Do you leave a break between pill packets? (Mercilon)

[Bellini12]

I have recently been put on low-dose Mercilon after a 7 year break from being on the combined pill (was on Yasmin before but due to my age now have been prescribed Mercilon).

My Dr said things have changed and they now don't recommend a 7 day break for a bleed, but a 4 day break between packets. I think this was because it is a low-dose pill so you are protected more against pregnancy. Of course this means you run out of pills sooner.

I was wondering if anyone else had been given this advice? I've read the instruction leflet from cover to cover and it clearly states a 7 day break (although it was last updated in 2008). She also said you can go a few months taking your pill packets back-to-back, just as long as you take a break every few months.

I would appreciate anyone's views on this.

If it says 7 days on the packet, I'd be inclined to go back to your GP for confirmation on this. Or maybe ask the pharmacist.

The licence for the drug has been given on the basis of a 7 day break. Therefore all product info and pharmacist will say to do this. However you are less likely to fall pregnant on the pill with a four day break. This is why some people fall pregnant despite correctly taking the pill- their ovaries start to work during the 7 day break (only a very small number of women will do this.)It does mean you have to remember a different restart day of the week from pack to pack. Some doctors will recommend taking several packs of the pill back to back ie no break for 2 or 3 months. This is fine but outside of product licence. So your doctor is giving reasonable advice.