Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (20 & 30)

What is Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill and what is it used for?

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill is an oral contraceptive. When used correctly, it will provide near 100% protection against pregnancy. Its two active ingredients, prevent ovulation from occurring during the menstrual cycle. Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill is a monophasic combined pill, meaning each pill contains the same dose of active ingredients.

If you have been prescribed Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, repeat supplies can be purchased online from The Independent Pharmacy, following a simple medical questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order on the same working day - if they deem that Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill is suitable for you, your order will be with you as soon as the next working day.

There are 21 Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills in a strip. Once you have finished a strip, you will stop taking the pill for seven days. During this time you will have a normal bleed. Once seven days have passed, begin your next cycle of treatment.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill will not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill directions

If possible, begin taking Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill on the first day of your period - if you begin taking the Pill in the first five days of your cycle, you will be immediately protected from pregnancy.

There are 21 Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills in a strip. Take one tablet at a similar time each day. Once you have finished a strip, you will stop taking the pill for seven days. During this time you will have a normal bleed. Once seven days have passed, begin your next cycle of treatment.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, even if it is nearly time for your next pill. If you have missed one day, you should still be protected from pregnancy. If you miss multiple days, you are advised to use additional contraception for the following seven days.

Side Effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, however if you do they may include:

• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Irregular periods
• Headache
• Tender breasts
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Vaginal discharge
• Acne
• Stomach pain
• Change in libido
• Fluid retention
• Anxiety dizziness
• Migraine
• Eye irritation
  

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill is unsuitable for you if you have:

• An allergy to any of the ingredients of Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
• A history of cancer of the ovary, cervix, uterus or breast
• A blood clotting disorder
• Ever had a blood clot
• A history of heart attack or stroke
• Angina pectoris
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Very high blood pressure
• Severe diabetes
• High levels of lipids in the blood
• Impaired liver function
• Severe migraines
• An eye disorder owing to circulatory problems.

You may be advised not to take Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Kidney failure
• Increased levels of fat in the blood
• Pancreatitis
• High blood pressure
• Impaired liver function
• Gallstones
• Porphyria
• Sydenham's chorea
• Herpes gestationis
• Otosclerosis
• Pruritus
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Sickle-cell anaemia
• Crohn's disease or chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• Varicose veins
• An inflammation of veins under the skin
• Chloasma.

Do not use Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill if you have breast cancer, or if you have had it before. Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase your chance of developing breast cancer. Once you have stopped using the Pill for at least 10 years, your risk levels will come back down. Women who are elderly and/or overweight are more vulnerable to breast cancer. Take care using Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill if a close relative has suffered from breast cancer before. Check your breasts and nipples regularly for any changes or lumps. If you notice anything abnormal, visit your doctor as soon as you can.

You may be more susceptible to blood clots while taking Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, especially during the first year of use. Talk to your GP before having any operation while taking the Pill. You may need to stop using Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill in advance of the operation to avoid the increased risk of a blood clot. You are also at a heightened risk of developing a blood clot if you:

• Smoke
• Are obese
• Have a family history of blood clots
• Do not exercise regularly
• Have had a miscarriage in the past
• Have recently given birth.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill may increase your chance of developing cervical cancer. For this reason, you should have regular smear tests while taking the Pill.

If you require any blood test, inform your doctor of which medicines you are taking - Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill may alter the results of some blood tests.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill and other medicines

The following medicines may impact the effectiveness of Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill:

• Epilepsy medicines (e.g. carbamazepine)
• Some antibiotics (e.g. rifampicin, ampicillin)
• HIV medicines (e.g. ritonavir)
• Barbiturates
• Griseofulvin
• St John's Wort.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.