Instructions for Birth Control Pills
How to start your first pack of pills:
Sunday start: Take your first pill the Sunday after your period starts. If your period starts on Sunday start pills that same day. Use back-up method of birth control for the next two weeksDay one start: Take your first pill on the first day your period starts. You will be protected from pregnancy after the first pill.
Once you have started the pills remember to :
1. Take one pill at the same time every day! Do not skip any pills!
2. If you take a pill late or miss 1 pill. Take it as soon as you remember. You will not need to use a back-up method of birth control.
3. If you miss 2 pills in a row take two pills a day until you are caught up. Use a back-up method of birth control for seven days after you miss the pills.
4. If you miss 3 pills or more in a row you could easily become pregnant. Start using a back-up method right away and call the office. 303-467-2800 or 303-42406466 Ask for the phone nurse.
5. If you are not sure what to do about the pills you have missed use a back-up method of birth control any time you have sex. Keep taking one pill each day until you reach the office.
6. Use a back-up method of birth control if you are taking Rifampin, get sick with vomiting or diarrhea. That could interfere with the absorption of the birth control pill. If you take the pill with others medicines be sure to tell your physician/midwife/nurse practitioner.
7. If you miss a period while you are on the pill, keep taking your pills and call the office nurse
Common side effects:
1. If you are a few hours late on taking your pill you may experience break through bleedings during the next day or two.
2. Sore breasts, changes in weight, nausea and spotting in between periods usually improves after 3 months on the pill. If any of these are still present after your third pill pack call our phone nurse
Possible problems:
1. Most women have very few problems taking birth control pills.
2. Smoking increases your chances of serious problems on the pill. IF YOU ARE 35 YEARS OR OLDER AND SMOKE YOU CAN NOT TAKE THE PILL DUE TO INCREASED RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS.
3. Serious health problems can occur including blood clots, stroke, heart attack and liver tumors. these risks increase with women who smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
PILL DANGER SIGNS:
CALL THE OFFICE RIGHT AWAY IF YOU DEVELOP ANY OF THESE!!1. Severe headaches, blurred or double vision
2. Pain in chest or abdomen
3. Swelling or pain in your arms or legs.
If you want to get pregnant please call the office and speak to our phone nurse before stopping your pills. Start taking an over the counter prenatal vitamin daily as you are trying to conceive.