Name: Slynd
Published: May 15, 2024

Slynd

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Reviewed on May 15, 2024. by Dr Daniel Atkinson GP Clinical Lead Registered with GMC (No. 4624794) Next review due on May 16, 2026.

Last updated on May 15, 2024.

Product info

Slynd is a mini pill, a contraceptive that contains a single hormone.
Each pack contains 24 active pills, and four inactive placebo pills.
Slynd has a 24-hour missed pill window.

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Prices include:

Express shipping
24 hour shipping by secure courier.
Consultation + Access to our clinicians
Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.
Total
£49.95

Save £0.00 each order

Slynd: essential info
Slynd: instructions
Important stuff you need to know
FAQ

How to take Slynd

Slynd comes in a 28-tablet blister pack containing 24 white tablets and four green tablets.

Start the pack with the white tablet and follow the direction of the arrow around the blister pack. After 24 days, take the green placebo tablet for the last four days. Then start the next strip. Following this accurately, should provide continued protection against pregnancy, even throughout the placebo days.

Slynd should be taken daily, preferably at the same time every day, with a little water.

How to start Slynd

If you have not used a hormonal contraceptive in the previous month
Take your first Slynd tablet on the first day of your period, this will ensure immediate protection against pregnancy.

Switching from a combined pill, ring or patch
You can start Slynd the day after your last active tablet, or on the day your contraceptive ring or patch is removed. If you follow this you won’t need extra contraceptive protection.

You can also start the day after the last inactive tablet, ring-free period, or patch-free break. But this will require extra protection for the next seven days, such as a condom.

Switching from another progesterone-only pill
You can switch any day you like and you won’t need extra protection.

Switching from an injection, implant or IUS
You can start Slynd on the day your next injection is due or on the day the implant or IUS is removed. You won’t need an additional form of contraception.

After giving birth
You can start Slynd between days 21-28 after giving birth. If you start any later than this (after day 28), you’ll need an additional form of contraception for the next seven days.

How long does Slynd take to work?

If you start Slynd on the first day of your period, you will get immediate protection. On any other day, it will take seven days for protection to be built, so you will need to use additional protection (like condoms) during that time.

What happens if I forget to take a tablet?

If it’s within the 24 hours of your scheduled time, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two tablets at the same time. In this scenario, you won’t need additional contraception.

However, if it’s been more than 24 hours since your last active tablet, take the missed tablet as soon as possible. In this case, you’ll need to use an extra form of contraception for the next seven days.

If you forget to take a tablet between days 15 and 24, take it as soon as you remember, even if you have to take two tablets together. Then, continue taking the white tablets as usual. When you reach green placebo tablets, skip them and start the next strip. By skipping the placebo tablets, contraceptive protection is maintained.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on May 16, 2024. Next review due on May 16, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

FAQ: Slynd

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How is Slynd different from other contraceptive tablets?

Answer:

There are two main forms of contraceptive tablets: combined pills, which contain oestrogen and progesterone, and mini-pills, which only contain progesterone. Slynd belongs to the ‘mini pill’ category of contraceptive tablets.

Combined pills are taken for 21 days, followed by a seven-day break without pills, during which withdrawal bleeding occurs. This is suitable for women who prefer a regular bleed. With Slynd, you won't experience a period, but you will have scheduled bleeding during the four placebo days. This scheduled bleeding is often lighter and shorter than a typical period and is sometimes called withdrawal or breakthrough bleeding.

Additionally, most mini-pills have a 3 or 12-hour missed pill window. This means that you need to take them every day to ensure protection from pregnancy. Slynd, however, has a 24-hour missed pill window. This means you have more flexibility and some leeway when taking the tablets, as you can still maintain protection from pregnancy even if you accidentally miss a day.

What are the benefits of Slynd?

Answer:

Aside from the 24-hour missed pill window, there are additional benefits to Slynd that make it the preferred treatment for many women. Drospirenone, the hormone in Slynd, can help treat acne. One study demonstrated six months of drospirenone significantly improved acne and reduced other skin problems. It was found to be more effective than other common progesterones, such as norgestimate. ^[3]

Moreover, some studies showed drospirenone to be effective at treating the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that's often characterised by mood swings, irritability and depression. Because of drospirenone’s antimineralocorticoid and anti-androgenic properties, it can help regulate hormonal fluctuations.^[1]

The anti-mineralocorticoid properties may also help decrease blood pressure and body weight, which can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases that can come with hormonal contraceptives.^[4]

How effective is Slynd?

Answer:

Slynd is effective at preventing pregnancy when taken accurately. In one study, the results found only 4 out of 100 women got pregnant within the first year of using Slynd, making it over 96% effective.^[2]

Can I skip placebo tablets on Slynd?

Answer:

As the placebo tablets contain no active hormone, you can skip the tablets without affecting the contraceptive protection. However, it’s best not to skip the placebo tablets as they help you maintain a healthy oestrogen level and it's also an easier way to remember to take Slynd daily. ^[4]

If you wish to skip the placebo tablets and jump straight to the next strip, discuss this with your clinician, you might find that you experience unpredictable bleeding when you take it this way.

Do I need a prescription for Slynd?

Answer:

Yes, like most contraceptive pills you’ll need a prescription from your clinician to make sure it's safe and suitable for you to take.

Treated trusted sources:

Slynd. (n.d.). FAQs- How does Slynd® work for contraception?
Słopień, R., Milewska, E., Rynio, P., & Męczekalski, B. (2018). Use of oral contraceptives for management of acne vulgaris and hirsutism in women of reproductive and late reproductive age. Przegla̜d Menopauzalny = Menopause Review, 17(1), 1-4.
Oelkers, W. (2004). Drospirenone, a progestogen with antimineralocorticoid properties: A short review. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 217(1-2), 255-261.
Slynd: does a drospirenone progestogen-only pill offer an advantage? (2024). Drug and therapeutics bulletin, 62(4), pp.55–59. doi