
Femodette Contraceptive Pill
Contraceptive Service – NHS
This Form is for the free NHS contraceptive service provided by YourPharmacy.
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How Does It Work?
Femodette prevents pregnancy through three primary mechanisms:
- Inhibition of Ovulation: Prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries.
- Thickening of Cervical Mucus: Makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb.
- Alteration of the Uterine Lining: Reduces the likelihood of implantation of a fertilized egg.
- Starting on Day 1 of Your Period: If you take Femodette on the first day of your period, you will be protected from pregnancy immediately.
- Starting at Any Other Time: If you start Femodette on any other day of your cycle, you should use additional contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days.
If switching from another contraceptive pill, follow your doctor's guidance to ensure continuous protection.
When taken correctly, Femodette is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If not always taken correctly, roughly 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant.
Standard Method:
- Daily Intake: Take one pill daily for 21 consecutive days.
- 7-Day Break: After 21 days, take a 7-day break during which you may experience a withdrawal bleed.
- Next Pack: Start the next pack immediately after the 7-day break.
Alternative Regimens:
- Tricycling: Take one pill daily for 9 weeks (63 days) without a break, followed by a 4 or 7-day break before starting the next cycle.
- Continuous Use: Take one pill daily without any breaks.
- Flexible Extended Use: Take one pill daily for at least 21 days. If you experience unacceptable bleeding, take a 4-day break, then resume taking the pill daily for at least another 21 days.
Administration Tips:
- Consistency: Take the pill at the same time each day to maintain effectiveness.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a pill, refer to the patient information leaflet or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
Benefits of Taking Femodette
- Regulates Periods: Provides a predictable menstrual cycle.
- Reduces Period Pain: Can alleviate menstrual cramps.
- Improves Acne: May lead to clearer skin.
- Manages PMS Symptoms: Helps control premenstrual syndrome.
- Decreases Risk of Ovarian Cancer: Long-term use is associated with a reduced risk.
Possible Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
These side effects are usually mild and tend to subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
Femodette Tablet Composition
Active Ingredients: Gestodene, Ethinylestradiol
Inactive Ingredients: Lactose, Maize starch, Povidone, Magnesium stearate (E572), Sucrose, Macrogol 6000, Calcium carbonate (E170), Talc, Montan glycol wax
Important warning & precautions
- Smoking: Increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.
- Medical Conditions: Consult your doctor if you have a history of blood clots, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
- Medication Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, as some can reduce the effectiveness of Femodette.
Storage
Store Femodette in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
For personalized advice and to determine if Femodette is suitable for you, consult with a healthcare professional at YourPharmacy.