Cerazette

Cerazette is a progestogen-only oral contraceptive pill free from estrogen, often just called the POP (Progesterone Only Pill) or mini pill. The active ingredient that makes up this hormonal contraceptive tablet is desogestrel, a synthetic version of natural progesterone.

Cerazette: How it works?

Desogestrel functions as a contraceptive by preventing the eggs from being released from the ovary. In other words, the synthetic hormone prevents ovulation. This is done by thickening the mucus collecting at the womb's neck, which creates a barrier for the sperm to travel across, into the womb and fertilize the released egg. Furthermore, this active Cerazette ingredient also alters the quality of the endometrium, which lines the womb. This ensures that the fertilized egg, if any, is successfully implanted onto the wall of the womb. Thus, it is further ensured that pregnancy will be prevented.

Cerazette Dosage

You need to take one Cerazette tablet each day and continue this every day, taking the packs without any break, including the days you are menstruating. Make sure, you take the tablet at the same time on all days. Please remember that if you are late by more than 12 hours in taking your Cerazette pill, then, the scope of remaining protected against pregnancy diminishes. In such a case, it is advisable to follow additional methods of contraception such as condoms, for the following couple of days while you still stay on the normal dosage.

When to Begin?

Take the first Cerazette tablet on day 1 of your period. This is an immediate protection measure against pregnancy. If this is followed, you need not worry about following additional contraception methods. If needed, you may start taking the pill any day, up to the fifth day of your menstrual cycle. Then again, if your periods are of shorter cycle, i.e. you experience them within 23 days, starting the pill on the fifth day may prove to be late and this may not provide immediate protection. In such a case, it is always advisable to consult your nurse or doctor whether to use any extra contraception method for the first couple of days.

If your doctor is reasonably confident about you not being pregnant, then you may as well start the pill at any given time of your cycle, provided you also take additional contraceptive measures like condoms for the initial two days of taking the pill.

If you have been pregnant very recently, and you wish to start Cerazette to prevent further pregnancy, then, start taking the pill on the 21st day after the delivery of your baby. In that case, you will not need to use additional contraceptive measures. However, if you insist on taking the pill before the 21st, do remember that it brings unnecessary risk of breakthrough bleeding. On the other hand, if you can take the pill only after 21 days of giving birth, make sure to use other contraceptive measures as well for the first couple of days of taking Cerazette.

Breastfeeding mothers are cautioned against using this pill as the hormone contained in them may pass into the breast milk. However, it is yet to be determined if this will at all cause any harm to the feeding infant.

Missing a Pill

In case you miss a pill, you should take it at the earliest once you remember it. Then, take the next pill at the normal time. If you are not more than 12 hours late you need not take extra measures for protection. However, in case you have forgotten to take it within 12 hours, you have to use barrier contraception methods such as condoms for the next couple of days, while you are still on the pill as normal.

If you had unprotected intercourse in those two days following the day of missing the pill, go for emergency contraception and seek medical advice.

When Not to Use Cerazette

• The pill is not recommended to be used in case of suspected or known pregnancy.
• Cerazette is not advisable for women experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, whose cause is yet to be diagnosed.
• The pill is not suitable for breast cancer patients and patients suffering from hereditary blood disorders or acute porphyrias.

Side Effects of Using Cerazette

• Breast pain
• Nausea
• Acne
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Weight gain
• Libido (sexual desire) alterations
• Temporary menstrual irregularities

Skin rashes have been reported in rare cases. In case of any reactions or side effects, it is recommended that you seek your doctor's approval at the earliest, even, if you think the effects may not be relate to the intake of the pill.

Warning

• If you throw up within a couple of hours of taking Cerazette or experience severe diarrhea, it indicates the pill has been absorbed into the bloodstream and hence may render the contraceptive power of the pill, less effective, than, originally formulated for. In such cases, seek medical advice or use additional contraceptive measures for a couple of days while you continue the regular dosage.
• The contraceptive tablet is not formulated to protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases, which makes it advisable to use condoms during intercourse.

Medicines Interfering with Cerazette

Certain medicines used for treating tuberculosis, epilepsy, fungal infections and HIV can disrupt the normal functioning of Cerazette. Furthermore, the pill's effectiveness may also be diminished by medical charcoal used in the treatment of stomach upsets and St John's Wort.