What is Slynd: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Slynd is a progestin-only birth control pill or “mini-pill.” Its active ingredient, drospirenone, prevents pregnancy by blocking ovulation and modifying the uterine lining. Mini-pills like Slynd do not contain estrogen, so they are a birth control alternative for women who cannot safely take combination birth control pills. As with other birth control pills, Slynd is taken on a 28-day cycle. Women take an active pill once daily for 24 days, followed by a daily inactive pill for four days. Taking each day’s dose is critical to Slynd’s success at preventing pregnancy.

Slynd overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Slynd

Generic Names:

  • Drospirenone

Uses:

  • Prevents pregnancy

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Oral contraceptive, progestogen-only contraceptive

Forms:

  • Tablets

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Slynd used for?

Slynd is a progestin-only oral contraceptive that prevents pregnancy.

What form(s) does Slynd come in

  • Tablet

    • 4 mg

What are common Slynd doses?

  • For the prevention of pregnancy: One tablet taken once per day starting on the first day of a period

Common Slynd prescriptions

  • Slynd
    28 tablets disp pack

How to take Slynd

  • Follow the Instructions for Use included in the carton.

  • Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with the blister pack.

  • Take Slynd tablets at the same time each day. 

  • Have backup contraception ready.

  • Take all the pills in their numbered order.

    • Take all pills in the blister pack, one per day.

    • The 24 active pills are white.

    • The four inactive tablets are green.

    • Take the first tablet (number 1) on the day your period starts.

    • Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

    • When the last green pill (number 28) is taken, start the next pack with the first white pill.

    • The first pill should be taken on the same day of the week each cycle.

    • When first starting a blister pack, place the day label strip at the top of the blister pack. The next pill pack should be started on the same day of the week.

  • If you vomit or have diarrhea, ask a healthcare provider. You may need to use backup birth control.

  • Ask the prescriber for special instructions if:

    • You’re switching from another birth control pill or contraceptive method

    • You have had an abortion or miscarriage

    • You have given birth

What to do if you miss a dose of Slynd

  • Do not miss a Slynd dose. Missed doses increase the risk of pregnancy.

  • If a white pill is missed:

    • Take it when remembered. Take the next dose at its regular time.

    • This means you can take two doses in a single day to make up for a missed dose. 

    • A single missed dose does not increase the risk of pregnancy, so there’s no need to use backup birth control.

  • If you miss two white pills in a row:

    • Skip the first missed pill. Take the second missed pill as soon as possible. Take the next numbered dose at its regular time.

    • This means you can take two doses in a single day. 

    • Continue taking the rest of the pills in the blister pack

    • Two consecutive missed doses increase the risk of pregnancy. Use backup birth control for at least seven days.

  • If you miss one green (inactive) pill:

    • Do not take the missed green pill. Leave it in the blister pack.

    • Take the next numbered dose at its regular time and finish the blister pack.

  • If you’re not sure about a missed pill, use backup birth control.

  • Store Slynd at room temperature in the original carton with the patient insert.

Slynd contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use it if you have:

    • Kidney impairment

    • Liver impairment

    • Liver tumors

    • An underactive adrenal gland

    • A history of cervical cancer

    • A history of progestin-sensitive cancers

    • Liver tumors

    • Unexplained vaginal bleeding

    • Known allergies to the drug

Slynd warnings

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. 

  • The prescriber may need regular blood tests to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or have:

    • A history of blood clots

    • A history of stroke or heart attack

    • A history of depression

  • Inform the prescribing clinician right away if you:

    • Become pregnant

    • Think you’re pregnant

    • Miss two periods in a row

    • Miss one period in a month where doses have been missed

    • Have symptoms of morning sickness

  • Immediately stop taking Slynd if you are pregnant.

  • Stop taking Slynd tablets if you are planning to become pregnant.

  • This medicine may cause serious problems, including:

    • Blood clots (increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke)

    • High potassium levels

    • Cervical cancer

    • Liver problems, including liver tumors

    • Ectopic pregnancy

    • High blood sugar

    • Bone loss

    • Menstrual changes

    • Depression

  • This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Slynd interactions

  • Some drugs decrease the ability of Slynd to prevent pregnancy. When they’re taken with Slynd, women may need to also use backup contraception while still taking their pills. The list is long, so tell the prescriber about all the drugs and supplements being taken. 

  • Tell other doctors or prescribers that you are on Slynd before starting new drugs. 

  • Some examples of drugs that increase the risk of pregnancy when combined with Slynd include:

    • Barbiturates

    • Some types of antiviral medications such as darunavir and efavirenz

    • Aprepitant, bosentan, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, mifepristone, oxcarbazepine, rifabutin, rifampicin, rufinamide, and St. John’s wort

Slynd side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Persistent leg pain

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

  • Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes

  • Depression, worsening depression

  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding

  • Vaginal discharge, pain during sex, pelvic pain

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, skin rash, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

  • Acne

  • Headache

  • Breast tenderness

  • Weight gain

  • Menstrual cramps

  • Nausea

  • Vaginal bleeding

  • Decreased sexual interest

Sources:

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