Who should not take combined pills

Some women have health problems that make it dangerous for them to use the pill.

NEVER take the pill if you have any of the conditions listed above or if you:

• have liver disease hepatitis, or yellow skin and eyes.
• have ever had signs of a stroke, paralysis, or heart disease.
• have ever had a blood clot in the veins of your legs, or in your lungs or brain. Varicose veins are usually not a problem, unless the veins are red and sore.

If you have any of the following health problems, try to use a method other than combined birth control pills. But if you cannot, it is still better to take the combined pill than to become pregnant.

Try not to take combined pills if you:

• are breastfeeding, be sure to wait until your milk is coming in well before starting to take the combined pills. This usually takes about 3 weeks.
• smoke and are over 35 years old. You have a greater chance of having a stroke or heart attack if you take combined pills
• have diabetes or epilepsy. If you are taking medicine for seizures (“fits”), you will need to take a stronger (50 micrograms of estrogen) birth control pill. Get medical advice from a health worker or doctor.
• have high blood pressure (more than 140/90). If you have ever been told you have high blood pressure or think you might have it, have your blood pressure checked by a health worker. If you weigh too much, have frequent headaches, get out of breath easily, feel weak or dizzy often, or feel pain in the left shoulder or chest, you should be tested for high blood pressure.

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en020423