birth control, the pill

Jade
I just started taking the pill but the lady from the chemist spoke broken English so i have no idea what she was saying lol. 
I read somewhere that you need to start taking the pill within 5 days of your next period for it to prevent pregnancy. I took the first pill on the 14th but my period isn't due until the 22nd which is 8 days from when I first took it. 
Will I still be protected? I know it doesn't work until after a week :) 
Also, will it change the date I get my period from now in? 
Thanks in advance xxx