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Femodette
The Femodette combined oral contraceptive pill is a hormonal-based tablet that controls your menstrual cycle, lessens premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and stops pregnancy. It prevents pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg, or for an egg to attach itself to the womb wall. It's suitable for women who want to experience less pain and lighter menstrual bleeds. It contains oestrogen and progestogen
- For female use only
- Combined oral contraceptive pill
- Used for birth control purposes
Contraceptive pills can be used to prevent pregnancy, and when taken correctly is 99% effective. However, many women also choose to take them to regulate their period, help with heavy periods, reduce period pain, and reduce acne.
Most pills can are taken for 21 days with a seven-day break, where there is often a breakthrough bleed, which usually appears as a period and is normal.
Other pills are taken for 28 days without a break. These can often stop regular menstruation from occurring or can help to lighten heavy periods.
Before taking oral contraceptives, it is important to measure your weight, as well as take readings of your blood pressure, as these can affect which pill is best for you. You can purchase home blood pressure kits or visit a local pharmacy to get a free blood pressure check. You will also be asked questions regarding your health history, including migraines, smoking, a family history of stroke or heart attack, and breast cancer.
There is always a risk of side effects with all medications, and the combined pill is no exception. Some of these can be quite mild and can subside over time. Others are more serious and should be reported to your GP right away if you experience any side effects. Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects that may occur when taking oral contraceptives.
Common side effects of the combined pill include:
- Spotting in the first few months
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Weight changes
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in libido
There are some serious side effects associated with taking oral contraceptives. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Changes to the breast such as discolouration around the nipple or lumps
- Swelling in the lower leg that is inflamed and hot to the touch
- Signs of a blood clot in the lung, such as sudden unexplained breathlessness or rapid breathing, a sudden cough that may bring up blood, or sharp chest pain that may get worse when you breathe deeply
- Signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, discomfort, pressure or heaviness, or discomfort spreading to the back, jaw, throat, arm or stomach
- Signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body), sudden confusion or trouble speaking, or a sudden, severe headache
- Discomfort and bleeding after sex
Like all combined pills, Femodette slightly increases your risk of a blood clot. Out of 10,000 women who are not using a combined pill and are not pregnant, about 2 will develop a blood clot in a year. This compares with about 5-7 in 10,000 women using a combined pill containing levonorgestrel, and about 9-12 in 10,000 women using a pill containing gestodene, such as Femodette. Seek urgent medical help if you notice any signs of a blood clot.
What should I do if I miss a dose of the Femodette pill?
If you miss a dose of the Femodette pill, you should take it as soon as you remember. If you are less than 12 hours late, you will still be protected from pregnancy - keep taking your pills at the usual time, even if this means taking two in one day. If you are more than 12 hours late, or you have missed more than one pill, take the most recently missed pill as soon as you remember and use extra contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days. If there are fewer than 7 pills left in your strip, start the next strip straight away without the usual 7-day break. If you have missed pills in the first week of a strip and had sex in that week, speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible, as you may need emergency contraception.
When should I start taking this combined oral contraceptive pill?
If possible, begin taking the pill on the first day of your period, as this means you will be protected from pregnancy straight away. If you begin on any other day of your cycle, you will need to use other methods of protection like condoms for the first 7 days.
Can I use this contraceptive pill when breastfeeding?
If you are breastfeeding, Femodette is not usually recommended, as combined pills may reduce the amount of breast milk. Speak to a member of the team about other options, such as a progestogen-only pill. If you are not breastfeeding, your doctor may advise you to start Femodette 21 days after giving birth. Use extra contraception, such as condoms, until you start Femodette and for the first 7 days of taking it.
Can oral contraceptive pill cause breast cancer?
Some contraceptive pills have been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer, our dedicated team can help you choose a contraceptive option that is appropriate for you.
Do contraceptive pills cause weight gain?
Side effects differ from person to person when using oral contraceptives. Weight gain may occur but can be managed with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Will the combined pill affect my fertility?
Normal fertility resumes as soon as you stop taking the combined pill.
Leaflets
Before taking any medicines such as the combined contraceptive pill, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.
