Synphase Contraceptive Pill
Monthly Packs Available
- Oral contraception used to prevent pregnancy
- Combined contraceptive pill
- Taken at the same time each day




Buy Synphase Tablets
Synphase Tablets are a combined oral contraceptive pill that prevents you from getting pregnant.
Like all other hormonal contraception methods, the tablets do not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To protect yourself from an STD, a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, is recommended alongside Synphase.
How Synphase Tablets work
Synphase Tablets contain two hormones: a progestogen hormone called norethisterone and an oestrogen hormone called ethinylestradiol.
The two hormones work together to prevent pregnancy. They prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs and thicken the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Directions
Always take Synphase Tablets exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / Chemist4U pharmacist has told you.
Each pack contains different-coloured tablets containing different amounts of hormones. Taking the tablets in the correct order mimics the natural rise and fall of your body’s hormone levels during your monthly cycle.
Take 1 tablet each day at the same time, following the correct order. You must continue taking the tablets until you finish the strip.
Each blister has a row of bubbles marked with the days of the week. When you take your first tablet, press the bubble for the day of the week you have started taking the tablets. This will help you to remember the day of the week you started the pack.
If you forget to take Synphase Tablets, or you have a bout of vomiting or diarrhoea, please refer to the patient information leaflet for further directions.
When you can start taking Synphase
Taking Synphase for the first time
When you start taking the tablets you must take tablet number 1 first. This should be taken on the first day of your period. If you can’t start the tablets on the first day of your period, you can start them any day up until the 5th day. If you don’t start on the first day, you may not be protected for the first 7 days. Use additional contraception during this time.
Once you have finished all 21 tablets, stop for 7 days. After 7 days, start the next strip of tablets. You will always start the next strip on the same day of the week. If you have taken the tablets exactly as prescribed, you will be protected during your 7-day break.
Changing brands of oral contraception
Take the first tablet of your new blister strip the day after you finish your old blister strip. You might experience bleeding during the first few days of the new blister strip, but bleeding is normal, and you will still be protected against pregnancy.
If you have just had a baby
If you have recently given birth and you are not breastfeeding, you may start taking Synphase 21 days after your baby is born. You will be protected immediately. If you start later than this, you will not be protected and you should use additional contraception for the first 7 days.
If you have just had a miscarriage or an abortion
If you have had a miscarriage or an abortion, you may be able to start taking Synphase immediately. You will be protected straight away. However, you should always check with your doctor or prescriber first.
Side effects
Synphase Tablets may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Swollen or sore breasts
- Worsening of womb disorders
- Weight gain
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in the way your body breaks down sugars, fats or vitamins
If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Serious side effects
Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness.
Stop taking Synphase and contact your GP straight away if you experience any of the following:
- Coughing up blood
- Swelling and/or tenderness in your stomach
- A sudden, sharp or severe pain in your chest
- Sudden shortness of breath or you find breathing painful
- Painful or inflamed veins in your legs
- Your first migraine attack
- Migraines which get worse, especially if your sight is affected, you see flashing lights, your limbs feel weak, you lose sensation in your limbs or they feel different
- A seizure
- Dizziness or fainting
- A problem develops with your sight or speech
Some women may experience depression when taking hormonal contraceptives. Depression can be serious and sometimes leads to suicidal thoughts. If you experience symptoms of depression, contact your doctor for medical advice as soon as possible.
Women who take the pill are at a slightly higher risk of developing blood circulation disorders.
The risk of developing a blood clot is higher in women who take the combined pill. The risk of developing a blood clot is at the highest during the first year. The symptoms of a blood clot include:
- Swelling in the area where the blood clot has formed
- Your arm or leg changing colour to a red or blue tinge
- Pain in the area where the blood clot has formed; this can be mild to intense pain
- Warm skin around the area where the blood clot has formed
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Swollen or painful veins
If you experience symptoms of a blood clot, visit your local A&E department immediately for medical treatment.
The risk of heart attacks and strokes for women who are taking the combined pill increases with age and smoking.
Breast cancer is slightly more common in women who take the combined pill in comparison to women who don’t. However, this is still rare. If you stop taking the pill, the risk gradually begins to reduce.
There is also a slightly higher risk of cervical cancer with the use of contraception. This is more common in women who have taken the pill for a long time. Again, this is rare.
Warnings
Synphase Tablets may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not take these tablets if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or if:
- You have a family history of clotting problems
- You have had blood clots in the legs, veins, lungs, brain or elsewhere
- You have had a heart attack
- You have had a stroke
- You have or have had angina
- You have or have had high levels of fats in your blood or other disorders of body fats
- You have or have had cancer of the breast, cervix, vagina or womb
- You have had pruritus, jaundice or pemphigoid gestationis during pregnancy
- You have or have had severe chronic liver disease
- You have or have had vaginal bleeding that wasn’t a period and the doctor could not find the cause
- You have an intolerance to certain sugars as this product contains lactose
- You have diabetes
- You have or have ever had severe migraines
Talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if:
- You have migraines
- You have regular headaches
- You have a slow or sudden development of visual disturbances
- You have asthma
- You have epilepsy
- You have cardiovascular disease
- You have high blood pressure
- You have kidney disease
- You have diabetes
- You have multiple sclerosis
- You have muscle twitches
- You have breast problems
- You have varicose veins
- You have liver dysfunction
- You have fibroids in your uterus
- You have irregular periods
- You have a sharp pain in the abdomen
- You have gallstones
- You have sickle-cell anaemia
- You have osteosclerosis
- You have chloasma
- You have a disease that is likely to get worse during pregnancy
Using/taking other medicines
If you are taking or have recently taken any medication, including medication obtained without a prescription, speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking Synphase.
The following medication may stop Synphase from working properly:
- St John’s wort
- Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, topiramate (for epilepsy)
- Nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir (for HIV and AIDS)
- Rifabutin and rifampicin (to treat bacterial infections)
- Griseofulvin (to treat fungal infections)
- Modafinil (for narcalepsy)
Age restrictions
We are unable to prescribe Synphase Tablets to anyone under 18 years old.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not take Synphase if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice before taking any new product.
Storage information
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw medicines away via household waste.
Important information
Make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist if this product is right for you.
Store out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before taking this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.