How to Transition Between Birth Control Pills: A Guide for Women

How should the medication be taken?

This month, I am taking 28 tablets of Loette.
If I want to switch to 21 tablets of Anselian next month, do I need to stop taking the medication in between, or can I just finish the original pack and then start the new one? I went to the pharmacy to buy the 21 tablets, and they said to wait until the third day of my period to start taking the first pill.
However, I read online that after finishing the 21 pills, I should stop for 7 days regardless of whether my period has come or not, and then directly start the new pack.
Which information is correct, and how should I proceed?

Zhou, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/14

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

This month, I am taking 28 tablets of Loette.
If I want to switch to 21 tablets of Anselian next month, do I need to stop taking the medication in between, or can I just continue with the new one after finishing the original?
Answer: You can directly switch to the new medication after finishing the original one.
I went to the pharmacy to buy the 21 tablets, and they said to wait until the third day of my period to start taking the first tablet.
However, I found online that many people say to take the 21 tablets, then stop for 7 days, regardless of whether my period has come, and then start the new pack immediately.
Which information is correct? How should I take it?
Answer: You can either take the 21 tablets and then stop for 7 days, regardless of whether your period has come, and then start the new pack (○), or you can start taking the first tablet on the third day of your period (○).
It depends on which option is more suitable for you.

Reply Date: 2019/03/14

More Info

Transitioning between different types of birth control pills can be a bit confusing, especially with varying recommendations from different sources. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this process safely and effectively.

When switching from a 28-day pill pack like Loestrin (洛依欣) to a 21-day pill pack like Yasmin (安斯麗安), the general recommendation is to finish the current pack before starting the new one. This means you should take all 28 pills in your current pack, including the placebo pills if applicable, before transitioning to the new pack.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. Complete the Current Pack: Finish all 28 pills of your current birth control. If your pack includes placebo pills, you can either take them or skip them and start the new pack immediately after finishing the active pills.

2. Start the New Pack: After completing your current pack, you can start the new 21-day pack of Yasmin without any break. This means you do not need to wait for your period to start the new pack. You can begin taking the first pill of the new pack the day after you finish your current pack.

3. Understanding the Timing: The advice you received from the pharmacy about waiting until the third day of your period to start the new pack is a common guideline for starting birth control for the first time. However, since you are transitioning from one hormonal contraceptive to another, you can start the new pack immediately after finishing the old one.

4. No Need for a Break: The notion that you must take a break between packs is outdated for most modern birth control methods. Continuous use is often encouraged to maintain hormonal balance and prevent unintended pregnancies.

5. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you have any concerns or specific health conditions, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and needs.

6. Monitor Your Body: After switching pills, pay attention to how your body reacts. Some women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, mood, or other side effects. If you notice any concerning symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider.

7. Use Backup Contraception if Necessary: If you are concerned about the effectiveness of the new pill during the transition, consider using a backup method of contraception (like condoms) for the first month after switching.

In summary, you should finish your 28-day pack of Loestrin and then start the 21-day pack of Yasmin immediately after. There’s no need to wait for your period to start the new pack. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns about side effects.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth transition between birth control pills while maintaining effective contraception.

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