How is the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) usually prescribed?
Typically combined OCPs are prescribed for one year at a time. An early follow up visit after the initial prescription will ensure that early concerns and questions (especially about nuisance side effects) are addressed and will enhance adherence. Detailed pretreatment counseling is therefore particularly important for first time users and adolescents. Studies have shown that as many as 20 percent of new combined OCP users will stop the pill before a three-month follow-up because of unexpected side effects. Adolescents may require more than one follow-up in the first year to increase adherence.
