Yasmin vs Lucette: What's the Difference?

Reviewed by Usama Ali, MPharm (GPhC: 2224726). Last reviewed: October 2026.

This guide explains why pharmacies switch between them, the one difference that can matter, and when to tell your pharmacist.

Why have I been switched from Yasmin to Lucette?

It usually comes down to cost and stock. Under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, pharmacies are expected to supply the best value product that still meets your clinical need.

Yasmin and Lucette contain the same two hormones at the same strengths, so most pharmacies supply whichever is most cost effective at the time. The NHS England patient group direction for the combined pill lists both, alongside three other equivalent brands.

If there is a clinical reason for you to have a particular brand, such as a peanut or soya allergy, tell your pharmacist so your supply can stay consistent.

Are Yasmin and Lucette really the same?

Yes, in every way that matters for contraception. Both contain drospirenone 3 milligrams and ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms. Both are taken once a day for 21 days, followed by a 7 day break, and both follow the same missed pill rules.

Both also carry the same blood clot risk: around 9 to 12 in every 10,000 users a year, compared with 5 to 7 for levonorgestrel pills such as Microgynon (FSRH). That is why drospirenone pills are not usually the first combined pill offered. Read more in our guide to the pill and blood clots.

Switching from Yasmin to Lucette does not mean you have moved to a weaker pill, a lower dose or a different type of contraceptive. For Yasmin on its own, read our Yasmin guide.

What is actually different?

The differences are in the tablet coating and in how the tablets look.

Yasmin is a light yellow, round tablet made by Bayer. Lucette is a white, round tablet made by Gedeon Richter. Both contain the same amount of lactose, 48.17 mg of lactose monohydrate per tablet. The coatings use different ingredients, and only Lucette's contains soya lecithin. You can compare the full ingredient lists in the Yasmin SPC and Lucette SPC.

The box and blister strip look different too. That is often what prompts the worry that the pill has changed. Apart from the soya, it has not.

Which should I avoid if I have a soya or peanut allergy?

Lucette. Its film coating contains 0.07 mg of soya lecithin per tablet, and its product information says it should not be used by anyone allergic to peanut or soya. Yasmin's coating does not contain soya.

If you have either allergy, tell your pharmacist during your consultation so they can supply a suitable brand. If you have already taken Lucette and notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing, call 999.

Will my side effects change if I switch?

They should not. The hormones and doses are identical, and the two patient leaflets list the same common side effects: changes to periods or bleeding between periods, breast pain or tenderness, headache, low mood, migraine, nausea, and thick, whitish vaginal discharge or thrush.

If you notice a real and persistent change after switching, it is reasonable to ask for a review. Your pharmacist can check whether something else could explain it. See our guide to pill side effects for what to expect and when to seek help.

Which other pills are the same as Yasmin and Lucette?

The NHS England patient group direction for the combined pill lists five brands of drospirenone 3 milligrams with ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms. They all contain the same medicine. The differences between them are the manufacturer, the packaging and some inactive ingredients.

You may receive any of these depending on what your pharmacy stocks. With Contraception Direct, your pharmacist will let you know which brand you are being sent.

Can I ask for Yasmin specifically?

You can raise it. If you have a peanut or soya allergy, there is a clear clinical reason to avoid Lucette, and your pharmacist will take that into account. Otherwise there is not usually a reason to insist on one brand, because the medicine is the same.

If there is a documented reason for you to have a specific brand, your pharmacist can note it so future supplies stay consistent.

Which drospirenone pills are actually different?

Some pills contain drospirenone but are not the same as Yasmin or Lucette. Eloine has a lower dose of ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms) and is taken in a 24 plus 4 pattern. Drovelis combines drospirenone with a different oestrogen, estetrol. Slynd is a mini pill containing drospirenone 4 milligrams and no oestrogen at all.

If you are comparing the levonorgestrel brands instead, read Microgynon vs Rigevidon. If you are not sure which pill suits you, read which contraceptive pill is right for me or talk it through with your pharmacist.

This information is for general guidance only and does not replace advice from a clinician, pharmacist, or doctor. A clinician will review your consultation before any medication is supplied.