From the Guidelines
Slynd is distinct from other progestin-only pills due to its unique formulation and properties, which offer a more convenient and forgiving regimen for users. The difference in Slynd is primarily attributed to its drospirenone content, a progestin-only formulation with a 24-hour active pill regimen and only 4 placebo days per month 1. Unlike traditional progestin-only pills, Slynd provides a more flexible 24-hour missed pill window, similar to combination pills, making it more convenient for users who struggle with precise timing. Some key features of Slynd include:
- A 24-hour active pill regimen with only 4 placebo days per month
- A more forgiving 24-hour missed pill window
- Anti-androgenic and anti-mineralocorticoid properties, which may help reduce acne and bloating side effects
- No estrogen content, making it suitable for women who can't take estrogen due to health concerns like high blood pressure, history of blood clots, migraines with aura, or those who are breastfeeding It's essential to note that while Slynd has several benefits, it's crucial to weigh these against potential risks, such as thromboembolic events, which are associated with drospirenone-containing COCs 1. However, the attributable risk for venous thromboembolism is low, and the risk of venous thromboembolism is higher with pregnancy than COC use 1. In terms of dosage, Slynd is typically taken as one 4 mg tablet daily for 28 days (24 active pills followed by 4 inactive pills), and if a pill is missed by more than 24 hours, it should be taken as soon as possible, with backup contraception used for the next 7 days to maintain effectiveness.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Differences of Slynd
- Slynd, a drospirenone-only pill, has a unique bleeding profile compared to other progestin-only pills (POPs) 2, 3
- It has a better bleeding profile than traditional POPs, with higher rates of scheduled bleedings and lower rates of unscheduled intracyclic bleeding/spotting 2
- The bleeding patterns of Slynd are still different from those of oestrogen-containing products, with lower rates of scheduled bleedings and higher rates of amenorrhea 2
- Slynd has been shown to improve bleeding predictability and reduce menstrual flow intensity and pain in women with contraindications to oestrogen use 4
- Compared to desogestrel, Slynd has a lower proportion of women with unscheduled bleeding and spotting days, and a lower mean number of unscheduled bleeding and spotting days 3
Comparison to Other Contraceptives
- Slynd has a similar Pearl Index to combined hormonal contraceptives, indicating similar contraceptive efficacy 2
- The continuous use of a contraceptive combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone has been shown to increase amenorrhea and reduce menstrual-related symptoms compared to cyclic use 5
- Drospirenone, the active ingredient in Slynd, has antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity, and has been shown to improve tolerability and reduce symptoms such as acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder 6