contains ulipristal acetate and you take it with Hana, the effect of both medicines will be affected.

It will result in reduced contraceptive effects and higher chances of pregnancy. If you have used ulipristal acetate-containing emergency contraception (type of emergency contraceptive pill or "morning-after pill) during your cycle, take Hana after 5 days and use extra contraception such as condoms. 

After the Birth of Baby

After the birth of your baby, you can take Hana any day between 1-21. If you take Hana after 21 days, use extra contraception such as condoms for the next 7 days.

If you already have unprotected sex, get a pregnancy test and consult your doctor before taking Hana.

After Abortion or Miscarriage

You can take Hana immediately or within 5 days of having an abortion or miscarriage. In this case, you do not need extra contraception. 

What to do if you forget to Take Hana 75mcg tablets?

If you forget to take your Hana progestogen-only contraception tablets and is less than 12 hours ago:

• Take your missed tablet immediately.
• After this, continue to take your further pills as usual, meaning take two pills in a day.
• In this way, your contraceptive will not be reduced. So, do not worry!

However, if you forget to take your Hana pill and is more than 12 hours ago:

• Take your missed tablet immediately.
• Also, take your next pill as usual, (even if that means taking two pills in one day).
• Use extra contraception, i.e., condoms, for the next 7 days.

If you have missed one or more pills in the first week of taking Hana, the risk of getting pregnant is higher. Ask your doctor to figure out whether there is a need for emergency contraception.

What to do if you take too much Hana pill?

If you take too much Hana pill, you may experience vomiting, nausea, or slight vaginal bleeding. However, no serious effects have been reported due to high doses of Hana tablets at one time. If you are still unsure, consult your doctor for better advice.

What to do if you vomit or have severe diarrhea while taking Hana pills?

If you vomit within 3 to 4 hours of taking a Hana (hormonal contraception without estrogen) tablet, the pill will be considered missed.

However, if you have persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea, it means Hana has not been completely absorbed.

It will result in reduced contraceptive effects, and you have to use extra contraception like condoms during the illness and the first 7 days of normal tablet taking.

Is there any problem if I want to stop taking Hana pill suddenly?

It's generally not recommended to stop taking Hana suddenly. While you won't experience immediate side effects like withdrawal bleeding, abruptly stopping can disrupt your menstrual cycle and make it harder to predict when your next period will start.

Here's what can happen if you stop Hana abruptly:

• Irregular bleeding: You may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding.
• Delayed return of fertility: It may take longer for your body to return to its natural fertility cycle.

You can stop taking Hana tablets whenever you choose. However, once you stop, you will no longer be protected against pregnancy.

It’s best to consult your doctor or healthcare provider first, as they can advise you on the safest way to stop and monitor for any potential side effects.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend gradually reducing the dose of Hana over a few weeks to minimize side effects. This is especially important if you have been taking Hana for a long time.

Hana pill alternatives: What are some other contraception options?

There are several alternatives to Hana for pregnancy prevention, including both hormonal and non-hormonal options.

Substitute hormonal contraceptive option for Hana 75mcg tablets

If Hana isn’t suitable for you, there are other hormonal options available. At Ashcroft Pharmacy, we offer:

Mini pill 

Cerelle: It contains the same active ingredient (desogestrel) as present in Hana but available via prescription only.

Cerazette: It is a popular alternative as it prevents pregnancy even if you have missed a pill for up to 12 hours. It also requires a prescription.

Combined pill:

Yasmin: It contains drospirenone and ethinyl-estradiol that are also effective for acne and period pain.

Microgynon 30: It is a popular contraception that is also effective in treating heavy periods, polycystic ovary syndrome, and acne. 

Other Hormonal Options

The other hormonal options are:

NuvaRing: It is inserted into your vagina, releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy. It lasts for 3 weeks and does not interfere with tampons or sex.

Contraceptive Patch (Evra): This weekly patch releases progesterone and estrogen into your blood to prevent pregnancy. It is a good alternative if you do not want to take pills daily. 

Contraceptive implant (Nexplanon): In this, a small rod is inserted under the skin of your arm, releasing progesterone to stop pregnancy and providing protection for 3 years. 

Contraceptive injection: The injection contains only progestogen and is given by a medical professional, providing protection from 8-13 weeks.

Intrauterine system (IUS): It is inserted into the womb, releasing progesterone and stopping pregnancy. 

Non-Hormonal Options.

The other non-hormonal options are:

• Female condoms: Placed inside vagina to stop pregnancy.
• Male condoms: Wore during the sex on penis to provide protection against pregnancy and STDs (sexually transmitted disease).
• Diaphragm or cervical cap: Cover your womb and prevent sperm from entering and causing pregnancy.
• Copper IUD: It is a small T-shaped coil that is inserted by a healthcare professional into your womb, releasing copper and stopping pregnancy for 10 years. 

Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so consult your doctor before opting any option to avoid serious effects. 

Sources

Cochrane Review on Weight Effects of Progestin-Only Birth Control (accessed 31 October 2024)
Hana Public Consultation Document – gov.uk (accessed 31 October 2024)
User Information Package Leaflet– MHRA (accessed 01 November 2024)
Overview of the Progestogen-Only Pill (Mini Pill) – NHS Inform (accessed 01 November 2024)
What is the progestogen-only pill? – NHS (accessed 01 November 2024)

Author

Warnings

Warning and precautions of Hana progestogen-only pill (POP)

You should not take Hana (hormonal contraception without estrogen) if you:

• Have liver disease, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or white of the eyes), high blood pressure, or diabetes. 
  
  
• Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  
  
• Have a blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolism) or legs (thrombosis) and sex-steroid sensitive cancer such as breast cancer, endometrial (uterine) cancer, or ovarian cancer.
  
  
• Have an allergy to desogestrel or any other component in Hana.
  
  
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding after sex or between your periods.
  
  
• Have taken or are taking herbal remedies, other drugs, or emergency contraception within the last 5 days. 
  
  
• Have tuberculosis, epilepsy, or chloasma (yellowish-brown pigmentation patches on your skin, especially on the face).
  
  
• If any of these points apply to you, consult your doctor for better advice or different birth control methods.

Interaction of Hana 75 microgram tablets

Hana Progestogen-Only Pill (POP) can interact with many other drugs, leading to serious side effects. So, if you are taking any OTC drugs, prescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal remedies, talk to your doctor before taking Hana to avoid adverse effects. Hana can interact with:

• Epilepsy drugs — phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates, oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, topiramate, felbamate, or phenobarbital
• HIV infection drugs — efavirenz
• Fungal infection drugs — griseofulvin
• Tuberculosis drugs — rifampicin or rifabutin
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs — bosentan
• Drugs for certain bacterial infections —  clarithromycin or erythromycin
• Drugs for the HIV infections — nelfinavir, ritonavir, or nevirapine
• Drugs for the fungal infections — itraconazole, ketoconazole, or fluconazole
• Drugs for angina, high blood pressure, or abnormal heartbeat — diltiazem
• Drugs for the hepatitis C virus infection — boceprevir or telaprevir
• If you take Hana along with these drugs or herbal remedies, it will not work properly.

Hana 75mcg tablets and pregnancy

If you are pregnant or trying to be, do not take Hana. If you have missed any Hana pill and your period is late, talk to your doctor or take a pregnancy test.

If you become pregnant, stop taking Hana. The signs of pregnancy include tender breasts, tiredness, missed periods, feeling sick, and mood swings. 

Hana 75mcg pills and breastfeeding

Hana contains an active substance called desogestrel and can be used while breastfeeding. It does not affect the quality of breast milk.

However, a small amount of desogestrel passes into the milk and causes a reduction in breast milk production, but does not affect your newborn.

When should I seek medical help while using Hana?

During taking Hana, you must consult your doctor if you have:

• Severe pain or swelling in your legs
• Breathlessness
• Unexplained chest pain
• Unusual cough
• Coughing up blood
• Severe pain in the stomach area or lower abdomen with/without vaginal bleeding.
• Lumps or changes in your breast
• Heavy vaginal bleeding

Hana pill side effects — In-depth insight

Like all medicines, the Hana desogestrel contraceptive pill also causes adverse effects.

1 in 10 women experience these effects. Moreover, these side effects settle over time.

The most common side effects of Hana POP are:

• Altered mood, depressed mood
• Headache
• Decreased sexual drive (libido)
• Nausea
• Breast pain
• Acne
• Increased body weight
• Irregular or no periods

The uncommon side effects of Hana pills are:

1 in 100 women experience these effects. If you get them, contact your doctor immediately. 

• Difficulties in wearing contact lenses
• Infection of the vagina
• Vomiting
• Painful periods
• Hair loss
• Ovarian cysts
• Tiredness

The serious side effects of Hana are:

Severe allergic reactions (hypersensitivity): Symptoms include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swollen lips, tongue, face, or throat.

Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb): Symptoms include severe or sudden pain in the stomach area or lower abdomen with/without vaginal bleeding. 

Blood clots: Symptoms include chest pain, coughing up blood, breathlessness, swelling, pain, or redness in the leg.

Irregular periods: Symptoms include less, more frequent, light, or heavy periods, spotting or bleeding after period days, or no periods at all. 

If you experience any of these effects, seek emergency help or visit your doctor immediately. 

Rare Side Effects of Hana contraceptive pill

1 in 1000 women experience these effects. If you get them, seek emergency help or visit your doctor immediately.

The rare side effects of the Hana progestogen-only contraception pill are:

• Hives 
• Rash 
• Painful blue-red skin lumps (erythema nodosum)
• Breast leakage or secretion
• Effect on bone mineral density 

How to Store Hana 75 microgram Tablets?

You must store your Hana tablets away from children's reach.

• Do not store Hana above 30°C.
• Once open, use it within 3 months.
• Do not use Hana once its expiry date has passed. The expiry date is mentioned on blister foil and carbon labels. 
• Do not discard your medicine via household waste or wastewater. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for safe disposal.

Once your order has been approved by our UK medical team it will be dispatched via Royal mail. All orders are sent using a tracked and signed for service.

Royal Mail 48 (2-5 days) | £3.49

Estimated delivery within 2-3 working days. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.

Free delivery on orders over £50.

Royal Mail 24 (Next working day) | £4.99

Estimated delivery within 1 working day. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.

Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm | £9.95

Order by the 2:00 PM weekday cut-off time for guaranteed delivery by 1:00 PM the next business day.

Orders placed after the cut-off on Friday will be delivered on Tuesday.

Hana Contraceptive Pill Reviews

Hana 75mcg pill has gained positive reviews due to its effectiveness and accessibility in preventing pregnancy.

Users appreciate its convenience as it does not require a prescription, making it perfect for busy people.

Moreover, users report few mild side effects of Hana, highlighting their satisfaction and making it the perfect choice for estrogen-sensitive women.

However, you must consult your doctor before buying or taking Hana contraceptive pills. Read more Hana Contraceptive Pill Reviews