Taking Synphase

In order to be effective at preventing pregnancy, Synphase must be used correctly. It is a 21-day pill with varying amounts of hormones so it must be taken every day at the same time for 21 days in the correct order. Failure to do so will increase the risk of pregnancy.

When you start the strip, take the pill in the bubble beneath the day that corresponds with the day of the week you are on. This will allow you to keep track of which pills you have taken. There will be a “start here” area on the strip to show you the correct order. You then need to take one pill every day at the same time by following the arrows on the pack. It is important that you take the pill at the same time in order for it to be effective so pick a convenient time and set an alarm to remind yourself to take it.

 When you have finished the strip, you need to take a seven day break in which you take no pills. During this time you will experience a withdrawal bleed which is very similar to a period except shorter and lighter. On the eighth pill free day, you need to start a new strip. You must not start this strip any later than this day as you will not be protected from pregnancy and this is the highest time to fall pregnant if you do not do so. Start a new strip regardless of whether you are still bleeding.

When starting the pill for the first time, you should start on the first day of your period. This will provide you with immediate protection. You can also start in the next five days from the first day of bleeding but you will not be immediately protected and will need to use a condom for the next seven days. If you do not have regular periods, ask your doctor when you should start.

Forgetting a pill

If you are late taking a pill or you forget one, you raise the risk of pregnancy. The pill is very effective if it is taken correctly so incorrect use will reduce its effects. The risk of pregnancy increases depending on how many pills you have missed.

If you forget to take a pill but it has been less than 12 hours since you were supposed to take it, take the pill as soon as possible and carry on as normal. You should be protected from pregnancy. However, if the pill is more than 12 hours late or you missed more than one pill, the pills effectiveness is reduced. Take the last missed pill and continue with the rest of the strip. You will need to use additional contraception for the next seven days. Check how many pills are left in the strip. If there are fewer than seven left, when you finish the strip, move straight onto the next strip without taking a break. This means that you will skip your withdrawal bleed.

If you have had unprotected sex during the time in which you forgot pills, you may be pregnant. Contact your doctor immediately for further advice and they may suggest that you use emergency contraception.

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