EVIDENCE suggests taking a four-day break from oral contraceptives rather than the traditional seven-day break, may improve the pill's efficacy and reduce period pain, updated information from British continuous professional development (CPD) provider, NB Medical Education, reveals.
In an updated information sheet on how to take the combined oral contraceptive pill, NB Medical Education proposed four possible recommendations; continuous use, taking the pill every day; 63/4, taking three packs of the pills back to back followed by a four-day break; 84/4, taking four successive packs of the pill followed by a four-day break; or 21/4, a single 21-day pack and a four-day break before resuming.
The information sheet noted that "modern contraception is very safe and women do not need to bleed every month to know that they are not pregnant".
The authors noted that irregular bleeding or spotting can occur when using the pill on a 365-day basis, but generally it lessens over time, however, if bleeding persists for two days, users should take a four-day break before resuming.
The authors said the pill would remain effective for women who have missed six or fewer doses, and remain protected against pregnancy without the need for emergency contraception.
However, women who have missed seven or more are urged to see their doctor and abstain from sex for seven days after resuming the pill.
Once a patient has settled on the pill, the authors advised that women visit their GP once a year for an annual check.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 11 Feb 20
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 11 Feb 20
