Combined Contraceptive Pills Fact Card
When taken regularly the Combined Contraceptive Pill is an effective form of Contraception
| Brands | Microgynon Cilest Loestrin Marvelon Mercilon Lucette Dianette Rigevidon Yasmin |
| Used For | To prevent pregnancy |
| Doseage | One tablet a day for 21 day followed by a 7 day break |
| Side Effects | Common side effects: Headaches, Nausea, Sore Breasts Serious side effects: DVT, Raised BP |
| Warnings | Not to be taken by smokers over 35, Patients with a BMI of 35 or above and other risk factors for conditions such as heart problems, certain cancer and blood clots. |
| Pregnancy | Not for use during pregnancy |
The Combined Contraceptive Pill is a widely used form of contraception. It is a small tablet that needs to be taken regularly. If taken properly it is very effective. The Combined Pill is not suitable for everyone as there are small risks associated with it. It is important that you talk through your options with a GP or Nurse.
What is Combined Contraceptive Pills used to treat?
Contraception - a method of preventing pregnancies when sexually active.
How does Combined Contraceptive Pills work?
The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) contains two different types of hormones that act to stop you from getting pregnant. They act to stop ovulation as well as changing the conditions in the uterus to prevent an egg from implanting.
How do I take Combined Contraceptive Pills?
This pill must be taken following quite a strict schedule. You take it for 21 days - if possible starting on the first day of your menstrual cycle. After the first 21 days there is then a seven day break, before starting the next packet of pills.
The pill is available in different strengths and lower strengths may have slightly fewer side effects, bu they may also be slightly less effective.
Side effects of Combined Contraceptive Pills
Side effects can occur in some women and these include - headaches, sore breasts and nausea - these often go away after a few weeks but if they persist a different form of contraception can be tried.
Some patients have noted a change in acne - the combined pill is often used to treat acne, but certain combined pills can make acne worse.
The pill can cause a rise in blood pressure and this will need to be checked every 6-12 months with a GP.
There can be more serious side effects to taking the pill and the GP will ask you questions when starting you on the pill to check your risk. One of the risks is an increase chance of a blood clot such as a DVT.
Things to avoid
The Combine Pill can't be used in certain people due to increased risks, some of these include:
- Older women
- BMI > 35
- Aged >35 and a smoker, or having been a smoker during the previous year
- People who suffer with migraines with auras
- Being 6 weeks or less after having given birth and breast feeding
- Having risk factors for heart disease or having high blood pressure
- Strong family history of blood clots, breast cancer
Combined Contraceptive Pills and alcohol
Alcohol doesn't stop the pill from working but it may interfere though causing vomiting or forgetting to take the pill at the right time of the day.
Can I take Combined Contraceptive Pills when pregnant?
The Combined Contraceptive Pill shouldn't be taken while pregnant.
Combined Contraceptive Pills and breastfeeding
The Combined Contraceptive Pill can't be taken in the first 6 weeks after birth if breast feeding. It isn't usually recommended at all during breast feeding but in some cases it can be used after 6 weeks.
Our doctors are available now and can issue same day prescriptions for all standard medications. To see a GP regarding a prescription for combined contraceptive pills or for any other reason book an appointment now and start feeling better right away.