Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill

What is Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill?

The Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill is a combined oral contraceptive pill which contains synthetic versions of two naturally occurring female sex hormones. One Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill is taken every day until the blister strip is completed, followed by a 7 day pill-free break before starting the next blister strip of Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill.

The primary features of the Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill combined pill:

• Up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
• One of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception
• Contains a combination of ingredients
• Taken over a 21-day period, followed by a 7-day break

How effective is the Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill?

Oral Combined Contraceptive Pills are up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken properly — this involves taking one pill a day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break. Regular missed doses will reduce the effectiveness of Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill, while you also may not be fully protected if you vomit soon after taking it or you are experiencing diarrhoea.

How to take the Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill

The Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill pack contains 21 pills per pack, which are taken consecutively followed by a 7-day break. To take Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill:

1. Take one tablet at the same time every day, for 21 days consecutively.
2. After taking your 21st tablet, take a 7-day break. During this time, your period (withdrawal bleed) should start.
3. After that, even if you are still bleeding, you should begin taking the next pack.

For more information on taking Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill — including what to do in the event of a missed pill — refer to the patient information leaflet.

When do I start taking Oral Combined Contraceptive Pills?

You should take the first Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill on the first day of your period. If you are unable to do this, you can start on days 2 through 5 of your cycle, but you should use another method of contraception in addition to the pill for the first seven days to prevent pregnancy.

When taking any medication, you should always follow your doctor's recommendations.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, including the combined contraceptive pill, some patients may experience side effects when taking Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill.

There is an increased risk of blood clots for those taking Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill or any other combined oral contraceptive. Common symptoms of blood clots include:

• Swelling of the leg along with tenderness - this could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Increased warmth in the affected leg
• Sharp chest pain which may increase with deep breathing
• Painless blurring of vision which can progress to loss of vision (retinal vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the eye)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Upper body discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, arm and stomach

Other side effects of Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill may include:

• Migraines
• Mood changes
• Stomach aches and bloating
• Acne
• Painful breasts
• Vaginal infections such as thrush

If you have any concerns about any of the information listed above, then you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. When serious side effects occur such as difficulty breathing, seek professional medical help immediately.

Warnings

Not all contraceptive pills are safe for everyone. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your GP, who will determine the risk factors and help you find a method of contraception that’s best suited to you.

You may still be able to take Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill, but you should inform your doctor before taking Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill if any of the following apply to you:

• A close relative has or has ever had breast cancer
• You have a disease of the liver or the gallbladder
• You have diabetes
• You have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammatory bowel disease)
• You have sickle cell anaemia (an inherited disease of the red blood cells)
• You need an operation, or you are off your feet for a long time
• You have inflammation in the veins under the skin (superficial thrombophlebitis)

Can you take Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill while breastfeeding?

Oral Combined Contraceptive Pill tablets are generally not recommended for women who are breastfeeding, and an alternative contraception method will usually be advised. If you want to take the pill while you are breastfeeding, you should contact your doctor to discuss your options.