Slinda is a new progestogen-only contraceptive pill which became available in Australia in mid 2021. Its active ingredient is drospirenone 4mg, which is a new-generation progesterone.
Slinda does not contain any oestrogen, which is why it is called a “progesterone-only pill”. This is different from most other oral contraceptive pills, which contain both oestrogen and progesterone, and hence they are often referred to as the “combined oral contraceptive pill”.
Slinda Brochure
What side effects can Slinda cause?
Slinda is generally well tolerated by most women, and most of the side effects associated with Slinda are minor and temporary.
Side effects from Slinda may include changes to the bleeding pattern, with irregular breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first few months after starting Slinda.
Some women may experience progesterone side effects, including nausea, headaches, breast tenderness and acne.
Will Slinda make you gain weight?
Slinda had a neutral effect on body weight, according to the clinical trials. Slinda does not make you gain weight, but it also does not help you lose weight.
Just remember that if you gain weight after starting Slinda, it does not necessarily mean Slinda was the cause of your weight gain. It could well be the extra slice of pizza you had at the other night!
Will Slinda affect your future fertility?
Just like other reversible hormonal contraceptives, Slinda does not affect your future fertility. The contraceptive effect is only present whilst you are taking Slinda. When you want to become pregnant, then you should stop taking Slinda, and you can start trying to conceive.
Is Slinda an option for women who cannot take the traditional combined contraception pill?
As Slinda does not contain oestrogen, it may be suitable for women who may need to avoid oestrogen-containing oral contraceptive pills.
In consultation with your gynaecologist, Slinda could be suitable for use in:
- migraine sufferers
- smokers
- obese women
- women with family history of venous thromboembolism (e.g. DVT)
How does Slinda work?
Slinda is a progesterone pill which acts to:
- Prevent ovulation, so the ovaries do not release eggs when you are on Slinda
- Thins the lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it less favourable for the embryo implantation
- Thickens the mucus of the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus
How is Slinda taken?
In each pill packet, there are 24 white active pills, and 4 green placebo pills. You should take one tablet around the same time every day.
Is it normal to have bleeding with Slinda?
It may take 3-4 months for the bleeding pattern to establish after starting a new pill.
Most women will get a period on the days of the 4 green placebo (sugar) pills. Some women on Slinda may not get a period even when taking the sugar pills.
After 12 months of using Slinda, 50% of women will stop having periods whilst they continue with Slinda. The periods should return once they stop taking Slinda.
Is Slinda an effective form of contraception?
Slinda is an effective form of contraception, as long as it is taken properly. Slinda has similar efficacy to the traditional combined oral contraceptive pills, with a contraceptive efficacy of 99% (Pearl Index 0.73).
Can Slinda safe for breastfeeding?
As Slinda does not contain any oestrogen, it can be used in breastfeeding mothers.
It is recommended to start Slinda any day between day 21 to 28 after having your baby, to avoid the possibility of starting the pill when you could potentially be pregnant again.
How much does Slinda cost?
Slinda was added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia in May 2025. For patients with Medicare, a 4-month supply of Slinda would cost $25.
It is cheaper to buy Slinda than some of the other combined oral contraceptive pills that are not available on the PBS.
If you are not eligible for the PBS (e.g non-Australian residents), a 4-month supply of Slinda would cost approximately $70 on a private script.
Is Slinda the same as Lucinda?
Slinda is the same medication as Lucinda, and they both contain the same ingredient and dosage (drospirenone 4mg).
Both Slinda and Lucinda are available in Australia, and can be dispensed interchangeably under the PBS. They are medically designed to be therapeutic equivalents, but there may be minor differences in inactive ingredients, which in rare cases can affect how an individual’s body tolerates or absorbs the medication.
Is Slinda the same as Slynd?
Slinda is the same medication as Slynd, and they both contain the same ingredient and dosage (drospirenone 4mg). However Slynd is not available in Australia, and Slynd is generally sold in European countries.
Can Slinda help with Endometriosis?
Slinda is a progesterone only pill that can suppress ovulation. It can be useful as medical treatment for endometriosis, painful periods, and may be helpful to reduce the risk of endometriosis recurrence after laparoscopic surgery to remove endometriosis.
Other medications that can help with Endometriosis includes:
Click here to find out more about treatment options for endometriosis.
Endometriosis Specialist
Endometriosis affects 1 in 8 Australian women, and up to 32% of women of reproductive age undergoing laparoscopy for investigation of pelvic pain will have some degree of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is associated with female infertility, and is a common cause for painful sexual intercourse and painful periods.
Chronic Pelvic Pain is a complex problem that accounts for up to 10% of visits to gynaecologists, and can significantly affect the lives of many women. The cause of the pelvic pain is often multi-factorial, and the treatment approach demands a multi-disciplinary team working together to identify possible sources of the pelvic pain, and to manage the often debilitating symptoms.
Experienced High-Volume Gynaecological Surgeon
Dr Ken Law has extensive training and experience in the treatment of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and fibroids. He underwent an Advanced Laparoscopic Fellowship in Sydney (AGES), and regularly performs complex gynaecological surgeries including:
Dr Ken Law
MBBS (Hons), FRANZCOG
Dr Ken Law is a trusted Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Brisbane with extensive experience attained in Australia and overseas.
He is a passionate Brisbane Obstetrician delivering babies at Greenslopes Maternity, offering women attentive care from conception to all stages of pregnancy and delivery.
Dr Ken Law is also a leading Brisbane Gynaecologist specialising in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery using laparoscopic (“keyhole”) and robotic technologies.