Camila

What is Camila and how does it work?

Camila is a type of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) that only contains one type of hormone. This is a progestin called norethindrone, and helps to prevent pregnancy by making the fluid in the cervix thicker. This stops the sperm from reaching the egg, even if the body has produced one.

Progestin-only pills also prevent ovulation in some women, which means that the ovary doesn’t release an egg. So even if a sperm did make it through the cervix, there would be no egg to fertilize.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) tend to be more widely taken than progestin-only pills. But POPs like Camila are recommended for women who can’t take combined birth control because they have a health factor that makes them sensitive to estrogen.

How effective is Camila?

If you take Camila perfectly, every day as instructed by the package insert, it’s over 99% effective at stopping pregnancy. In birth control terms, over 99% means that out of 100 women using the contraceptive over 12 months, fewer than one will get pregnant.

“Typical” use is a little less reliable as it takes into account real-world mistakes, like forgetting the occasional pill or taking it late. The mini pill is 91% effective when taken typically, so nine in 100 women using it over one year will become pregnant.

Does Camila only come in one dosage?

There is no ‘Camila Low’ alternative. If you are experiencing Camila side effects or want to find out about a higher dose to help with symptoms of PMS, you should let us know.

The good news is there are many Camila alternatives, both hormonal and non-hormonal, so if you don't find the perfect method of contraception immediately, don’t worry. Sometimes there’s a bit of trial and error with it.

Instructions for Camila tablets

Camila pills come in a blister pack, marked with arrows and days of the week. Take one pill at the same time each day, with water, following the arrows that are labeled on the strip. Take it continuously, with no break between strips. You can start taking Camila any time if you’re not already using hormonal birth control. If you’re switching from another form of contraception, take your first pill on the day after the last pill in your previous pack. You can lessen the risk of Camila pill side effects by not taking it more than once within a 24-hour period.

What counts as a missed pill on Camila?

The missed-pill window for Camila is three hours, so it’s important to take your pill around the same time every day. If you’re more than three hours late taking it, it’s the same as missing a pill entirely. For this reason, you should take Camila at the same time each day. To help you remember, try and get into the habit of taking it alongside a daily task. For example, you could take it with breakfast or just before bed if you do these things at the same time each day. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the pill that follows as normal (even if it means taking two pills on the same day). You’ll need to use extra contraception like a condom for seven days. If you miss more than one pill, you should use extra barrier contraception in the meantime and ask our clinician for advice.

How long does Camila take to work?

If you start taking Camila between the first and fifth days of your period, you’ll be protected against pregnancy right away. If you start on any other day during the month, you’ll need to use condoms or other barrier contraception to stay covered for the first 48 hours of taking it. After this, you’ll be protected, as long as you’ve followed the instructions carefully.