follow-up of prescription of combined oral contraceptive pill

Last edited 03/2020

Follow-up:

• in the absence of special problems, women can be given up to 12 months supply of COC at the first visit and encouraged to return at any time if problems arise
- although there could be some potential wastage, cost and use of resource associated with frequent follow-up appointments are avoided. It may be appropriate to provide a more limited supply (e.g. 3 months) for women who would benefit from returning for a follow-up visit (e.g. women with pre-existing significant medical conditions).
• appropriate written information should be provided to all women prescribed COC
• women should be provided with telephone numbers of appropriate local and national helplines providing advice on contraception and sexual health

For full details consult the reference below.

Reference:

1. FSRH (July 2019). Combined Hormonal Contraception