FAQ
Contraception Direct
Frequently asked questions
No, this is a free NHS service! All aspects of
the service, including medication and delivery, are completely free of charge.
We operate from Orford Pharmacy, a
UK-registered pharmacy located at 45 Cotswold Road, Orford, Warrington,
Cheshire, WA2 9SF. Our General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration
number is 9011296, and the Superintendent Pharmacist is Mr. Zubair Malik (GPhC
number 2045155). You can verify our registration and credentials on the GPhC
website.
Yes, we can assist patients who have never
used oral contraception before. During your consultation, our clinicians will
assess your medical history and eligibility to safely start you on the
contraceptive pill. Please note that an up-to-date blood pressure reading may
be required.
No, a signature is not required to receive the
package. Deliveries are discreet and can be posted through your letterbox.
Your medication will be shipped the same day
if your appointment is early enough; otherwise, it will be sent the following
morning. You can generally expect to receive it within 48-72 hours of your
appointment.
Your call will take place within the one-hour
slot you selected during booking. For example, if you booked a 2 PM slot, you
may be contacted anytime between 2 PM and 3 PM.
If you miss your call, we will try to contact
you two more times within your scheduled one-hour slot. If we are still unable
to reach you, you can email us to reschedule your consultation at a time that
works for you.
You can use this service if you are already
taking a contraceptive pill and need a repeat prescription or if you are
interested in starting oral contraception for the first time. There are a few
age guidelines:
There’s no minimum age as long as you’ve had
your first period.
If you’re under 16, we may ask additional
questions to ensure you understand the service.
The maximum age for the service is 54.
Additionally, you must have a registered
address in England to use this service. Please note that an up-to-date blood
pressure reading may be required during your consultation.
This service primarily provides repeat
prescriptions for your current contraceptive pill. However, if you are
considering switching brands or types, our clinicians can assist during your
consultation to ensure your needs are met.
This service is for those who currently use
the contraceptive pill as their birth control method. If you are pregnant or
breastfeeding, our clinicians can provide guidance during your consultation to
help you understand which contraception options are suitable.
If you have certain health conditions that may
affect contraceptive use, our clinicians will assess this during your consultation
to ensure the contraceptive pill remains safe and suitable for you. An
up-to-date blood pressure reading may be requested.
You must have a registered address in England
to use this service. If you’ll be away for an extended period, discuss options
with our clinicians during your consultation.
This service is only for repeat prescriptions
or initiating regular oral contraception. If you require emergency
contraception, you can obtain it from pharmacies, certain clinics, or by
consulting with a healthcare professional.
If you experience any side effects, discuss
them with our clinicians during your consultation. They can advise if the side
effects are typical or if a different contraceptive might be better for you.
Instructions on what to do if you miss a dose
will be included with your medication as well as being available under the 'About Your Pill' tab on our website. You can also discuss this with our
clinicians or refer to the NHS website for guidance on missed doses.
While this service allows you to obtain a
repeat prescription, it’s recommended that you have regular check-ups with our
clinicians during your consultations to ensure your contraceptive method
remains safe and effective for you. An updated blood pressure reading may also
be requested.
To ensure safe and consistent monitoring, the
service dispenses the contraceptive pill in three-month supplies only.
Yes, an electronic notification can be sent to
your GP after your consultation. However, you may choose to opt out if you
prefer that your GP is not notified.
The service follows NHS data protection
policies to ensure that all personal information is kept secure and
confidential.