Your pill is called....................... It is a combination of female hormones in a pack containing 21 tablets. It is a very effective method of contraception - providing you remember to take it!

How do I take the pill?

For your first pack only, start your pill on the first day of your next period. Follow the numbers or the days around the packet, taking one pill every day. After 21 days you will have finished the packet. Wait 7 days, then start the next pack. 21 days on the pill, 7 without it.
You will always start a new pack on the same day of the week. Choose a time of day when you are most likely to remember to take the pill (eg: breakfast-time or bed-time).

What are the side effects?

There are three main side effects which you might notice:

  1. "Breakthrough" bleeding: This is bleeding which occurs unexpectedly at the wrong time of the month. If it occurs it is usually slight and will settle in a few days. You should continue taking the pill. Even if breakthrough bleeding occurs you will still be safe from pregnancy. Usually this problem settles down after a few months without having to change your pill.
  2. Weight gain: Sometimes, people gain a few pounds in weight when they start on the pill. This happens because the hormones in the pill cause the body to retain fluid. This will disappear when you stop the pill.
  3. Breast tenderness: If this is a problem it should settle within a few months without having to change your pill.

These, and other side effects, are mentioned in the manufacturer's leaflet which is included in your pack of the pill.

What are the risks?

The main risk from taking the pill is "thrombosis." This is made more likely if you have a strong family history of thrombosis, and if you are overweight or smoke. Age is less important. If you smoke you should stop altogether (or at least cut down).

How effective is the pill?

Apart from sterilisation, the pill is the most reliable method of contraception IF YOU REMEMBER TO TAKE IT.
If you forget your pill, and you are less than 12 hours late taking it, don't worry - just take the missed pill as soon as possible.

If you are MORE THAN 12 HOURS LATE taking your pill, and 7 OR MORE pills are left in the pack after the most recently delayed pill:

If you are MORE THAN 12 HOURS LATE taking your pill, and LESS THAN 7 pillsare left in the pack after the most recently delayed pill:

Some medicines, especially some antibiotics, interfere with the pill. Tell the doctor that you are on the pill.

Remember, the pill does NOT protect you against sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia or AIDS. The only way to protect yourself from these infections, which can affect your future fertility or worse, is to use a condom.

Make an appointment for your next check-up before you run out of pills. Please bring a specimen of urine with you at your next visit (it will be tested for sugar and protein).
We recommend that you have a cervical smear test every 3 years.