Gedarel

Gedarel is a combined oral contraceptive and is a 21-day pill – you take one each day for 21 days, followed by 7 days when you take no pills.

It is not recommended to use for women who are breast feeding.

Tablets are taken orally by swallowing whole with water, once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.

When starting Gedarel, the first tablet should be taken on the first day of your cycle (that is, the first day of your period). If you start Gedarel on the first day of your period you are immediately protected against pregnancy. If your period has already begun start taking Gedarel on day 5 (counting the first day of your period as day 1), whether or not your bleeding has stopped. You must also use extra contraception, such as condoms, until you have taken the first seven pills correctly.

If you are already on a different pill, then Gedarel should be started on the day after you finish your last pack of your current pill. If you are taking a progestogen-only Pill (‘mini Pill’), start Gedarel on the first day of bleeding, even if you have already taken the progestogen-only Pill for that day. You will have contraceptive cover straight away.

If you have recently had a baby, you should contact your doctor. If you have experienced miscarriage or abortion you should contact your doctor.

As a combined pill, Gedarel is a very effective form of contraception when taken as directed.

Common side effects include depressive mood, headache, migraine, nausea, breast pain and/or tenderness and weight gain.

There is an increased risk of thromboembolism for all women who use combined hormonal contraceptives such as Gedarel.