The pill is no longer available, and we have to swallow that. That's how you cursed that daily pill for years… And so you're begging at your pharmacy. Not that that helps, because the contraceptive pill is sold out † Or at least:certain variants of it. In this blog you can read why. And also what should be done about it according to the average male politician. And of course what you can do yourself. Tip 1:don't just listen to the average male politician if the pill is no longer available, you can read the risks of his advice below.
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If you've been to the pharmacy in the past week for a new emergency supply, you may have experienced it yourself. The pill is no longer available. Have you suddenly added so many new swallowers, you wonder?
That is not the case. The problem lies in the supply of the raw materials for our most commonly used contraceptive pills. Do you also have ethinyl estradiol en levonorgestrel on the box? Then it could just be that your pill is not neatly ready at the pharmacy when you need some strips again. Microgynon, a commonly swallowed contraceptive pill in the Netherlands, but other brands are no longer available at many pharmacies. And if the pill is no longer available, a lot of women (and men) still get a little short of breath.
Of course you can immediately switch to another contraceptive at such a time. Like the IUD. But hey, I'm actually quite happy with my pill. As long as I can just buy it. So what to do?
In cases like this, thank God we have politics watching over us. And protects the citizen(ess). So what do politicians say about this situation and a possible re-approaching baby boom?
Minister Bruins of Medical Care and Sport has a simple answer. “Just switch, temporarily, to another contraceptive pill.” If the pill is no longer available, there are still plenty of other pills left, right? But is that such a good idea? If you ask me, Minister Bruins is better off sticking to sports matters these days.
Not only ministers, but also pharmacists sometimes get it wrong. At my pharmacy I was told that our pills are actually all one jar wet. I wanted another pill. Not because the pill was no longer available. But because every year I received a new brand as a gift from my health insurance. According to the pharmacy, it didn't matter; as long as the active ingredients are the same. Now I know better. Switching pills gave me an unbearable period. Ever experienced this, Minister Bruins?
Never change your contraceptive pill just like that. Be well informed, and if necessary ask a midwife if you have any questions. Even if the same active ingredients are on the box:changing the pill can always have consequences for your health. You do take a dose of hormones every day, so let's not take that too lightly.
Anyway, let's stay positive. The pill is no longer available, but it is expected that this will soon be resolved. For the long term:perhaps we as consumers should not just swallow everything. Find a contraceptive pill that suits you. Look beyond your doctor's advice. They only advise you what the health insurance policies reimburse. And that is not always the right pill for you, as a woman. Furthermore, the motto now applies:while stocks last. Shall we all go hoarding then?
