How soon is the pill effective

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2003
How soon is the pill effective
3
Fri, 10-22-2004 - 9:28am
I was just curious how soon after you start taking the pill is it effective? I would assume after a whole pack is finished but I wanted to make sure.
Thanks!!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2003
Fri, 10-22-2004 - 11:43am

typically, the "drug information" says you only need a back-up method for the first 7 days of the first pack. but, when i went on the pill before, my doctor told me to use a back-up method until i finished the first pack. i think i would take the extra precaution and use back-up til the first pack is finished. better safe that sorry, right?

*anna~rae*

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 10-22-2004 - 4:32pm

Hi alee978, welcome!

If you are just starting oral contraceptives this board recommends using back-up the entire first cycle while you are learning to take your pills correctly. That way if you forget a pill, vomit a pill, Aunt Flo is late or of a different duration or consistency you won't have an 'Am I pg!' freak-out. If you are new to hormonal birth control you might want to read some of the posts in the FAQs: How the pill works, Common pill side effects, Irregular bleeding anyone… and Taking your pill correctly. Let us know what pill you're on and how you like it, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2003
Sat, 10-23-2004 - 9:48am
Thanks for the replies. I figured that anyways but wanted to make sure. The information that came with my prescription is printed so tiny I can barely read it. But I don't believe it said anything about how long to take it for. This messageboard is so helpful thanks to everyone. I hardly ever have to post a question because I can easily find my answer in a few clicks.

~Alee978