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 Users of combined oral contraceptives please remember:
  • If you forget to take a pill by more than 12 hours the contraceptive effect is broken; use a condom or avoid sex for the next seven days.
  • If the forgotten pill is one of the last seven in the packet start the next packet straight after this one (no pill-free break) in addition to using an alternative method of contraception.
  • Do not stop the pill if you have bleeding in the middle of the packet. See your doctor if it persists.
  • Use a condom as additional protection or avoid sex if you have diarrhoea or vomiting, or are taking antibiotics. Continue for seven days after the diarhhoea and vomiting stops and for seven days after the antibiotic course finishes.
  • Migraine headaches where you have numbness, weakness or visual disturbance starting during or after the headache (rather than before) can be dangerous. If this happens stop the pill immediately and see your doctor (and don't forget alternative contraception in the meantime).
  • The pill can cause blood clots in large blood vessels. If you have painful, red leg swelling or sharp, severe chest pain and breathlessness contact your doctor immediately.
  • Smoking and the pill increase your chance of a stroke or heart attack. You must stop smoking if you wish to continue using the pill safely.