Slynd is a contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It is known as a mini pill or progesterone-only (POP) because it only contains 1 active ingredient, a synthetic version of the female sex hormone progesterone called drospirenone.

Slynd, like other mini pills, is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when it is taken correctly.

Slynd contains the active ingredient, drospirenone which works by:

• thickening the cervical mucus
• thinning the womb lining
• stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation)

Because of these 3 actions, the contraceptive efficacy is high, especially since it can prevent ovulation where some mini pills do not.

How long does Slynd last?

Each strip of Slynd pills will last 28 days because it contains:

• 24 active pills
• 4 inert (inactive) pills

You’ll need to take one Slynd pill at the same time each day, leaving a 24-hour break between each pill.

How long does Slynd take to work?

If you start Slynd on the first day of your period, it will work immediately and you will be protected from pregnancy straight away.

If you start taking Slynd at any other time, it will take 48 hours to work, so you’ll need to use an additional method of contraception at the same time, such as condoms for the first 7 days.

How effective is Slynd?

Slynd, like other mini pills, is more than 99% effective if used correctly. However, due to forgetting to take the pill on time or illness such as sickness (vomiting), this figure is more likely to be 91%.

Clinical research shows that Slynd has a Pearl Index of 4.0. That means that only 4 in every 100 women who use Slynd as a contraceptive method will become pregnant.

Slynd is also effective in managing bleeding, with less than 20% of users experiencing a withdrawal bleed after 9 months of use.

To take Slynd:

1. Take your first pill on the first day of your period.
2. Swallow each pill whole with a glass of water.
3. Take the pill at the same time each day.
4. Continue taking 1 white pill every day, taking care to follow the direction of the arrows on the strip.
5. On the last 4 days of the strip, you’ll take an inactive, green pill.
6. When you have finished the strip, you should start a new pack straight away without a break between packs.

Always take Slynd exactly as prescribed.

It is important that you do not confuse the pills. You must start with the first white tablet on the upper left of the strip. You will take the white tablets for the first 24 days of your cycle. Then, you’ll take a green placebo pill for the last 4 days.

Each blister pack of Slynd pills comes with stickers, each of which has the 7 days of the week printed on them. Choose the sticker that shows the day of the week you start taking Slynd. For example, if you start Slynd on Wednesday, choose the sticker that starts with WED, and place it on the blister card over the words “Place day label here”, so the first day is above the table marked ‘START’.

When to take Slynd

You should take Slynd at the same time every day. Try to keep a steady 24 hours between each pill. Choose a time that is convenient for you. You may find it easier to take the pill at the same time as another daily activity to help you remember, such as brushing your teeth.

How often to take Slynd

Take Slynd daily without any breaks. Begin a new pack the next day, repeating the above steps.

What if I miss a pill?

• If you miss 1 white pill, take it as soon as possible, even if it means taking 2 pills at the same time.
• If you miss 2 or more white pills, take the last pill as soon as possible. Continue to take 1 pill per day until you have finished the pack.

You should use non-hormonal birth control, such as condoms, during the first 7 days after missing your pills.

You do not need to take 1 or more green (placebo) pills if you miss them. Take the green pill at your next regular time, and take them every day until you finish the pack.

Slynd is a prescription-only medication, so you will need to obtain a prescription from a doctor first. You can request Slynd from reputable online services like Superdrug Online Doctor without a face-to-face appointment.

Can I buy Slynd online?

You can request Slynd from Superdrug Online Doctor quickly and easily. You’ll just need to:

1. Fill out a brief health and lifestyle questionnaire.
2. Order your preferred treatment and make payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers to see if Slynd is suitable for you.
4. If approved, your treatment will be posted fast and discreetly to your home address; if you choose, your order can also be made available for collection at your local Superdrug Pharmacy within just 2 to 3 hours.
5. If your order is not approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with alternative treatment options.

Can I buy Slynd over the counter?

No, you cannot buy Slynd over the counter as it is a prescription-only medication. If you are looking for an over-the-counter option, Hana may be more suitable.

Can I buy Slynd on the NHS?

Slynd may be available on the NHS but is usually offered as a last-line treatment when other oral contraception pills are not a suitable option. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor to find out if Slynd is suitable for you.

Like all medications, Slynd may cause side effects but not everyone will experience them.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• headache
• changes in sexual desire
• acne
• weight gain
• nausea (feeling sick)
• abdominal pain

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• dizziness
• vaginal infections
• being sick (vomiting)
• elevated blood pressure
• hypersensitivity
• changes in mood, depression, or anxiety
• changes in appetite
• anaemia due to a decrease in red blood cells
• absence of menstrual cycles
• hair loss
• itching
• dermatitis
• tumours in the uterus (uterine leiomyoma)

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people)

• intolerance to wearing contact lenses
• excess urinating
• weight loss
• breast cysts
• breast secretion
• abnormal cervical smear
• genital itching

Before taking Slynd you should read the patient leaflet that comes in the package.

How long do Slynd side effects last?

Side effects should settle down by themselves over the first few weeks to months of using Slynd. If you are concerned about any side effects you are experiencing, for example, if you have side effects that have become persistent and are affecting your day-to-day life, contact your doctor.

What to do if you get Slynd side effects

If you experience Slynd side effects, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects, even those not listed in the patient information leaflet, to the Yellow Card Scheme.

Slynd may not be suitable for everyone. You should speak to your doctor before using Slynd if you:

• have ever had liver cancer or liver disease
• have ever had thrombosis, the formation of blood clots in blood vessels
• have ever suffered from chloasma, signified by yellow-brown pigmentation of the skin
• have high blood pressure
• experience kidney problems
• have ever had breast cancer
• are taking any other medications

You should also avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you are taking Slynd.

Slynd and breastfeeding

You can take Slynd while breastfeeding, however, some small amounts of drospirenone may enter your breast milk. If you are concerned, speak to your doctor or nurse about contraception options while breastfeeding.

Slynd and pregnancy

Do not use Slynd if you are or think you may be pregnant, or if you are trying for a baby.

Slynd may not be suitable for everyone but there are several contraceptive options available including some that are non-hormonal.

Mini pills

• Cerelle – Contains another type of progesterone called desogestrel. It works in the same way as Slynd to prevent pregnancy. Cerazette is an alternative to Cerelle but made by a different manufacturer.
• Norgeston – A mini pill that contains levonorgestrel and has a 3-hour window.
• Noriday – Contains the active ingredient norethisterone and has fewer side effects compared to the combined pill.
• Hana – An over-the-counter mini pill that’s available without a prescription.

Combined pills

• Microgynon 30 – Contains ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and levonorgestrel (progesterone) and is the most popular combined pill.
• Eloine – A combined pill that contains a low dose of oestrogen and can reduce PMS symptoms and improve acne.
• Gedarel – Available in a standard or low dose of oestrogen, so may be suitable if you are sensitive to the effects of this hormone. Prevents pregnancy and can manage heavy or painful periods.

Contraceptive patch

• Evra patches – A combination of oestrogen and progesterone patches worn on the skin. Great alternative to daily pills and is up to 99% effective.

Vaginal ring

• NuvaRing – A contraceptive ring that is self-inserted into the vagina that releases oestrogen and progesterone, working in a similar way to the combined pill and lasts for up to 3 weeks.

Other hormonal contraceptives

• Injection – A progesterone-only contraceptive injection that works by stopping ovulation. The injection must be given by a trained medical professional and lasts for 8 to 13 weeks.
• Implant – A small plastic device that’s inserted under the skin by a trained medical professional that releases progesterone to prevent pregnancy. The implant works for 3 years before it needs replacing.
• Intrauterine system (IUS) – Also known as the coil, the IUS releases progesterone once it has been inserted into your womb by a trained medical professional. It is safe to use while breastfeeding and can last up to 8 years.

Non-hormonal contraception

Not all methods of birth control are hormonal, some effective options contain no hormones, such as:

• condoms (male and female)
• diaphragms
• copper coil (intrauterine device)

If you’re still unsure about which contraceptive pill is most suitable for you, start a consultation with our doctors who will help you find the best option.

Does Slynd cause weight gain?

Some people have experienced weight gain while using Slynd but it is not a common side effect. Weight gain is typically caused by water retention which can increase at different stages of your period due to fluctuating hormones. However, there is no conclusive evidence that any hormonal contraceptive pill directly causes weight gain.

Do you still get your period on Slynd?

During the first few months of taking Slynd, you may experience bleeding or spotting. However, this should stop over time and you may not experience periods at all while taking Slynd.

What is the advantage of Slynd?

Slynd has a very high contraceptive efficacy. It is also a good alternative for women who cannot take or wish to avoid oestrogen, older women who have a lower risk of becoming pregnant, and people who smoke.

Slynd also has a longer window to take a missed pill compared to other mini-pills. For example, Slynd has a 24-hour window while others are limited to 3 or 12 hours.

Is Slynd good for acne?

Some research suggests that the active ingredient in Slynd, drospirenone, may be effective at managing acne symptoms. However, many of the studies involved drospirenone when it is combined with a type of synthetic oestrogen called ethinylestradiol.

Can I take Slynd if I get migraines?

If you experience migraines, you should consult your doctor before taking Slynd.

Can I take Slynd if I have PCOS?

Yes, you can use Slynd if you have polycystic ovary syndrome. As it is a progesterone-only pill, it can help balance hormones.

Is Slynd safe?

Slynd is safe to take for most people but you should read the full patient leaflet before taking it and consult your doctor if you have any concerns. This is because Slynd is not suitable if you have kidney, liver or adrenal disease.