How to Take Althea Contraceptives
Take one pill daily at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 hormone-free days (or 7 days of low-dose pills if using an extended formulation), then start a new pack immediately after the 7-day interval. 1
Standard Dosing Schedule
- Daily administration: Take one active pill every day, preferably at the same time to maintain consistent hormone levels and maximize contraceptive efficacy 1
- 21/7 regimen: Most formulations contain 21 active hormone pills followed by 7 placebo or low-dose estrogen pills 1
- Continuous use: Start the next pack immediately after completing the hormone-free interval without any gap 2
Starting Althea
First-Time Users
- Timing: Begin on the first day of menstrual bleeding for immediate protection, or start within the first 5 days of your cycle 2
- Backup contraception: If starting after day 5 of your cycle, use condoms or abstain from intercourse for 7 consecutive days 2
- Quick start option: Can start immediately any day if reasonably certain you're not pregnant, but requires 7 days of backup contraception 2
After Pregnancy
- Postpartum (not breastfeeding): Do not start until at least 3 weeks after delivery due to increased blood clot risk 2
- After abortion: Can start immediately or within 7 days post-abortion with no backup needed if started at time of surgical procedure 2
- Breastfeeding: Generally avoid combined oral contraceptives in the first 6 months postpartum as they may affect milk supply 2
Managing Missed Pills
One Pill Late (<24 hours)
- Take the late pill as soon as you remember 2, 1
- Continue taking remaining pills at the usual time, even if this means taking two pills in one day 2, 1
- No backup contraception needed 2, 1
- Emergency contraception not usually needed 2
One Pill Missed (24-48 hours)
- Take the most recent missed pill immediately and discard any other missed pills 2, 1
- Continue the remaining pills at the usual time 2, 1
- Use condoms or abstain from sex for 7 consecutive days 2, 1
- Consider emergency contraception if pills were missed in the first week AND you had unprotected sex in the previous 5 days 2, 1
Two or More Pills Missed (≥48 hours)
- Take the most recent missed pill immediately; discard other missed pills 2, 1
- Continue remaining pills at usual time 2, 1
- Use backup contraception for 7 consecutive days 2, 1
- If missed pills occurred in week 3: Skip the hormone-free interval by finishing the current pack and starting a new pack immediately 2
- Strongly consider emergency contraception if missed pills were in week 1 and unprotected intercourse occurred in the previous 5 days 2, 1
Important Considerations
Vomiting or Severe Diarrhea
- If vomiting occurs within 3-4 hours of taking a pill, treat it as a missed pill 2
- Use backup contraception until you've successfully taken pills for 7 consecutive days without vomiting or severe diarrhea 2
- Severe diarrhea may reduce absorption; follow the same precautions as for vomiting 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't extend the hormone-free interval beyond 7 days - this is when ovulation risk is highest 2, 1
- Higher-dose pills (30 μg ethinyl estradiol) provide better protection against pregnancy when pills are missed compared to 20 μg formulations 1
- Storage matters: Keep pills in a cool, dry place away from heat, which can degrade the medication 2
Breakthrough Bleeding
- Unscheduled spotting or bleeding is common in the first 3-6 months and generally decreases with continued use 2
- This bleeding does not indicate contraceptive failure if pills are taken correctly 2
- If bleeding persists beyond 6 months or is bothersome, consult your healthcare provider to rule out other causes 2