Synphase

Authored by

Dr Blen Tesfu

20 August 2024

What is Synphase?

Synphase is a combined contraceptive pill including oestrogens and progestogens hormones, taken to avoid pregnancy. Synphasic is a Triphasic combined oral contraceptive.

Description

Synphase as a Contraception

Synphase is a form of combined contraception that is taken to prevent unwanted pregnancy for women. It is an oral birth control pill to be taken consecutively for 21 days with a 7-day break or alternatively, depending on your consultation with the GP or doctor. It also helps alleviate symptoms of menstruation. It is a triphasic pill meaning that it contains a varied level of synthetic hormones.

What is Synphase and how does it work?

The pill contains synthetic progesterone and oestrogen (norethisterone and ethinylestradiol). These hormones are also produced by the body. Synphase works by altering the hormonal balance of the body to prevent ovulation by making the lining of the uterus less receptive to egg implantation.

Is Synphase right for me?

If you are looking for an effective oral contraceptive, Synphase may be right for you. However, it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:

If you are allergic or hypersensitive to the ingredients of Synphase
If you have ever had a blood clot or are at risk of a blood clot
If you have severe heart, liver or kidney problems
If you have high levels of fats in your blood or other disorders of body fats
If you need an operation or if you are off your feet for a long time
If you have high or low blood pressure
If you have ever had a migraine with aura
If you are suspected of having cancer of the breast, cervix, womb or vagina
If you are pregnant
If you have unexplained bleeding from the vagina
If you are taking medication for hepatitis C

How to take Synphase?

Always take Synphase exactly as prescribed by your doctor or advised by the pharmacist.

Synphase should be taken every day for 21 days
Take your pill at the same time every day
Start by taking a pill marked with the correct day of the week
Follow the directions of the arrows on the strip and take a pill every day until you have finished all 21
Then have 7 pill-free days
Start your next strip of Synphase after the 7 pill-free days, even if you are still bleeding
It can be taken with or without food, if necessary with a small amount of water
You must not take Synphase if you are pregnant
It is not advised to take Synphase while breast-feeding

Side Effects

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of Synphase. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of Synphase, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

Change in appetite
Depression
Headache
High Blood Pressure
Vaginal Bleeding (withdrawal bleeding)
Nausea
Tender Breasts
Stomach upsets
Changes in the way your body breaks down sugar, fats or vitamins
Changes in sex drive

Warnings and Precautions

Synphase may not be safe if taken with other medication or recreational drugs. Please inform the prescriber if you are taking any of the listed medications.

DO NOT take Synphase if you are taking:

ciclosporin (medicine used for the treatment of suppression of tissue rejection following transplant surgery)
St. John's wort (herbal remedy to treat depression)
primidone, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate, rufinamide, perampanel to treat epilepsy
rifampicin for tuberculosis
Medicines for HIV and Hepatitis C Virus infections (so-called protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as ritonavir, nevirapin, efavirenz)
griseofulvin for fungal infections
bosnetan for increase of blood pressure in the lung vasculature
modafinil for sleeping disorders

The above-listed warnings are not exhaustive, please consult a doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you have further questions on the use of this medication or potential interactions with other medicines.

Synphase Patient Leaflet

To view Patient Leaflet click here.

To view PDF patient leaflet click here.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Welzo does not endorse or sell the medication discussed, nor do we recommend using this information as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or medical treatment. Welzo assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.