Is there an alternative to the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) if a woman is unable to tolerate oral medications?
Yes. When short term vomiting precludes oral ingestion of the pill consider vaginal pill delivery. Vaginal administration of standard combined OCP may not achieve the same levels of contraceptive steroids in circulation as achieved following oral administration so use either a pill containing 50 ug of ethinyl estradiol or two 30-35 ug pills inserted into the vagina. A new contraceptive skin patch (EVRA) will soon be available in Canada, which could be substituted for the oral contraceptive either in such an emergency situation or for continuous use in individuals who do not tolerate oral ingestion. This is the first time I have been on the birth control pill. I have been taking the pill every day at the same time for 2 weeks but I started my period anyway. Is this normal? Will I get my period again when I take the sugar pills in 1 week? Does this mean that the pills are not working for me? It is common to have unexpected bleeding in the first 2-3 months on a birth control pill. As long
