My wife usually takes Lindynette 20 as an oral contraceptive. Recently I went away for a few weeks and have returned to discover that although she started her period 10 days ago, and finished it about 5 days ago, she has not started the next pill packet. She thinks she can start taking them this week. As far as I know, I now have to use a different type of contraceptive for the rest of the month.... yes ? Anyone have a definitive answer, please ? And the tablet-free days start a week BEFORE her period...yes ?

Lindynette 20 tab Gestodene 0.075 mg, ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg Lindynette 30 tab Gestodene 0.075 mg, ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg,

1 tab daily for 21 consecutive days on 1st day of menstrual cycle followed by 7 tab-free days

The local pharmacist says if my wife starts the pill immediately, we'll be ok in a week......

Not true, don't chance it. if started at the beginning of the menstrual cycle this would be so, but starting 10 days into the cycle there is a definite chance she will still ovulate this month. Use condoms until her next menstrual period has arrived.