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| 1. Give pills |
- Give as many packs as possible—even as much as a year’s supply (13 packs).
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| 2. Explain pill pack |
- Show which kind of pack—21 pills or 28 pills. With 28-pill packs, point out that the last 7 pills are a different color and do not contain hormones.
- Show how to take the first pill from the pack and then how to follow the directions or arrows on the pack to take the rest of the pills.
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| 3. Give key instruction |
- Take one pill each day—until the pack is empty.
- Discuss cues for taking a pill every day. Linking pill-taking to a daily activity—such as cleaning her teeth—may help her remember.
- Taking pills at the same time each day helps to remember them. It also may help reduce some side effects.
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| 4. Explain starting next pack |
- 28-pill packs: When she finishes one pack, she should take the first pill from the next pack on the very next day.
- 21-pill packs: After she takes the last pill from one pack, she should wait 7 days—no more—and then take the first pill from the next pack.
- It is very important to start the next pack on time. Starting a pack late risks pregnancy.
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| 5. Provide backup method and explain use |
- Sometimes she may need to use a backup method, such as when she misses pills.
- Backup methods include abstinence, male or female condoms, spermicides, and withdrawal. Tell her that spermicides and withdrawal are the least effective contraceptive methods. Give her condoms, if possible.
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