Oral Contraceptive Use Instructions |
| Oral Contraceptive Use Instructions
How do I start my pills?
Take your first pill on the Sunday after your next normal period starts. If your period starts on a Sunday, take the first pill on that day. Most pill packs have 21 or 24 "active" pills with hormones, and 3-7 "reminder" pills without hormones. If you take one pill each day, you will always be on a 28 day cycle, and you will always start a new pack of pills on Sunday.
How do I take my pills?
Take one pill daily about the same time every day until the pack is empty. Do not skip pills for any reason. If you feel sick or have bleeding or spotting, still take your daily pill. At the end of the pack of pills (including the "reminder" pills), start a new one, without skipping any days.
Do I have to take the seven "reminder" pills?
If you choose not to take the reminder pills, just take the active hormone pills and take those days off before starting a new pill pack. You will still be protected from pregnancy during the days off, as long as you start the next pack of pills at the right time.
Note: There is one type of pill which has some active hormone pill in the 4th week. There is also a type of pill which contains iron in the "reminder" pills to help with iron loss during your period. Your provider will give you specific instructions if you have been prescribed either of these types.
What if I miss a period?
As long as you have taken your pills correctly, the chance of being pregnant is very small. If you have skipped any pills during the month and then miss a period, you should call the clinic. If you have taken your pills correctly but miss two periods in a row, call the clinic. Remember, while taking the pill, your periods may be much lighter and shorter than they were before.
What should I do if I forget to take a pill?
Missing pills can cause spotting or light bleeding, even if you make up the missed pills. You might be somewhat nauseous on the days to take extra pills to make up for missed ones.
- If you miss one pill: Take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time. This means you may take 2 pills in one day. You do not need to use an additional back-up form of birth control.
- If you miss two pills in a row in week 1 or 2 of your pills: Take two pills on the day you remember, then two the next day. Finish the remainder of the pill pack as previously. Use back-up birth control (condom/foam) until you have taken 7 pills in a row correctly.
- If you miss two pills in a row in week 3 of your pills: Keep taking one pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw away the rest of the pack and start with a new pack of pills. Use another form of birth control (condom/foam) until you have taken seven pills correctly, one each day. It is okay that you may not have your period in that cycle. Call the clinic if you miss your period two months in a row.
What if I have bleeding between my periods?
In the first few months of taking the pill, breakthrough bleeding or spotting is very common. It can also happen if you don't take your pill at the same time each day. Do not stop taking your pill! Continue taking the pills as instructed. If the bleeding is heavy or lasts past the first 2 or 3 cycles, call the clinic to discuss this with the nurse, practitioner or physician assistant.
Is it all right to take other medication(s) while I am on the pill?
There are some drugs which may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. If you are on the pill, ask your provider or a pharmacist if the medicine, which has been prescribed, will interfere with the pill's effectiveness.
What if I run out of pills?
Try not to! When you open a new pack of pills, check that your prescription is current and mark your calendar to pick up your next pack. If your prescription expires before your next appointment to get pills, call the clinic so arrangements can be made for you to remain on the pill.
What if I want to stop taking the pill?
It is best to finish a whole pack before you stop. Any time you stop taking the pills you're no longer protected from becoming pregnant. Your first period after stopping the pill may be on time or it may be late. Call the clinic with any specific questions.
POSSIBLE MINOR PILL SIDE EFFECTS
- Light bleeding between periods
- Breast soreness
- Weight gain or loss
- Nausea after taking the pill
- Headaches
- Skin changes (acne)
These changes may happen in the first two or three pill cycles. Most women have very few side effects, if any. If the symptoms last longer than two or three pill packs, call the clinic nurses or practitioners to discuss a possible pill change.
POSSIBLE MAJOR PILL SIDE EFFECTS
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Pill users have an increased chance for these side effects, although the potential is very small in healthy women. Smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes increase this risk and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
To contact our office with questions or pill related concerns, please call and ask to speak with one of the nurses.
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 5 pm
Friday 8 am - 4 pm
(920) 729-7105 or toll free (877) 729-7105
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