Branded Contraceptive Pill (20 & 30)

Whats is Branded Contraceptive Pill and what is it used for?

Branded 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.

Branded Contraceptive Pill is a monophasic combined pill. Branded Contraceptive Pill contains a lower dose compared to most other versions of the Pill, so it may be appropriate for you if you are particularly susceptible to side effects.

If you have been prescribed Branded Contraceptive Pill, repeat supplies can be purchased online from The Independent Pharmacy, following a simple medical questionnaire. One of our pharmacists will review your order on the same working day – if they deem that Branded Contraceptive Pill is suitable for you, your order will be with you as soon as the next working day. Branded Contraceptive Pill is available in strengths of 20mcg & 30mcg, you should always use the same strength that your doctor has prescribed you.

There are 21 Branded 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.

Directions

If possible, begin taking Branded 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 Branded Contraceptive Pills in a pack. Take one pill at a similar time each day. Once you have finished a pack, 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 Branded Contraceptive Pill, however, if you do they may include:

• Mood swings
• Irregular or painful periods
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Acne
• Weight gain

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.

Branded Contraceptive Pill is unsuitable for you if you have:

• An allergy to any of the ingredients of Branded Contraceptive Pill
• A history of breast cancer, or cancer of the uterus or ovary
• Ever had a blood clot
• A blood clotting disorder
• A history of heart attack or stroke
• Angina pectoris
• Very high blood pressure
• High levels of lipids in the blood
• Impaired liver function
• Pancreatitis
• Severe migraines
• Endometrial hyperplasia.

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

• Crohn’s disease or chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• Kidney failure
• Sickle-cell anaemia
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Pancreatitis
• An inflammation of veins under the skin
• Varicose veins
• Diabetes
• Severe depression
• Gall bladder disease
• Epilepsy
• Sydenham’s chorea (a movement disorder)
• Porphyria
• Migraines
• Herpes gestationis (a rash associated with pregnancy)
• Chloasma
• Hereditary angioedema.

Do not use Branded 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 Branded 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 Branded 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 Branded 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.

Branded 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 – Branded Contraceptive Pill may alter the results of some blood tests.

Branded Contraceptive Pill and other medicines

The following medicines may impact the effectiveness of Branded Contraceptive Pill:

• Epilepsy medicines (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• HIV medicines (e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir)
• Tuberculosis medicines (e.g. rifampicin)
• Some antibiotics
• Bosentan
• Modafinil
• St John’s wort
• Tizanidine
• Levothyroxine.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet for either the 20/150mcg or 30/150mcg variation before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take. The most up to date version of this will always be in your product packaging.