How to Take Your Pills
Before You Start Taking Your Pills BE SURE TO READ THESE DIRECTIONS:
1. Progestin only pills (POPs) must be taken at the same time every day, so choose a time and then take the pill at that same time every day. Every time you take a pill late, and especially if you miss a pill, you are more likely to get pregnant.
2. Start the next pack the day after the last pack is finished. There is no break between packs. Always have your next pack of pills ready.
3. You may have some menstrual spotting between periods. Do not stop taking your pills if this happens.
4. If you vomit soon after taking a pill, use a backup method (such as condom and/or spermicide) for 48 hours.
5. If you want to stop taking POPs, you can do so at any time, but, if you remain sexually active and don’t wish to become pregnant, be certain to use another birth control method.
6. If you are not sure about how to take POPs, ask your doctor or clinic.
7. If you have trouble remembering to take your pill, talk with your healthcare provider about options for making pill-taking easier or consider using another form of birth control.
8. If you have any questions or are unsure about the information provided call your doctor or pharmacist.
IF YOU ARE SWITCHING PILLS:
1. If you are switching from the combined pills (estrogen and progestin) to Nora-BE ® (progestin only pills), take the first pill the day after you finish the last active combined pill. Do not take any of the 7 inactive pills from the combined pill pack. You should know that many women have irregular periods after switching to progestin only pills, but this is normal and to be expected.
2. If you are switching from progestin only pills to the combined pills, take the first active combined pill on the first day of your period, even if your progestin only pill pack is not finished.
3. If you switch to another brand of progestin only pills, start the new brand anytime.
4. If you are breastfeeding, you can switch to another method of birth control at any time, except do not switch to the combined pills until you stop breastfeeding or at least until 6 months after delivery.
If you are still not sure what to do about any pills you have missed use a back-up method anytime you have sex and keep taking one “active” pill each day until you can notify your healthcare provider.
Even if spotting or light bleeding should occur, continue taking the pill according to the schedule. Should spotting or light bleeding persist, you should notify your doctor or clinic.
WARNING
Do not smoke while taking birth control pills. Cigarette smoking raises the chance of very serious heart and blood-related side effects. This chance is higher with age (older than 35 years of age) and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day). Birth control pills do not stop the spread of diseases caused by having sex.
Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of of all drugs (over-the-counter, homeopathic, supplements and any prescription) you take.