Brevinor

Brevinor contains ethinylestradiol and norethisterone, two synthetic versions of the naturally occurring hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Ethinylestradiol and norethisterone prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg while also thickening cervical mucus in the womb, making it less likely for a sperm to reach an egg. When you are on the combined pill, the womb lining does not thicken, which means that even if a fertilised egg were released, it is less likely to be able to successfully implant into the womb and grow.

Brevinor is intended for women who wish to prevent pregnancy.

The combined pill is not recommended if you smoke and are over the age of 35. You may be recommended a different form of contraception, such as a mini pill, if this applies to you.

You can buy Brevinor from 121doc if you are over the age of 18 and are currently using a combined contraceptive pill.

Brevinor should be taken every day at the same time each day for 21 days. This is followed by a seven-day break, during which you may experience a withdrawal bleed similar to your period. After the seven-day break, you should begin the next pack immediately.

For immediate protection, take the first pill on the first day of your period - this is the day you begin bleeding. You can take it up to the fifth day of your period, but it will take seven days for you to be completely protected against pregnancy. Before then, you should use another form of contraception, such as condoms, or refrain from sex.

What if I miss a pill?

Take the next pill as soon as possible, and the next one at your usual time, even if it means taking two pills at the same time. If you are less than 12 hours late in taking your pill, it will still be effective.

If you are more than 12 hours late, you should still take your last missed pill as soon as you remember and take the rest of your pack normally, but you may not be protected for the next seven days. You should avoid sexual intercourse or use another contraception method, such as a condom, for the next seven days.

If there are less than seven pills in your strip after you have missed the pill, continue taking the rest of the strip as normal and start the next one without taking a break.

Vomiting and diarrhoea

If you experience an upset stomach or get sick soon after taking your pill, it may not be as effective. Continue taking your pills as usual, but use an additional contraception method, such as a condom, while you are sick and for the next seven days. If there are less than seven days left on the blister strip, start the next strip without taking a break.

All medications come with the risk of side effects. Some common side effects of Brevinor are a change in sex drive and irregular vaginal bleeding.

Other side effects of Brevinor include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• breast tenderness
• weight gain
• appetite changes
• headache
• high blood pressure

Some women report feelings of depression when on contraceptive pills. It is important that you get in touch with your GP as soon as possible if you experience very serious mood changes or depressive symptoms.

Some women do not experience any side effects or find that their side effects disappear after a few days. If any side effects are severe or persistent, contact your GP. They will be able to suggest an alternative contraceptive pill.

For a full list of side effects, read the patient information leaflet.

Blood Clots

Women who take combined contraceptive pills are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a type of blood clot, although this is very rare. Smoking, increased age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, migraines, certain heart conditions, diabetes, and being overweight increase this risk. This is why it is important for us to know your height, weight, and blood pressure measurements during your consultation.

Before taking any medication, you should inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have. Some symptoms of long-term conditions may worsen when you are on the pill.

You should also inform your doctor about other medications or supplements you are currently taking, as it is possible that they could interact with one another. This includes medications used to treat epilepsy and arthritis as well as certain antibiotics and sedatives.

Brevinor is very effective at preventing pregnancy. It can also help regulate your periods, making them less painful and heavy. Combined contraceptive pills like Brevinor also provide immediate protection against pregnancy when taken on the first day of your period.