How to take Gedarel
It’s vital that you take Gedarel as instructed by your prescribing clinician. Not doing so will likely lead to a reduction in its effectiveness and increase the risk of becoming pregnant.
Gedarel should be taken at the same time every day for 21 straight days at the start of your period (the first day of bleeding). This provides full protection against pregnancy from the start of treatment.
If you start taking Gedarel on any other day, you will need to use a barrier contraceptive for at least seven days.
If you have been taking a different combined contraceptive pill up until the day you switch to Gedarel, you should carry on taking the new course as a continuation. If you’re switching from the mini pill, you’ll need to use a barrier contraceptive for seven days to remain protected.
At the end of your 21 days of taking it, you’ll take a seven day break before starting the next strip. Gedarel withdrawal bleeding will normally start during your break.
The days of the week are marked on the blister pack so that you can keep track of what you have taken. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
Can you take Gedarel back to back?
Yes, you can. But before you do, check with your prescriber that they’re happy for you to do this. There are advantages to pill ‘stacking’. It reduces the likelihood of having a period (withdrawal bleed) and some clinicians think it helps users to stick more closely to ‘perfect use’.
Gedarel and missed pills: what to do
Check the leaflet that comes with your treatment for advice on what to do if you miss a pill. You might need to use a barrier contraceptive for a week (like a condom) if you miss more than one, or if you’re more than 12 hours late taking it. If you forget but remember to take the pill within 12 hours of your missed one, you’re covered - you don’t need to take any extra precautions. Just take your next pill at the usual time.
In some cases, such as if you miss a pill towards the end of your strip, you might be advised to skip your usual 7-day break.