The contraceptive medication Cerazette (desogestrel) is naturally used as a contraceptive for women who don’t want to get pregnant. This medication is known to contain a specific hormone that’s similar to how natural progesterone works within the body. Cerazette is primarily available in ‘mini’ tablet form for most people.
How does it work?
Cerazette is mainly known to work by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also increases the vaginal fluid’s thickness, which helps stop sperm from traveling to reach an egg.
This medication contains a synthetic hormone that’s similar to progestogen, which is known as desogestrel. As a hormonal contraceptive, it works to prevent the release of any eggs from the ovary, a process otherwise known as ovulation.
The vaginal fluid it helps thicken is known as the natural mucus produced at the ‘neck’ within the womb, which helps prevent sperm from traveling across the vagina and into the womb. This helps drastically lower the chances of sperm successfully fertilizing any released eggs.
The desogestrel in Cerazette also helps ‘change’ the womb’s lining or endometrium, preventing successfully fertilized eggs from implanting within the womb’s wall.
A noted side effect of Cerazette’s effectiveness as a contraceptive is the fact that it may increase the chances of a woman’s developing breast cancer. Due to this, women and their doctors will have to decide whether Cerazette is the best contraceptive for their situation. Women that do end up taking Cerazette will have to perform regular breast exams to check for apparent changes and/or lumps.
Who should take this medication?
Women who want to prevent themselves from getting pregnant are typically recommended to take Cerazette, as instructed by their doctor.
Cerazette should be taken on a continuous, regular basis, usually at the same time each day, to provide the best results for preventing pregnancy. Women who are more than 12 hours late taking Cerazette won’t be properly protected against pregnancy. When this happens, women should use another contraceptive (barrier contraceptives like condoms) for the following 2 days as they continue with their regular pill schedule.
Some women, however, may need to supplement Cerazette with another contraceptive after taking the contraceptive for the first time. That also includes situations where taking another contraceptive with Cerazette might be applicable, such as if a woman experiences nausea or vomiting after taking Cerazette.
How do you take this medication?
Women who take Cerazette should take one pill every day, ensuring that they’re taking it on a continuous basis without a break.
It’s ideal for most women to take Cerazette on the first day of their menstrual cycle (period), as it’s the most optimal time to provide immediate protection against pregnancy without using any additional contraception.
If needed, women can take Cerazette as late as 5 days into their menstrual cycle without needing any additional contraception. Some women, however, need to take Cerazette as soon as possible, particularly if they have a short menstrual cycle.
Women who start taking Cerazette after having a child should take it 21 days after giving birth, which will provide immediate protection against pregnancy. It’s always suggested to talk to a doctor or nurse about the right time to take Cerazette.
If women forget to take Cerazette during the day, they should take the forgotten dose as soon as they remember to take the dose at their normal dosage time. If they miss taking the pill in less than 12 hours, they’re still protected enough to not need extra contraception.
Side effects and some warnings
Cerazette should not be used in women with a known and/or suspected pregnancy. Women who have experienced undiagnosed vaginal bleeding shouldn’t use this contraceptive. In addition, women with breast cancer or hereditary blood disorders can’t use this contraceptive.
This contraceptive generally causes side effects like menstrual bleeding changes (sometimes stopping it altogether), mood changes, nausea and headache, breast tenderness, acne and a decreased sex drive.
Some women may experience vaginal inflammation (vaginitis), vomiting, hair loss, ovarian cysts and/or fatigue. Women who do experience the aforementioned symptoms are advised to talk to a doctor or nurse as soon as possible.