Changing combined contraceptive pill- do I have to finish the whole pack of the old one?

[JessieMcJessie]

I've just been prescribed a new pill as I was experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety with Microgynon. The new pill is also a combined monophasic pill- it's called Meliane, which I don't think is available in the UK but it's the same as Femodette- 20 micrograms of ethinyloestradiol and 75 micrograms of gestodene.

I am keen to get off the Microgynon and get going with this one- the doctor said to start it on the first day of my bleed at the end of the microgynon pack but I am wondering if I can just stop the Microgynon now (I have about 10 days to take), wait for the bleed and then start the Meliane. She said I'd need extra contraception for 7 days after starting the new pill if I finished the old pack first, so I am not bothered about initial lack of protection.

Anyone had advice about changing from one pill to another?

Maybe ask a pharmacist they are usually good with advice.

It will state this in the information leaflet provided with your contraception. From what I can read online, you GP is correct and will need to complete your current blister pack of Microgynon as well as using additional contraception (condoms) for the first 7 days of taking Meliane.