Contents:
Summary: This page details our protocol for an oral contraceptive review appointment.
Who’s it for: Nursing staff
Initiation of an oral contraceptive, combined hormonal contraception (CHC) or progestogen-only pill (POP), must be done by a GP/Pharmacist. However, our nursing staff can review and re-issue contraceptive pills, avoiding the need to see a doctor. This page is designed to give an overview of a pill review appointment.
Review Appointment
- Open the clinical template ‘Contraception (v18.0) (Ardens)’ on EMIS.
- Complete pg. 6 (’Pill check (CHC and POP)’) of the template. For support with completion, use the UK MEC Guidance.
- If the patient has missed a pill, see the guidance below⬇️
- Provide appropriate advice, and make relevant referrals.
- Discuss potential side effects, using the resources below
- Side effects and risks of the combined pill - NHS UK
- Side effects and risks of the progestogen-only pill - NHS UK
- Complete pg. 10 (’Safeguarding considerations’) as appropriate.
- Escalate to a GP if the patient:
- is >35 years old and smokes more than 15 cigarettes a day
- has Post Coital Bleeding (PCB) or Intermenstrual Bleeding (IMB), unless clearly related to missed/late pills
- experiences any sudden change in cycle pattern
- experiences a significant increase in frequency of headaches/new focal signs
‣
‣
‣
FYI:
- Women can use the combined pill up until the age of 50, or the progesterone-only pill until the age of 55.
- All patients on an oral contraceptive should have a review annually.