INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINIPILL USERS

1.   Have on hand a backup birth control method such as foam,
spermicidal tablets or suppositories, condoms, or a diaphragm.
You will need to use your backup method:

     *    While you are waiting to start progestin-only pills or
          minipills
     *    During your first 7 days on minipills
     *    If you miss a minipill, at which time you should use a
          backup method for the next 48 hours

2.   Swallow 1 pill each day until you finish your pill pack.
Then start your new pack the next day.  Never miss a day.  The
evening meal may be the best time to take progestin-only pills.

3.   If you miss 1 minipill, take it (yesterday's minipill) as
soon as you remember.  Also take today's minipill at the regular
time even if that means taking 2 pills in 1 day.  If you are more
than 3 hours late taking a minipill, use your backup birth
control method for the next 48 hours (2 days).

4.   If you miss 2 or more minipills in a row, there is a good
chance you could become pregnant.  Immediately start using your
backup method.  Restart your minipills right away and double up
for 2 days.  If your menstrual period does not begin within 4 to
6 weeks, see your clinician for an exam and a pregnancy test.

5.   Keep track of your periods while you take minipills.  If you
have more than 45 days with no period, then see your clinician
for an exam and pregnancy test.

6.   If you have spotting or bleeding between periods, keep
taking your minipills on schedule.  If your bleeding is very
heavy or if you have cramps, pain, or fever, see your clinician. 
Your bleeding may be caused by infection.  In most cases,
bleeding is not serious and will often stop after a few days.
Bleeding is especially likely if you have missed 1 or more
minipills.  Bleeding is common during the first few months a
woman takes minipills.

7.   If you become ill with vomiting, severe diarrhea or both,
use your backup method of birth control along with your minipills
until 48 hours (2 days) after your illness is over.  Using your
backup method will give you extra protection in case your illness
or the medication interferes with minipill effectiveness.

8.   If you decide you want to become pregnant, plan to stop
using minipills and change to another method of birth control,
such as condoms, for 2 or 3 months.  Once you are off minipills,
your natural cycle should be reestablished.  Your clinician will
be able to determine your pregnancy due date more accurately if
you have at least two natural menstrual periods before you become
pregnant.

9.   Stop minipills anytime you want, even in the middle of a
pill pack.  Remember, though, that protection from the minipill
does not last after you stop.  Begin using another method the
very next day.


10.  See your clinician regularly for routine checkups.  Be sure
to have a blood pressure check, Pap smear, breast exam, and
pelvic exam.

11.  See your clinician right away if you have severe lower
abdominal pain while using minipills.


Disadvantages of Progestin-only Pills

The disadvantages of progestin-only pills may include "the need
for obsessive regularity in pill-taking and attention to timing. 
Progestin-only pills are not the best choice for women who are
disorganized."


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