Manufacturer: Organon
Pharmaceutical name: Desogestrel
Pack: 28 pills (0.075 mg)
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Cerazette tablets are a form of hormonal contraceptive often referred to as the 'mini pill' or progestogen-only pill (POP). They contain Desogestrel as the active ingredient, which is a synthetic progestogen akin to the natural progestogens produced by the body.
Desogestrel serves primarily as a contraceptive by inhibiting the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It also increases the thickness of the natural mucus at the cervix, making it harder for sperm to travel from the vagina to the uterus. By blocking sperm from entering the uterus, the chances of successful fertilization of any released eggs decreases.
Additionally, Desogestrel modifies the quality of the endometrial lining of the uterus. This alteration prevents the successful implantation of fertilized eggs onto the uterine wall, thus averting pregnancy.
It is recommended to begin taking Cerazette on the first day of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period). This allows for immediate protection against pregnancy, and no additional contraceptive methods will be needed. It is also possible to start up to day five of your cycle without requiring extra contraceptive methods at the beginning. However, if your menstrual cycle is short (with periods occurring every 23 days or less), starting on the fifth day may not offer immediate contraceptive protection. It’s advisable to consult with your doctor or nurse regarding this and whether additional contraceptive methods are necessary for the first two days.
You may also start Cerazette at any other time during your cycle if your doctor is reasonably certain you are not pregnant. In such cases, additional contraception, such as condoms, should be used for the first two days after starting the pill.
If you are beginning Cerazette after giving birth, you should start taking it on day 21 postpartum. This will ensure immediate protection against pregnancy without the need for extra contraception. (Starting before day 21 is possible but may increase the risk of breakthrough bleeding and is generally unnecessary.) If you begin later than 21 days post-birth, extra contraception should be used for the first two days of taking the pill.
If you are starting Cerazette right after a miscarriage or abortion occurring before 24 weeks, you will have immediate pregnancy protection. However, if you start more than seven days after the miscarriage or abortion, you should use additional contraception for the first two days after starting the pill.
Cerazette should not be used if you are known or suspected to be pregnant; if you have unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding; if you have breast cancer; or if you possess hereditary blood disorders known as acute porphyrias.
Cerazette must not be used if you are allergic to one or more of its components. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you have experienced such an allergy in the past. If you suspect an allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Potential side effects include changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, such as irregular bleeding or occasional cessation of bleeding; emotional fluctuations; reduced libido; headaches; nausea; acne; breast sensitivity; and weight gain.
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