Changing pill

LegacyUser

Hi,

Just a quick question- Mods, this isn't medical advice!

I am changing from one brand of pill to the other. I currently have my period and am due to start the pill again on Wednesday. When i start the new brand, am I covered for contraception immediately? I have feeling I am not covered for contraception for a week but I just wanted to check.

Thanks,

Dee

Victor

You should check with your doctor and / or pharmacist. It may depend on the two sets of pills.

I suggest you abstain and / or use other protection until you find out.

Dublin_Gunner

+1 above.

This is a question that should be directed to your doctor and/or pharmacist.

Are you changing type on advice from your GP?

A quick phone call to your doc will sort this out for you

smileysurfer

You wont be covered until the following month, You need your body to adjust to the new hormone for 4 weeks.
(I asked my doctor the same question a few weeks ago)

LegacyUser

Op here- (too lazy to register)

I'm changing pills cos I'm trying to find one that stops my cramps. So far, no luck.

I'm in a foreign country and don't speak the language very well so I wanted to ask here before I try some charades with the pharmacist.

Thanks for your help

Victor

Find one that has good eenglish - many people do.

Do you have the instruction leaflet in English.

Note that products may vary from country to country.

LegacyUser

Hi Op,

I changed pill brands recently as my previous one didn't suit. My doctor advised me to use condoms for a full month (or one pill packet). I guess the same would apply here.

Faith

You'd generally start a new pill immediately after finished the packet of your old pill, taking no 7-day break. You should be covered for contraception immediately. However, given you've already started your period, and different pills have different rules, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

smileysurfer wrote: »

You wont be covered until the following month, You need your body to adjust to the new hormone for 4 weeks.
(I asked my doctor the same question a few weeks ago)

I very much doubt that. I changed pill and was never told that, nor was anyone else I know. In fact, my pill leaflet says you're covered straight away. Maybe it's different for the mini-pill though, if that's what you're on.

Victor

Faith wrote: »

You'd generally start a new pill immediately after finished the packet of your old pill, taking no 7-day break. You should be covered for contraception immediately.

Different pills may act differently, so better to play safe.

Some pills may be quite similar and only need short changeover periods.

smileysurfer

Faith wrote: »

You'd generally start a new pill immediately after finished the packet of your old pill, taking no 7-day break. You should be covered for contraception immediately. However, given you've already started your period, and different pills have different rules, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

................
Not true! it takes 4 weeks, but definitely if your unsure ring your doctor and they will be able to tell you the same info over the phone.

Das Kitty

Unregistered wrote: »

Op here- (too lazy to register)

I'm changing pills cos I'm trying to find one that stops my cramps. So far, no luck.

Actually I doubt any pill will have much of a difference. I used to get killer painful cramps, then I started to exercise (just a little a week) and the difference was astounding. I'd barely notice it now.

Obviously there could be an underlying issue here and if you haven't spoken to a doctor about the cramps, I think you should make a point of it.

fonpokno

smileysurfer wrote: »

................
Not true! it takes 4 weeks, but definitely if your unsure ring your doctor and they will be able to tell you the same info over the phone.

Not necessarily. Every pill is different. I recently changed pill and my doctor and the leaflet told me to use a barrier method of contraception for 7 days but that's just the particular pill i'm on now. Unless you are a doctor you can't say with completely certainty that you are correct.

OP give your doctor a buzz or talk to a pharmacist, they can advise you better than anyone on here.

Nevyn

Only way to be sure is to check with your chemist and/or dr.