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  Information on Progestogen-only Pills (Minipill) Download

1. Background Information * Progestogen-only pills contain one synthetic hormone - progesterone. It acts by interfering sperm transportation and embryo implantation. * It is most suitable for breastfeeding mothers as it does not affect breast milk production. * It provides a choice for women who smoke or with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, migraine, thromboembolic disease, or other illnesses that may be worsen by intake of oestrogen * Clients should consult a doctor before commencing the pills. 2. Method of Administration * Women should commence the pills within the first 5 days of menses. * All pills contain hormone and there is no pill free interval. A new pack should be commenced immediately after the present pack is finished.
* Pills should be taken at the same time everyday. * Missed pills should be taken as soon as possible. If the missed pill is taken 12 hours later than the usual time, condoms should be used for the next 7 days as the pill effect may be lowered. * If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of pill taking, take another pill and use condom for the next 7 days. Since strict compliance is required in taking progestogen-only pills for maintaining contraceptive effect, mothers on breastfeeding should consider to switch to combined oral contraceptive pills when they completely stop breastfeeding. 3. Side Effects * Some women will have irregular menses. Although some may not have menses as a result of the pills, they should seek medical advice to exclude the possibility of pregnancy. * There is a higher chance of having benign ovarian cysts.
4. Seek medical advice for the following conditions: * Severe abdominal pain * Severe diarrhoea * Before taking other medications (e.g. antibiotics may affect the contraceptive effect so condom is required for additional protection) * Personal history of stroke, heart disease, thromboembolic disease or other illness. 5. Miss Pill Management Delay of taking 1 pill (less than 12 hours) Please take the delayed pill immediately Take the remaining pills as your usual schedule Delay taking pills for more than 12 hours or miss 2 or more hormonal pills Please take yesterday's missed pill immediately Take the remaining pills as your usual schedule Use condom and return to the Maternal and Child health Centre for assessment on the need of emergency contraception as soon as possible If you have any queries, please return to the Maternal and Child Health Centre for advice. FHS-WH2A (Rev. Oct.206)
 
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Last revision date: 01 September 2006