Errin

What is Errin?

Errin is a birth control pill that only contains one hormone - a progestin. It doesn’t contain other hormones like estrogen, which some other birth control does. This makes it a better option for women who have migraines or problems with blood clots, high blood pressure or strokes. If you smoke, are over 35 or are overweight then this type of birth control - sometimes called a “mini pill” or “POP” - can be a better choice too.

This type of birth control can also help to regulate your periods. Lots of women who take mini pills like Errin find that their periods get lighter or stop altogether. This can be really helpful if you have heavy periods or an irregular cycle.

How does Errin work?

Errin works to prevent pregnancy using a type of progestin (known as norethindrone in Errin), a hormone that’s also naturally found in the body. It works by making your vaginal fluid thicker to prevent sperm from reaching an egg and fertilizing it. It also changes the lining of your uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching there - this is usually the first stage in pregnancy.

Errin doesn’t protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases, it just reduces the risk of pregnancy.

What doses of Errin are there?

Errin comes in one available dose of 0.35mg norethindrone. This is similar to most other mini pills. If this doesn’t work well for you, or you experience any side effects then you should seek advice from your clinician to see if there are other options available to you.

How to use Errin

You should always take Errin as directed. If there’s anything you’re not sure about, you should ask your clinician for guidance. Start by reading the information provided along with your Errin medication, to make sure you understand how to use it. Here’s how to use Errin:

• Ideally start taking this medication on the first day of your period.
• You usually take Erinn once a day, at the same time every day. Choose a time that you’re going to remember easily.
• Take Errin by mouth as directed by your clinician.
• Continue taking one pill every day.
• Once you finish one pack of pills you should start the next one the following day.
• There’s no need to take a break between packs, and you don’t need to take any hormone-free pills in between (like with other types of birth control)

It’s important to take Errin every day, 24 hours apart, and that you remember to factor in different time zones if you’re traveling. This will ensure that you still have the right amount of hormone in your body to prevent a pregnancy. Some people find it useful to set a reminder. If you don’t begin to take Errin on the first day of your period, ensure that you use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (like condoms or spermicide) for at least the first 48 hours of starting Errin. This will make sure that you have enough protection in place until Errin starts to work. Ideally, you should use non-hormonal birth control for seven days when you start to take Errin. If you experience nausea or stomach upsets after using Errin, it may help to take it after your evening meal or at bedtime. You might find that your periods become lighter or that you experience irregular periods or spotting. You shouldn’t stop taking your Errin if this happens. Vomiting, diarrhea and illness can stop all hormonal birth control from working well. If you’ve been unwell you might need to use a back-up birth control method (like condoms) to ensure that you don’t become pregnant.

How long does it take Errin to work?

Errin usually takes 48 hours to start working if you don’t start it on the first day of your period. As with any new birth control, it’s always best to use a non-hormonal birth control for seven days when you first start taking it to ensure that you have enough protection to prevent pregnancy.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Errin?

If you take Errin late (three or more hours later than usual), miss a pill or have vomiting or diarrhea soon after you take the pill then you should use a backup method of non-hormonal birth control for the next 48 hours. This will help to keep your pregnancy protection in place. If you miss a pill you need to take the next one at your usual time and continue the rest of your pills as normal. To stay protected you need to add in a non-hormonal birth control for the next 48 hours. Don’t “double-up” and take the extra pill, it won’t benefit you or help to prevent pregnancy.