Okay so I recently went to my gynecologist to be put on birth control. She prescribed me Microgestin Fe 1/20 but since I had just gotten of my period she told me to wait till my next cycle to start my pack. This was back in June. Now that it's time for me to start the birth control Im not sure if I should use this back or not. Is it expired because it took so long for me to start the pack or is still effective? There is a picture attached of the back of the package that has the date July 18. Is that the expiration date? I have a brand new pack of pills that I can use if those are expired. Also after I start taking the pills, how soon am I protected?