Branded Contraceptive Pill

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

Branded Contraceptive Pill is a combined contraceptive pill that is primarily used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two active ingredients, which are synthetic versions of the female body’s natural sex hormones. If taken according to the instructions, Branded Contraceptive Pill is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can help to make periods lighter, less painful and more regular. It can also help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Branded Contraceptive Pill and acne

Some women who take Branded Contraceptive Pill, who have previously struggled with acne or spots, notice an improvement in the condition of their skin while taking this contraceptive pill. This is because the hormones in Branded Contraceptive Pill help to regulate the production of oil by the skin, preventing pores from becoming blocked.

Branded Contraceptive Pill benefits

All types of contraception, have both benefits and drawbacks, and these are not always the same for everyone.

Women who take a combined contraceptive pill such as Branded Contraceptive Pill find that some of the advantages of taking it are that:

• Sex is not interrupted
• Periods are more regular, lighter and less painful
• Symptoms of PMS are more manageable
• Acne is improved

How does Branded Contraceptive Pill work?

Each Branded Contraceptive Pill contains both synthetic active ingredients which are taken for 21 days with a 7-day pill-free break. These hormones work together to stop you from becoming pregnant by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg.

They also increase the amount of mucus around the cervix, making it hard for sperm to reach the egg, making it hard for a fertilised egg to implant in the uterus.

How do I take Branded Contraceptive Pill?

Branded Contraceptive Pill can be prescribed for and taken by women over the age of 18 years old to protect them from pregnancy. Branded Contraceptive Pills are for oral use only and should be taken as directed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Take 1 Branded Contraceptive Pill at the same time every day for 21 days. Take the first tablet from the top row that correlates with the correct day of the week and follow the directions of the arrows printed on the pack.

After 21 days, do not take any Branded Contraceptive Pill for 7 days. This is your pill-free week and you should expect to experience a “withdrawal bleed”. On day 8 start a new packet of Branded Contraceptive Pill.

Starting Branded Contraceptive Pill

If you have not used hormonal contraception in the past month

Take your first Branded Contraceptive Pill on day 1 of your period and you will be protected from becoming pregnant straight away.

You can also start taking Branded Contraceptive Pill on days 2-5 of your period but you will need to use a barrier method of protection such as a condom for the next 7 days to protect you from getting pregnant.

If you are switching from a combined contraceptive pill

Take your first Branded Contraceptive Pill after the last active tablet of your previous pill. Do not have a pill-free 7 days. If you have previously been using a combined contraceptive patch or ring, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice on the best way to switch to Branded Contraceptive Pill.

If you are changing from a progesterone-only pill, injection, implant or IUD

Take your first Branded Contraceptive Pill on whatever day is convenient for you when switching from the pill. For the injection take your first tablet the day your next injection is due. For the implant and IUD take your first Branded Contraceptive Pill the day these are removed.

You will need to use a barrier method of protection such as a condom for the first 7 days to avoid getting pregnant.

If you are starting Branded Contraceptive Pill after having a baby

If you're not breastfeeding and your healthcare professional has checked you have no medical risk factors for a blood clot in a vein, you can take your first Branded Contraceptive Pill between days 21-28 after giving birth. If you start taking Branded Contraceptive Pill after day 28 you will need to use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom for the first 7 days.

You should not take Branded Contraceptive Pill if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should discuss your contraceptive options with your doctor.

Branded Contraceptive Pill missed pills

If you have forgotten to take your Branded Contraceptive Pill or have vomiting or diarrhoea within 4 hours of taking your pill but it is within 12 hours:

Take the late pill as soon as you remember or you feel well enough. You will still be protected against getting pregnant.

If you have forgotten to take your Branded Contraceptive Pill or have vomiting or diarrhoea within 4 hours of taking your pill and is over 12 hours late:

Take the missed pill as soon as you remember or you feel well enough. You will need to use an additional method of contraception such as a condom for the next 7 days.

Side Effects

There are some potential side effects of Branded Contraceptive Pill that you should be aware of when taking any combined hormonal contraception.

The most common side effects experienced when taking Branded Contraceptive Pill are:

• Tenderness breast, pain breast
• Irregular periods, spotting, bleeding between periods
• Low mood
• Headache and migraine
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Vaginal thrush
• Increased breast size
• Changes in blood pressure
• Hair loss

Side effects associated with Branded Contraceptive Pill usually improve within the first 3 months. If they do not improve or you are concerned about any side effects please speak to a doctor.

If you experience any severe side effects or have an allergic reaction while using Branded Contraceptive Pill you should seek medical advice from your nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

Before taking Branded Contraceptive Pill please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Warnings

Taking combined oral contraceptives can increase your risk of developing certain health conditions. It is therefore essential that while taking Branded Contraceptive Pill you must attend regular check-ups with your GP or practice nurse.

• Do not take Branded Contraceptive Pills if you have ever had a blood clot, have had a heart attack or a stroke, you have ever had cancer, you are immobile for extended periods, you have high blood pressure or experience migraines with aura, you have problems with your liver or kidneys.
• Tell a doctor before taking Branded Contraceptive Pill if you have diabetes, mental health problems, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, SLE, HUS, sickle cell anaemia, or varicose veins.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Branded Contraceptive Pill if you are currently or have recently stopped taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medication.

Before taking Branded Contraceptive Pill please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Branded Contraceptive Pill and blood clots

Combined oral contraceptives like Branded Contraceptive Pill can increase your chances of developing blood clots in both the veins and arteries. Blood clots can be very serious, causing pain, heart attacks and strokes. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot you must see a doctor as soon as possible.

Branded Contraceptive Pill and cancer

Branded Contraceptive Pill may slightly increase your chances of developing breast cancer. You should ensure that you check your breasts regularly whilst taking any form of hormonal contraception.

If you notice any irregularities in your breasts including lumps or dimples you must get these checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not take Branded Contraceptive Pill if you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant whilst taking Branded Contraceptive Pill you should speak to a doctor for advice.

You should not use Branded Contraceptive Pill if you are breastfeeding as combined hormonal contraceptives can affect the production of breastmilk. For advice on appropriate contraception whilst breastfeeding, you should speak to a doctor.