The combined pills usually come in a package of 28 pills. They are also available in 21-pill or 91-pill packs. For more information on the 91 day packs, click here. You and your doctor will decide which type of pills are best for you. Your doctor will probably advise you to start taking the pills on the Sunday after your period has started or on the first day of your next period, depending on your preference.
It is worthwhile to follow the following instructions:
Try to take your pill at the same time every day. This will help you remember to take the pills. It will also help keep hormone levels steady.
Use a backup method of birth control (such as condoms and spermicide) until you have been taking the pills for 2 weeks.
Use condoms, even though you are taking birth control pills, for protection against sexually transmitted disease unless you have a long-term, single-partner relationship.
If you have bleeding between periods for several cycles you may need a different pill. Call your healthcare provider for an appointment.
Any time you are seen for medical reasons, be sure to mention that you are taking birth control pills. This is particularly important if you are admitted to the hospital or having surgery.
21-day pill pack
If you are using the 21-pill pack, take 1 pill every day for 3 weeks. Stop taking the pills for 7 days and then start a new pack. Your period comes during the week that you are not taking pills.
28-day pill pack
If you are using the 28-day package, take 1 pill every day for 4 weeks and then start a new package the next day. The last 7 pills are inactive and contain no medicine for birth control. They just keep you in the habit of taking a pill every day. Your period comes during the week that you are taking the last 7 pills.
