Cerazette Tablets - Female Contraception

Cerazette is a progesterone-only oral contraceptive pill. It is the recommended women’s health alternative for those who cannot use oestrogen, smoke or are overweight. It is safe for breastfeeding mothers. When an egg produced from the ovaries is fertilised by sperm, pregnancy occurs. During a typical period, the ovaries release one egg each month. This process is known as ovulation. Cerazette suppresses the release of an egg by boosting progesterone levels. It also thickens the cervical fluid, preventing sperm from entering the womb and fertilising any released eggs.

What is Cerazette used for?

Cerazette is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill (POP) used to prevent pregnancy. It contains the active ingredient desogestrel, which is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone.

How should I take Cerazette?

Take one Cerazette tablet every day at the same time without any breaks between packs, including during your period. If you start taking it on days 1-5 of your period, you will be immediately protected against pregnancy. If you start at any other time, use additional contraception for the first 7 days.

What should I do if I miss a pill?

If you are less than 12 hours late, take the missed pill as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the usual time. If you are more than 12 hours late, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, but use additional contraception, like condoms, for the next 7 days. If you have had unprotected sex during this time, consider emergency contraception.

What are the common side effects of Cerazette?

Common side effects include irregular periods, mood changes, decreased libido, headaches, nausea, acne, breast tenderness, and weight gain. These side effects often improve after a few months of use.

Who should not take Cerazette?

Cerazette should not be taken by individuals who have a history of breast cancer, liver cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or severe liver disease. It is also not suitable for those allergic to any of its ingredients.

Can I take Cerazette while breastfeeding?

Yes, Cerazette is considered safe to use while breastfeeding. It does not affect milk production or quality, although small amounts of the active ingredient may pass into breast milk. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication while breastfeeding.

Does Cerazette interact with other medications?

Cerazette can interact with medications such as those for epilepsy (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), tuberculosis (e.g., rifampicin), HIV (e.g., ritonavir), and herbal remedies like St John's Wort. Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Avoid using the Cerazette pill if you:

• - Experience unexplained vaginal bleeding
• - Are allergic to any of its ingredients
• - Have ever had a blood clot in the leg or lungs
• - Have an impaired liver function

• - Epilepsy
• - History of breast cancer
• - Liver cancer
• - Diabetes
• - Tuberculosis
• - High blood pressure
• - Chloasma

Cerazette is administered orally to prevent women from getting pregnant.

• - Each pack contains 28 pills. Take one tablet daily with a glass of water at roughly the same time.
• - Start on the top row of each fresh packet. Take the tablet that corresponds to the correct day of the week as indicated on the pack.
• - When you finish a pack, start a new one the next day in the same manner.
• - There will be no break.
• - If you forget to take the contraceptive pill, take it as soon as you remember and then continue with the order.

The active ingredient contained in Cerazette is 75mcg of desogestrel. Cerazette also includes the following inactive ingredients: Colloidal anhydrous silica, all-raca-tocopherol, maize starch, povidone, stearic acid, hypromellose, macrogol 400, talc, titanium dioxide (E171), lactose monohydrate.

Some people may experience side effects from using the pill, just like typical medicine. Talk to your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist if the side effects do not improve after a few months. Common Side Effects include:

• - Changes in menstruation
• - Mood swings
• - Less sexual desire
• - Headaches
• - Acne and spots
• - Breast pain and tenderness
• - Weight gain