Contraceptive Pill & Contraceptive Pill ED

What is Contraceptive Pill & what is it used for?

Contraceptive Pill is an oral contraceptive. It is a triphasic combined pill. When used correctly, it will provide near 100% protection against pregnancy. Its two active ingredients prevent ovulation from occurring during the menstrual cycle. Contraceptive Pill is ‘triphasic’ in that it alters the amount of active ingredient in one dose, depending on the week in the cycle. This more closely mimics the natural hormonal cycle, which reduces some of the side effects associated with many other oral contraceptives.

Contraceptive Pill ED contains the same active ingredients as the regular Contraceptive Pill tablets and also includes seven extra inactive tablets that you continue to take during your week break to keep your regular routine.

Unless you have been told otherwise by your prescriber, it is usually fine to start a new pack of pills straight after you have finished your last one, without a break, to delay your period. You should not run more than two packs together without advice from your doctor.

Contraceptive Pill 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 Contraceptive Pill is suitable for you, your order will be with you as soon as the next working day.

How does Contraceptive Pill work?

Pregnancy occurs when an egg released from the ovaries is fertilised by sperm. In a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries release one egg each month – this is the process of ovulation. This process is controlled by the female sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen. Contraceptive Pill contains two synthetic hormones, which imitate these two natural hormones. They control the levels of each hormone in such a way that prevents an egg from being released. The Pill also makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, by thickening the fluid that is in the cervix.

During a regular menstrual cycle, the endometrium (the wall of the uterus) builds up in preparation for a fertilised egg. Contraceptive Pill reduces the extent of this buildup, making it less likely that a fertilised egg will develop into an embryo. As a further result, periods become lighter. The biphasic course of active ingredient in Contraceptive Pill reduces side effects by more closely imitating the natural hormonal cycle.

What do I do if I miss a pill?

Contraceptive Pill should be taken regularly at roughly the same time every day with a 7-day pill-free break after each pack if you are taking Contraceptive Pill. If you are taking Contraceptive Pill ED you should take your 28 tablets and then start your next pack the following day without a break.

If you miss one pill anywhere in your pack, take it as soon as you remember even if it means taking two pills in a day. You should continue taking your pills as normal and you will not need additional contraception. If you miss more than one pill you will lose your contraceptive cover and extra contraception will be required for at least 7 days.

Non-medicinal contraception alternatives

• Female condoms - not only do they prevent pregnancy they also prevent STIs. There is currently only one brand available in the UK, called Femidom. Shown to be 95% effective.
• Male condoms - prevent pregnancy and also prevent STIs. Shown to be 98% effective.

Directions

If possible, begin taking Contraceptive Pill on the first day of your period. Take one pill at a similar time each day, in the indicated order.

1. For the first six days, you will take light brown tablets which contain 50mcg active ingredient.
2. For the following five days you will take white tablets which contain 75mcg active ingredient.
3. For the final ten days, you will take ochre-coloured tablets which contain 125mcg active ingredient.

There are 21 Contraceptive Pill 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.

If you take Contraceptive Pill ED, you will not have a break, your pill runs in 28-day cycles and is taken continuously. Contraceptive Pill ED is taken in the same way as Contraceptive Pill for the first 21 days and then you should take the 7 white tablets for the remaining 7 days before starting your next pack.

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 Contraceptive Pill, however if you do they may include:

• Stomach pain
• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Mood swings
• Breast pain
• Headaches

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.

Contraceptive Pill is unsuitable for you if you have:

• A history of heart attack or stroke
• A family history of blood clots
• A blood clotting disorder
• Very high blood pressure
• Very high lipid levels in the blood
• Severe migraines with visual disturbances
• Impaired liver function
• Any history of breast cancer.

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

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Crohn’s disease or chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• Kidney disease
• Sickle-cell anaemia
• An inflamed pancreas
• Inflamed veins under the skin
• Varicose veins
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Migraines
• Obesity
• Porphyria.

Do not use 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 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 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 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.

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

Contraceptive Pill and other medicines

The following medicines may impact the effectiveness of Contraceptive Pill:

• Epilepsy medicines (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• HIV medicines
• Hepatitis C medicines
• Some antibiotics
• Barbiturates
• St John’s Wort
• Griseofulvin.

Contraceptive Pill may also impact the effectiveness of certain medicines. 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.