Slinda contraceptive pill added to Australia's PBS on May 1

Slinda, a new contraceptive pill, will be added to Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) starting May 1. This change will lower the annual cost for over 100,000 Australian women from about $320 to approximately $94. Slinda is a progestogen-only pill, which makes it different from other recent additions like Yaz and Yasmine, which contain both oestrogen and progestogen. Slinda is safe for breastfeeding women and allows for a longer timeframe if a pill is missed. The active ingredient in Slinda is a synthetic version of progesterone. It works by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to stop sperm from entering the uterus. While mini-pills like Slinda can be 99% effective with perfect use, they offer around 93% protection with typical use. This pill is particularly useful for women who cannot take oestrogen-based contraceptives, such as those who are older, overweight, or suffer from migraines. It's also safe for women who have recently given birth and are breastfeeding. Slinda is more forgiving than older mini-pills, which have no pill-free days. With Slinda, women have a 24-hour window. If a pill is taken late, as long as it is within this time, it will still be effective. Side effects may include irregular bleeding, spotting, or breast tenderness. It is not recommended for women with certain health conditions, like breast cancer or severe liver disease. If not taken properly or with certain medications, effectiveness can decrease. Slinda has been available in Australia since 2004 but was not subsidized until recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee in November 2024. Health professionals emphasized the importance of providing more contraceptive choices for women. As a prescription-only medication, women will need to consult their doctors to use Slinda, and they can expect to pay around $31 for a four-month supply after its PBS listing.