Take 1 pill daily at the same time for 28 days.

Each strip contains 24 light pink active tablets and 4 white inactive tablets. Take a light pink tablet every day for 24 days. Then take a white tablet every day for 4 days - during this time you may get your period. Once complete, start a new strip straightaway (24 light pink and then 4 white tablets). There is therefore no pill break.

Always start a new strip with the first light pink tablet on the upper left. For the correct order, follow the direction of the arrows on the strip.

Eloine contains 28 pills per pack:  24 active pills (light pink) and 4 inactive pills (white). Each of the active tablets has different levels of hormones in them, and must be taken in the prescribed order for the pill to remain effective.

The active hormones are ethinylestradiol and drospirenone. These stops eggs from being released (ovulation), and from being fertilised.

If you start using Eloine on days 1-5 of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy immediately. If you start taking it later (only if you are sure you could not be pregnant), you will need to use condoms for at least seven days until Eloine starts to work.

When taken correctly, Eloine is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, if you are vomiting or have severe diarrhoea you may not be protected against pregnancy. If this happens, continue to take the pill as usual but use a condom whilst you're ill. If this continues for more than 24 hours you should follow the same steps as a missed pill.

Many women do not experience any side effects, however some experience more irregular bleeding with a low-dose pill. This usually settles in a few months. Other side effects can include headaches, feeling sick, breast discomfort, or mood swings. Rarely, some women develop blood clots. This pill carries a slightly higher risk of blood clots than others. If you have any concerns, send us a message via your Patient Record.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

If you miss one of the last 4 tablets in the 4th row of the strip, this does not compromise contraception as these are placebo pills. Discard the missed placebo pill.

If you miss a light pink, active tablet (tablets 1-24 of your blister-pack), you must do the following: If you are less than 24 hours late taking a pill, take the tablet as soon as you remember and then continue taking the tablets again at the usual time. You will still be protected against pregnancy.

If you are more than 24 hours late taking a tablet, the protection against pregnancy may be reduced. The next steps depends on when you last took your pill and where you are in your pill packet. Please read the patient information leaflet for further information.

Eloine is a combined contraceptive pill and so it is not advised to start taking it until 6 weeks after giving birth, if you are breastfeeding.