Birth Control Pills

So, in a couple of months, I will run out of my US birth control pills.  I know I need to figure out what the UK equivalent is, and then get some of those.  Do I see my doctor, with whom I am registered on NHP, or do I go to a women's clinic?  Then, will I get the pills there, or do I get a prescription to have it filled at a pharmacy?  Can I get more than 1 pack at a time?  I assume that some of you out there have switched brands due to moving . . .  Have any of you had problems, side effects, etc. when changing to a UK brand?

Im about to be in the same situation. I was told that my GP could prescribe them but I dont know the details yet. I got the details from my OBGYN here in the US that has the ingredients, not just the name brand, so Im hoping that will help. I would like the know this answer too.

I ran out of pills toward the end of my stay in Portsmouth over the summer and I just went down to the clinic with an empty packet of pills and they gave me three packets of pills that had similar ingredients (?) to the ones that I had from the US. It seemed rather simple to me! Hope this helps

When you go to your GP for the first time, they should review your medications and they should be able to figure out the UK version (or the closest equivalent) of all the medications you were taking in the US.

Your gp will definitely be able to help you. I'm on depo...they have that, under the same name, etc. Its been no hassle.

I find BC to be much easier here than in the States.  Mine looked for equivalents (or as close to it as they could) and gave me the scrip.  I just went to my GP which was closer than the family planning clinics.  I think my first prescription was filled by the doctor at a scheduled appointment for just one month.  When I didn't have any reaction to that I was able to go to the walk in clinic the surgery had and I now get them for six months at a time.  Actually, I think my last prescription was for a year.  The best bit?  It's all free here!  No messing around with insurance not covering things and having to come up with the money yourself.

I go to the walk in family planning clinic down the road and get my pills in six month sets.  It's GREAT and SO easy.  They just give them to me there, so no extra trip to the pharmacy etc.

I went to my nurse at my GP's office and they have the same brand I used in the States, Yasmin. Just asked me some questions, took blood pressure, weight etc and then gave me a prescription for 6 months. Every six months I make an appointment with the nurse and she does the same things and gives me another prescription for 6 months. So easy and like someone else said all free!