Question re: changing BCP

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
Question re: changing BCP
2
Thu, 09-02-2004 - 8:47am



Hi Ladies,

I have a question if anyone can answer it would be helpful.

I have been living overseas for over a year. When I moved I was still breastfeeding. My Doctor gave me 2 prescriptions for BCP's. Otho Micronor for Breastfeeding, and OrthoTricyclen for when I stopped. I filled both prescriptions in full (so I had like 16 - 17 months of pills). I have now completely used all the othro tricyclen, but have a few packs of Micronor left. So I started to take them this month (I figured I would go to my OB/GYN when I go home to visit.) But now I am paranoid. I started taking them after my period, but I read the pamphlet (after the fact) and it said I should have started to take them after the last pill from my old pack! Should I have used a backup method for this month (until I had completed the first pack of the new kind?). It says in the pamphlet that you only need back up for 48 hours (doesn't sound right). Anyway, all of this paranoia is coming from the fact that I am having early signs of pregnancy.... I think! My breasts are tender, I am tired, not to be gross...but constipated (NOT normal for me).... Or is it all psychological? I would like to have another baby, but this is NOT a good time at all. Anyone have any experience with switching pills from regular to estrogen free?

Sorry so long...... Thanks!





iVillage Member
Registered: 08-16-2004
Thu, 09-02-2004 - 10:19am
You are probly fine... I think probly what they meant by "last pill" was the last of the little dummy pills that don't do anything that you take for your period week. I would think that as long as you didn't go more than 7 days between the two you would be fine. If you are more than 7 days into your new pack, you are definitely protected now, so just finish out the pack and watch for AF and if it's late, then I would probly test. It is very possible your symptoms are actually a symptom of switching pills.

Good luck!

Susan

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 09-02-2004 - 10:55am
Hi krazykurls, welcome!

Actually, Micronor, or any progestin-only-pill, should be started immediately after the last active pill in the combined pill pack. And, yes, with a progestin-only-pill you only need to take them for 48 hours to be protected and you take a POP continuously, there is no pill free interval between packs. A POP alone (unless you are breastfeeding) only suppresses ovulation about 50% of the time and it must be taken very close to the same time (+/- a half hour) each day to be effective. Your symptoms may just be your body adjusting to the new progestin in your pill. On a POP I think the literature says if you don't have a period within 45 days you should test for pregnancy. You are probably ok, but no one can say for sure. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Hugs,

      Jill