31. COC Flashcards
Why?
To prevent pregnency
Contains oestrogen and progestogen.
Stop ovulation
Also used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding
How to take COC?
A standard pill packet contains 21 ‘active’ hormone pills and 7 non-hormone pills.
How to take them?
Three ways you can take COC
To have a period each month: continue active than take sugar pill, you will get your period by this way each month
To have a period every few months: skip sugar pills continue active pills only and after few months if you wish to have period start sugar pills you will get your period
Not to have a period: Just continue active pills and avoid sugar pills.
Taking the non-active sugar pills will trigger withdrawal bleeding, which is similar to a period. You are still protected from pregnancy during this time. The hormone-free days must not be longer than 7 days. At the end of the hormone-free days, start a new pack.
Always start your new pack of pills on time, even if your period hasn’t ended. Your period should stop in a few days. If you don’t have a period, start your new pill pack and see your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I miss my doses?
If you miss 1 pill: take as soon as you remember, and take the next one at the normal time (even if this means taking 2 pills together).
If you miss 2 or more pills ?
Take a pill as soon as you remember and the next one at the normal time (even if this means taking 2 pills together). And then use condoms for next 7 days or dont sex.
What if I have diarrhoea (runny poo) and vomiting (being sick)?
Vomiting and ongoing diarrhoea can stop your body absorbing your pill
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking a pill, take another pill as soon as possible.
For ongoing vomiting or bad diarrhoea lasting 24 hours or more, you should act as if your pill is not working on those days and follow the missed pill advice above for the regimen you are using.
Who CANNOT use this pills?
are over 35 and smoke, risk of blood clots
are overweight (BMI > 35)
breast cancer or had before
have high blood pressure
had a heart attack, stroke or blood clot in legs or lungs
Taking Lemotrizine or other harbal remedies
