Cerazette (Desogestrel 0.075mg) by MSD

Cerazette general information

What is Cerazette used for?

Cerazette is a contraceptive pill known as a progestogen-only pill or “mini-pill” and is used as an effective means of birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Cerazette contraceptive pills are particularly useful for women who are breast feeding and also for women who are unable to use oestrogen containing contraceptive pills or do not wish to take oestrogen because of its associated health risks. Another advantage of using a progestogen-only pill like Cerazette is that a much lower dose can be used than in a combination pill, in which a higher dose of a progestin is used in combination with an oestrogen.

How does Cerazette work?

Cerazette contraceptive pills contain desogestrel, a synthetic progestogen that has similar action in the menstrual cycle as the natural hormone progesterone. Preparation for pregnancy depends on a complex interaction between the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries; oestrogen, which stimulates ovulation, and progesterone which prepares the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for implantation of an embryo; as well as other regulating hormones, produced by the hypothalamus in the brain and the pituitary gland. Desogestrel in Cerazette contraceptive pills works primarily by inhibiting ovulation. Other actions include thickening of the cervical mucus, which normally changes consistency at ovulation to become thinner, so that the thickened mucus forms a physical barrier to sperm.

What does Cerazette contain?

Cerazette contraceptive pills contain the active ingredient desogestrel (75mcg), a synthetic progestogen that is used as a progestogen-only pill to prevent unwanted pregnancy. They also contain: silica, colloidal anhydrous; all-rac-α-tocopherol, lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, stearic acid hypromellose, macrogol 400, talc, titanium dioxide (E 171). Each pack contains 28 pills, which is one month’s supply.

Taking Cerazette for contraception

Cerazette contraceptive pills contain desogestrel, a synthetic progestogen that is used as a progestogen-only or “mini-pill” to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Cerazette contraceptive pills are particularly useful for women who are breast feeding and also for women who are unable to use oestrogen containing contraceptive pills or do not wish to take oestrogen because of its associated health risks. Another advantage of using a progestogen-only pill like Cerazette is that a much lower dose can be used than in a combination pill, in which a higher dose of a progestin is used in combination with an oestrogen. Preparation for pregnancy depends on a complex interaction between the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries; oestrogen, which stimulates ovulation, and progesterone which prepares the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for implantation of an embryo; as well as other regulating hormones, produced by the hypothalamus in the brain and the pituitary gland. Desogestrel in Cerazette contraceptive pills works primarily by inhibiting ovulation. Other actions included thickening of the cervical mucus, which normally changes consistency at ovulation to become thinner, so hat the thickened mucus forms a physical barrier to sperm.

Can you get pregnant if you miss a Cerazette pill

Cerazette contraceptive pills provide effective contraception when taken correctly and have a very low failure rate. The failure rate may increase if you miss a pill and may result in an unwanted pregnancy. To prevent this ensure that you take your Cerazette contraceptive pills correctly and continually.

What are the side effects of Cerazette?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cerazette contraceptive pills include: irregular bleeding, which may be heavy or light or you may have no menstrual bleeding at all. Other side effects include, headache, acne, mood alterations, breast pain, nausea and weight increase

When should Cerazette not be used?

You should not use Cerazette contraceptive pills if you:

• are allergic to desogestrel or any ingredients in Cerazette
• are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• have deep venous thrombosis (blood clot) or thromboembolic disorders
• have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• have a known or suspected hormone dependent-tumour such as breast or endometrial carcinoma
• have jaundice, severe liver disease or a history or liver disease
• have high blood pressure or diabetes, without consultation with your doctor
• have or have had chloasma (patches of yellow/brown pigmentation) this cause sun sensitivity and you should avoid too much sun exposure
• are taking medicines that interact with Cerazette, including: anticonvulsants like phenytoin, carbamazepin and topiramate, barbiturates like Phenobarbital, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nelfinavir, griseofulvin, cyclosporine, St John's Wort, medical charcoal

What medications interact with Cerazette?

Some medications interact with Cerazette contraceptive pills and prevent them working effectively, increasing your risk of becoming pregnant. If you are taking any of the following you may need to take other contraceptive precautions:

• anticonvulsants like phenytoin, carbamazepin and topiramate; barbiturates like Phenobarbital; anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nelfinavir, griseofulvin; St John's Wort; medical charcoal
• drugs that are affected by Cerazette: cyclosporine

How should Cerazette be taken?

You should take your Cerazette contraceptive pills swallowed whole with a glass of water once a day at the same time each day. You should start taking your Cerazette contraceptive pills on the first day of your menstrual cycle and when you have taken all 28 pills from one pack you should start the next pack the next day without a break, even if you have not had a bleed. If you stop taking your Cerazette contraceptive pills even for one day you run the risk of becoming pregnant. If you have gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhoea within 3-4 hours of taking your pill, this is the same as missing a pill and you should take other contraceptive precautions for the next 7 days.

How long should you take Cerazette?

You should continue to take your Cerazette contraceptive pills without a break between packs, even if you have not had a bleed, otherwise you run the risk of becoming pregnant

Missed dose of Cerazette

If you miss a dose of Cerazette follow these guidelines to help you decide what to do:

• If you are less than 12 hours late in taking your pill, take it as soon as you remember and take the next one at your usual time. You are still protected against pregnancy.
• If you are more than 12 hours late in taking your pill, take the last missed tablet as soon as you remember and take the next one at your normal time, which may mean taking 2 tablets in one day. Contraceptive protection may be reduced and you are at risk of becoming pregnant, unless you take other contraceptive precautions for the next 7 days.

How should Cerazette be stored?

You should store your Cerazette between 2 and 30°C in a cool dry place and protect from light and moisture.