Progestin-only contraceptive tablets

About progestin-only contraceptive tablets

Progestin-only contraceptive tablets (also known as progestogen-only contraceptive tablets) are sometimes called POPs or the 'minipill'. They are commonly used when combination oral contraceptives, which also contain estrogen, are not suitable. They can be safely taken if you are breastfeeding.

Progestin-only contraceptive tablets contain a progestin (a man-made female sex hormone) called norethindrone which is similar to the progesterone hormone made naturally by your ovaries.

Norethindrone works mainly by thickening the mucus made by the neck of the womb (cervix). This makes it very difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix and into the womb (uterus) in order to fertilize an egg. They also affect the lining of the womb so that it does not become thick enough for an egg to attach and grow. Norethindrone also has some effect on the ovaries, and ovulation (the release of an egg each month) may not occur as often.

Before taking progestin-only contraceptive tablets

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking progestin-only contraceptive tablets it is important that your physician knows:

• Si crees que puedes estar embarazada.

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de su hígado.

• Si tiene un problema en las arterias, llamado enfermedad arterial.

• Si padece lupus eritematoso sistémico (una enfermedad inflamatoria, a menudo denominada LES).

• Si ha padecido cáncer de mama o un cáncer que le han dicho que depende de una hormona sexual.

• Si tiene un quiste ovárico o cualquier hemorragia vaginal distinta de la menstruación normal.

• Si padece un raro trastorno sanguíneo hereditario llamado porfiria.

• Si padece alguna enfermedad que interfiera en la absorción de los alimentos (como la celiaquía, la fibrosis quística o la pancreatitis).

• Si alguna vez has tenido una enfermedad depresiva.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido un embarazo ectópico o si ha desarrollado coloración amarillenta de la piel o del blanco de los ojos (ictericia) durante el embarazo.

• Si fumas.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines. This is because some medicines interfere with the way contraceptives work. In particular, medicines for epilepsy and medicines for treating fungal infections, as well as the herbal preparation St John's wort, can reduce the effectiveness of the minipill.
  

How to take progestin-only contraceptive tablets

• Before you start taking the tablets, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the brand of minipill you have been given, and also a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take one tablet each day, starting on day one of your cycle (the first day of your menstrual period). If you have just had a baby, you may be asked to start taking it straightaway.

• Norethindrone tablets are taken every day, including when you are having a menstrual period. When you finish one pack, start another pack the next day.

• You can choose a time of day to take your tablet that suits you, but you should take them at the same time, every day. It is important not to be late taking your doses and not to miss any.

• If you do forget to take your tablet on time, take it as soon as you remember, and then take the next dose at your usual time.

• If you are more than three hours late in taking a tablet, you are not protected against pregnancy. In this case, continue to take your tablets each day as normal, but you must also use an additional method, such as a condom, for the following two days.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• To help decide whether progestin-only contraceptive tablets are suitable for you, your physician will assess your general health. Make sure you attend your regular appointments with your physician. This is especially important if you have an existing medical condition, as your health may need to be more closely monitored.

• Important: if you vomit or have diarrhea it can reduce the effectiveness of progestin-only contraceptive tablets. If you vomit within two hours of taking a tablet, take another straightaway. If the vomiting continues or if you have severe diarrhea, you must use additional contraceptive precautions such as a condom while you are ill and for two days after you recover.

• If at any time you suspect that you may be pregnant, stop taking the tablets and make an appointment to see your physician as soon as possible.

• Some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of norethindrone. These include medicines for epilepsy, medicines to treat fungal infections, the herbal preparation St John's wort, and medicines used to treat tuberculosis (TB). Make sure your physician knows about any other medicines you are taking, and if you buy any medicines 'over the counter', always ask your pharmacist for advice.

Can progestin-only contraceptive tablets cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with progestin-only contraceptive tablets. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your physician or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse a este medicamento, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

How to store progestin-only contraceptive tablets

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.
  

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos