Cerazette is a hormonal contraceptive which is a pat of the progestogen only pill (commonly known as the mini pill). So there for warned you all at the beginning that this WILL mention periods, mucus membranes, vaginitis and more so can’t say I didn’t tell ya!!
** How it works?**
The ... Read review
Advantages: stops unwanted pregnancies Disadvantages: side effects
Cerazette is a hormonal contraceptive which is a pat of the progestogen only pill (commonly known as the mini pill). So there for warned you all at the beginning that this WILL mention periods, mucus membranes, vaginitis and more so can’t say I didn’t tell ya!!
** How it works?**
The active ingredient of Cerazette is desogestrel which is a synthetic progestogen that is very similar to the natural progestogen that the ... ...for **
Cerazette being a mini pill is generally prescribed for those women that can not tolerate oestrogen based contraceptives. It is said to be suitable for older women, heavy smokers, women that suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure), valvular heart disease, diabetes mellitus and those that suffer from migraines. It is also commonly prescribed for women that have menstrual irregularities.
Cerazette is a hormonal contraceptive which is a pat of the progestogen only pill (commonly known as the mini pill). So there for warned you all at the beginning that this WILL mention periods, mucus membranes, vaginitis and more so can’t say I didn’t tell ya!!
** How it works?**
The active ingredient of Cerazette is desogestrel which is a synthetic progestogen that is very similar to the natural progestogen that the body produces.
The desogestrel acts in three ways, primarily by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary. It also acts by increasing the thickness of the mucus at the neck of the womb, by doing this it makes it harder for the sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb. Also as an added measure it changes the quality of the womb lining so if the previous two has failed than this will prevent the implantation of a fertilised egg onto the wall of the womb.
** Who it is prescribed for **
Cerazette being a mini pill is generally prescribed for those women that can not tolerate oestrogen based contraceptives. It is said to be suitable for older women, heavy smokers, women that suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure), valvular heart disease, diabetes mellitus and those that suffer from migraines. It is also commonly prescribed for women that have menstrual irregularities.
I was prescribed Cerazette as im unable to take the combined pill due to the fact that I have suffered from regular migraines since the age of three. Plus the fact that I did smoke not a heavy smoker thought – honest!!
** Who should avoid **
It is advised that caution should be used in those women that have a history of thrombosis. Also medical staff should be cautious when prescribing to women that have a past medical history of heart disease, sex steroid dependant cancer, past ectopic pregnancy and malabsorption syndrome.
The list goes on to say that Cerazette should be avoided in women that have functional ovarian cysts, active liver disease, recurrent cholestatic jaundice, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, severe arterial disease, liver adenoma, Porphyria, any history of breast cancer. Also you should not be taking Cerazette if you have a history of venous thrombroemolism (due to the increase risk of DVT’s when on Cerazette). Obviously you should not be taking Cerazette is you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
As I do not fall into any of those categories I could safely start taking Cerazette.
** Pregnancy and Breast-feeding **
If you are taking Cerazette and you decide that you want to become pregnant you must inform your doctor that you are stopping this medication. Also if you become pregnant while taking Cerazette then you must stop taking it immediately.
Small amounts of Cerazette are passed though into the breast milk, however there are no indications that it contains any risk to a nursing baby. Although it is advised that if you are Cerazette and breast feeding you should observe the growth and development of the baby, (though obviously you’d be doing that anyway!!)
** Side effects **
As with all drugs there is a huge list of possible side effects ranging from common and minor to severe ones.
So to name them, headaches, dizziness, changes in mood, nausea, fatigue, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycle, can breast pain, development of fluid filled sacks (cysts) in the ovaries, amenorrhoea (stopping of menstrual periods).
Did you think it stopped there oh no, there’s more alopecia (hair loss) decreased sex drive, itchy rashes, vaginitis (inflammation of the lining of the vagina). Also there may be pain when menstruating, and depression- but the one that I found slightly unusual is that Cerazette can cause discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
So if you have any side effects that you think is due to the Cerazette then seek help from your GP.
Personal I have a high tolerance to most medications and never really have any side effects. So when reading a list like that it never put me off (though I can see why it would put people off). However in saying that I stopped taking Cerazette after 2 months because my headaches began to get worse and I started feeling dizzy and nauseous quite often. These I contributed to the Cerazette and after I stopped taking it the symptoms also stopped so therefore the Cerazette was not the contraceptive for me.
** Breast Cancer **
Also to note due to recent worries regarding women that take the pill and the associated risk of breast cancer I thought I should add the published statement;
“There is a small increase in the risk of having breast cancer diagnosed in women using, or who have recently used, a progestogen – only contraceptive pill; this relative risk may be due to an earlier diagnosis. The most important risk factor appears to be the age at which the contraceptive is stopped rather than the duration of use; the risk disappears gradually during the 10 years after stopping and there is no excess risk by 10 years. The CSM has advised that a possible small increase in the risk of breast cancer should be weighed against the benefits.”
This should be something that you discuss with either your practice nurse of your GP, and then make a decision. Obviously I decided that personally I was going to take the Cerazette despite the possible risk. Though anyone that chooses to take any mini pill should regularly examine themselves.
** Starting routine **
You start by taking one tablet daily on a continuous basis, starting on day one of your cycle and taking at the same time each day.
Most mini pills only give you a 2-3 hour window before it’s classed as a missed pill however Cerazette gives you a 12 hour window, which is great if you’re like me and keep forgetting to take the pill on time.
Additional contraceptive methods such as a condom should be used for the first 7 days when starting to take Cerazette.
** Missed pill **
The family planning organisation advice that if you have missed that 12 hour window then you are not protected. Therefore they suggest that you continue normal pill taking, but use another method (i.e., condoms) for the next two days. However others recommend the use of another method for seven days.
So that’s up to you really as to whether you are going to use another method for 2 or 7 days. Given that Cerazette has a 12 hour window I never had this problem as I didn’t miss a pill (most unlike me).
** Interactions **
Really this is one that people should know to so they know what does and doesn’t stop the effectiveness of Cerazette.
The effectiveness of Cerazette is NOT effected by broad spectrum anti biotics.
There are medications that MAY reduce the blood levels of Cerazette, making it less effective at preventing pregnancy. So these drugs are Anti-epileptic medication, barbiturates, ritonauir, griseofulvin, St John’s Wort, rifampicin and rifabutin.
So although your doctor may prescribe one of these to you while you’re taking Cerazette, your GP should also warn you that you need to take extra contraceptive methods.
** Warnings **
Surgery, when you are being booked into for elective surgery especially an operation to your legs or one that will require long periods of immobility post operatively you should let a health care professional know that you are taking Cerazette as they may require you to stop taking it weeks before the operation. (This is due to the increased risk of DVT’s).
Diarrhoea and vomiting, vomiting up to three hours after taking an oral contraceptive or very severe diarrhoea can interfere with its absorption, therefore addition precautions should be used during and for 7 days after. (Which of course is good advice though please tell me WHO when they have D &V will want to have sex?)
All women taking hormonal contraceptives should have regular medical check ups.
Women that do become pregnant while taking Cerazette have a greater risk of having an eptopic pregnancy. (Therefore any increased or abnormal abdominal pain along with menstrual irregularities or no bleeding should be reported to you doctor.
Any women that suffer from chloasma (yellow – brown patches of colouring on the skin) should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight as Cerazette can make the condition worse.
***********
So there you have all the information about Cerazette, but you should if any questions then seek advice from your practice nurse, GP, or pharmacist.
You should take as the instructions on the box states (one a day).
Read the patient information leaflet enclosed in the packet.
Also remember that although Cerazette is a contraceptive pill and will (should) stop you getting pregnant please take note that it doesn’t stop any sexually transmitted infections / diseases.
As I have stated with in the review, I stopped taking Cerazette after two months because of the side effects. The side effects were not severe however feeling dizzy and nausea with a constant headache does make it difficult to carry on with your normal daily life. So therefore it obviously was not for me, but I didn’t become pregnant while taking them – so they were effective.
Also I personally know 5 other women taking Cerazette who has not suffered any side effects at all and they are happy with the Cerazette.
Cerazette is still one of the newest additions to the mini pill and is said to be more effective than the others and research has shown to be 98.3% effective.
Most people are aware that the combined pill “real pill” is more effective than all the mini pills and the added bonus the “real pill” will control your periods which puts people off the mini pill. So that and along with the numbers of women that get pregnant while taking the mini pill, however research has also shown that the primary reason for this is non compliance. Not on purpose mind it’s said to be because of the small window of time you have to take the pill, which is one of the reasons why Cerazette is so celebrated and effective as it’s the only mini pill that offers that 12 hours window.
Advantages: You can take the pill with malaria tablets and I didn't get pregnant!! Disadvantages: Shall I start with the mood swings or with the constant bleeding?
...be warned.
***About Cerazette***
Cerazette (manufactured by Organon) is a prescription hormonal contraceptive commonly known as the 'mini pill' or progestogen-only pill and it contains the active ingredient 'desogestrel' which is a synthetic progestogen (which helps to control a women's natural cycle). Desogestrel works in three ways. Firstly it prevents the release of an egg from the ovary. Secondly it increasing the thickness of mucus at the ... ...other types of medication alongside. Cerazette can be taken by lactating women. ***My Experiences***
I had been taking the mini pill 'microgynon' for years and I was perfectly happy. I didn't want to change! However, my partner and I were going travelling!!! 3 months in South East Asia and China. We planned to travel through Cambodia and consequently a course of nasty malaria tablets was on the cards. But as you may have guessed.... malaria tablets ...
nickyturnill 08.07.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cerazette Contraceptive Pill
Advantages: You can take it very soon after having a child and if you've got high blood pressure Disadvantages: Irregular bleeding (only light though)
...How it works:
Cerazette contains ingredients which stop the ovaries from releasing an egg but also works by thickening the mucus at the neck of the womb, this stops sperm being able to enter the womb this means that if by chance any eggs are released from the ovaries then it's hard for sperm to get through to the womb to fertilize them. How it should be taken:
If you have previously taken the combined pill (COC) then take note. When taking the ... ...a lot of other mini-pills Cerazette offers you 12 hours to take your pill if you forget to take it on time. So, if for example I always take my pill at 8 oclock in the morning but forget, I am still protected as long as I take my pill by 8 oclock in the evening. This 12 hour window is something that is uncommon to a lot of other mini-pills which often offer 3 hours. If however you do not manage to take your missed pill within 12 hours of your usual ...
shaun.shaz 31.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cerazette Contraceptive Pill
Advantages: 12 hour window, Lowered blood pressure, No period pains Disadvantages: Irregular Periods, Skin Changes
...ways. I was put onto cerazette 9 months ago after getting high blood pressure when I went onto a combined pill (marvelon), which is a common reason for women to be put onto progesterone-only pills. When I was told I was over the moon, my close friend has been on the pill for a number of years and has never had a period! Unfortunately this hasn't been the case for me. My periods have been irregular and I have often had 2 in a month. I have been known ... ...done, however, after being on cerazette for a few months my skin become very oily and I was suffering from bad spots. I asked my doctor if this was a side-effect of the pill, which she was certain it was, but would not allow me to change to a combined pill again due to the health risks of high blood pressure. She mentioned that there was another progesterone-only pill (POP) that would be suitable but that it only had a 4 hour window. Of course, this ...
elfie87 29.11.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cerazette Contraceptive Pill
Advantages: 12 hour missed pill wndow, beneficial for those sensitive to estrogen Disadvantages: some irregular bleeding
...to normal.
TAKING CERAZETTE After a year of giving up on oral contraception I read about Cerazette and went straight to my doctor to request it. The doctor agreed that it was likely that I am sensitive to high levels of estrogen and that Cerazette, a progestogen only pill (POP) may be very effective and more successful than my experiences of combined pills. Another benefit is that famous 12 hour missed pill window. Unlike combinds which have only ... ...as I could afford. On Cerazette I do not have cravings as bad and definately no weight gain. As a gym bunny I have noticed burning off present weight I'd like to be losing a bit tougher (I'm 5'3 and 121 pounds), this may be down to winter weather and also Cerazette may affect thyroxine medication I take for my thyroid, so it could be a metabolism thing. Obviously a lot of other women suffer the total opposite and react terribly to it, but I think ...
Leni81 26.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cerazette Contraceptive Pill
Advantages: Suitable for women who can't take oestrogen; 12-hour window; may help PMS Disadvantages: Bushels of side-effects, irregular bleeding
...that I was not on Cerazette for contraception; I already have a copper IUD in place for that. My gynaecologist prescribed Cerazette as a treatment for PMS, and I was on it for just under 3 months. It is possible that the side-effects would have improved if I'd kept on it after that, but since they were still pretty dreadful and my PMS wasn't much better, there was no point in staying on it. Cerazette is a third-generation progestogen-only pill (POP) ... ...going on. I started Cerazette on the day that I ovulated. My next period was slightly longer and heavier than usual, and I ovulated during that cycle, which was of a normal length for me. For the next cycle, however, the Cerazette really kicked in. I was on Day 45 when I went to see the gynae and she took me off the Cerazette, and during that time I did not ovulate. I also bled lightly for fifteen days, the longest period I've had in years. I did ...
Klytemnestra 25.10.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cerazette Contraceptive Pill
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Advantages: You don't have to remember to take a pill every day Disadvantages: If you experience the side effects, they are horrendous.
I'm quite limited in the types of contraceptive I can use. As with other migraine sufferers, synthetic oestrogen is out of the question, it is likely to cause a stroke. I discovered this the painful way after a month of taking Microgynon, a combined pill. I switched to Cerazette, a progestogen only pill, to find that it wreaked havoc with my periods. It was suggested I try the contraceptive implant, implanon, as it was a different formulation of the same hormone.
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