Sunya

Sunya warnings

Before taking Sunya, please take the time to read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Sunya, like other combined oral contraceptive pills, can make some existing health conditions worse and increase your chances of developing other conditions. If you start taking Sunya you will therefore need to continue to have your health monitored at least once a year.

• You should not take oral contraceptives if you have ever had a blood clot, problems with your heart or liver are at risk of having a stroke or suffer from migraines.
• You also avoid taking Sunya if you have been told you have high blood pressure, high levels of fat in your blood or have ever had breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs.
• You should discuss with your doctor before taking Sunya if you have diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, sickle cell anaemia, HUS or SLE or if you have a disease that first appeared during pregnancy.
• You should tell your doctor if you have recently been taking or are currently taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medication including herbal remedies such as St-John’s Wort. If you are taking rifampicin or rifabutin these may make your contraceptive pill ineffective.

Sunya and blood clots

The use of combined hormonal contraception, including Sunya, can heighten a woman's risk of forming arterial and venous blood clots or venous thrombosis.

The risk of developing blood clots increases:

• Throughout the first year of taking a combination pill.
• As you get older
• If you are overweight
• If someone in your family has suffered from blood clots
• After you have had an operation or had an extended period of immobilisation such as after an operation or injury.

Blood clots can be severe and even fatal leading to heart attacks and strokes. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot see a doctor immediately.

Sunya and cancer

Taking a combined oral contraceptive such as Sunya can very slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. This risk seems to reduce once you stop taking any form of contraception.

Women taking Sunya must regularly check their breasts for any changes and you should contact your doctor if you are concerned.

Sunya in pregnancy & breastfeeding

You should not take Sunya during pregnancy and if you think you have become pregnant while taking oral contraception you should speak to a doctor for guidance.

Using Sunya while breastfeeding is also not recommended, you should speak to a doctor or nurse for guidance about your contraceptive options.

How do I take Sunya?

Sunya can be prescribed by The Independent Pharmacy to adults over the age of 18 years.

• Sunya tablets are for oral use only.
• Take 1 tablet, at the same time each day, for 21 days. Take your first tablet from the top row, marked with the correct day of the week and follow the directions of the arrows printed on the pack.
• After 21 days, have a 7-day pill-free break, where you should expect to have a withdrawal bleed, like a period.
• Start your new pack, after your 7 days pill-free, on the same day of the week that you started your previous pack.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully before taking Sunya.

Starting Sunya

If you have not used any contraceptive with hormones in the previous month:

Take your first Sunya tablet on day 1 of your period. You will be immediately protected against pregnancy. If you start any day after day 1 of your period you should use additional contraception such as a condom for the next 7 days.

Switching from another combined hormonal contraceptive pill:

Take your first Sunya tablet the day after your last pill from your previous pill packet. Do not have a 7-day pill-free break. If you start Sunya after your 7-day break you will need to use an additional barrier contraceptive such as condoms for 7 days.

Changing from a progestogen-only pill, injection, implant or a progesterone-releasing IUD:

You can switch to Sunya on any convenient day from the progestogen-only pill, or the day of removal of an implant or an IUD and the due date of the injection. In all of these cases, you must use an additional barrier contraceptive such as condoms for 7 days.

After having a baby:

You can start taking Sunya between 21 and 28 days after having a baby. If you start taking Sunya later than day 28 you must use an additional barrier method of contraception such as condoms for the next 7 days. But if you're breastfeeding, have certain health conditions or have a risk of blood clots, you'll usually be advised to delay using the combined pill, until at least 6 weeks after the birth.

Sunya and missed pills

If you forget to take your daily Sunya tablet or you are sick or have diarrhoea within 3-4 hours after taking your tablet, take it as soon as you remember or when you feel better, even if this means taking 2 tablets on the same day.

If you are more than 12 hours late taking your Sunya tablet:

• You will not be protected from getting pregnant and should use additional barrier contraception such as a condom for 7 days.

You are at more risk of becoming pregnant if you miss multiple tablets within one packet or if the missed pill is at the start or the end of your packet. If you think you are at risk of being pregnant while taking Sunya you should speak to a doctor for advice as soon as possible.

If you are less than 12 hours late taking your Sunya tablet:

• You will be protected from getting pregnant. You will not need to use additional contraception.

Sunya Ingredients

Each Sunya tablet contains the active ingredients: 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol and 75 micrograms gestodene

Each Sunya tablet also contains the inactive ingredients: Magnesium stearate, Povidone K-25, Maize starch, Lactose monohydrate, Povidone K-90, Macrogol 6000, Talc, Calcium carbonate, Sucrose, Wax montan glycol.

Sunya side effects

Some women may experience side effects from taking Sunya, these usually improve within the first 3 months. If they do not improve, speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Common Sunya side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Tender or enlarged breasts
• Weight fluctuations or fluid retention
• Vaginal thrush
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
• Change in mood
• Reduced sex-drive

If you experience severe side effects such as a blood clot or you develop an allergic reaction while taking Sunya you must seek immediate medical attention either by calling 999 or attending your nearest emergency department.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet provided in the pack thoroughly before taking Sunya.