Contraceptive pill

Who qualifies

Women who are eligible can obtain a 3 month supply of their current contraceptive pill are:

• Women who have been taking the same contraceptive pill for the last year.
• Women who have had no problems with their contraceptive pill in the last year.
• Women who have had a face-to-face check up for their pill in the last year.

See here for Morning after pill (Emergency contraception)

How it works

You provide the doctor with some health information by completing a brief online questionnaire. You then order, register and pay. If you are eligible for treatment the doctor authorises your prescription and your contraception is sent to you by registered post. If the doctor ellects not to authorise your prescription you will be advised straight away and a full refund to your card will be made within a few days.

We can only issue a three-month supply of your current pill. This service does not replace your regular face-to-face contraceptive pill check up.

Cautions

The risks of taking the contraceptive pill varies depending on general health, age and type of pill. For the details please see the patient information leaflet supplied with all pill packs. We do not supply contraception to women in high risk groups

The combined contraceptive pill (pills containing oestrogen and progestegen) increases the risk of thrombosis, arterial disease, migraines, and high blood pressure. There is a small increase in risk of breast and cervical cancer with these pills. This is balanced by small decreased risks of cancer of the ovaries and womb.

Cautions

• Women with previous thrombosis or a family history of thrombosis
• Women who are obese (body mass index over 30)
• Women who are immobilised long term, e.g. confined to a wheelchair or bed
• Smokers
• Women with high blood pressure (over 150/90)
• Women over 35 (women over 35 who smoke usually switch to the mini pill)
• Women with diabetes
• Women with a history of migraine, particularly with focal symptoms