Thames 20 is a combined birth control pill containing 75 mcg gestodene and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol, two synthetic female hormones that prevent the development of pregnancy. In addition, this pill also helps reduce the severity of bleeding and is recommended for women who suffer from iron deficiency anemia.
This contraceptive can be bought in conventional pharmacies with a prescription, in the form of boxes with 1 or 3 cartons of tablets, each carton corresponding to one month.
Price
The price of Thames 20 is approximately 20 reais for the box with 21 tablets, while the box of 63 tablets, which gives for 3 months, costs about 50 reais.
How to take
You should take 1 tablet daily for 21 days in a row, preferably at the same time every day. After the 21 tablets, you should take a 7-day break, during which menstruation will occur. After the break, you should start the new card on the eighth day, regardless of whether menstrual bleeding has occurred or not.
If it is the first time to take this contraceptive the following guidelines should be followed:
- When no other hormonal contraceptive was used : take the first pill on the 1st day of menstruation;
- When you change the pill : take the 1st tablet soon after finishing the previous card, without pausing;
- When using IUD, implant or hormone injection : take the first tablet on the date scheduled for the next injection or removal of the IUD or implant;
To facilitate the use, the pill has inscriptions on the reverse with each day of the week, which helps to know which tablet to take next, and to do this, follow the direction of the arrows, until you finish with all the tablets .
What to do if you forget to take
In case of forgetfulness until 12 hours after normal time, you should take the forgotten tablet as soon as you remember, without having to use another form of contraception.
If forgetfulness is greater than 12 hours, one should take the tablet as soon as they remember and use another contraceptive method for 7 days, such as a condom or diaphragm, especially if forgetfulness occurred in the first or second week of use of the card.
See more about what to do in case of forgetting.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, weight gain, headache, depression, breast pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fluid retention, decreased libido, urticaria and enlarged breasts.
In addition, as with any contraceptive, thymus 20 may increase the risk of clot formation, which can cause stroke or stroke.
Who should not take
This contraceptive pill should not be used by women with a history or high risk of clotting, liver problems, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. It should also not be used in the case of hormone-dependent cancer, such as breast or ovary cancer, as well as hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formula.