Cerazette's primary function is to prevent pregnancy, a role it performs through a unique triple-action mechanism. The active ingredient is desogestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Unlike older, traditional mini-pills, Cerazette's higher dose of desogestrel offers a more reliable contraceptive effect. This makes it a popular choice for effective birth control when taken correctly.
How Cerazette Works to Prevent Pregnancy
The contraceptive efficacy of Cerazette is achieved through three key mechanisms that work in concert to prevent fertilization and implantation.
- Inhibits Ovulation: Cerazette primarily works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, a process known as ovulation. This is in contrast to older progestogen-only pills, which do not always inhibit ovulation. The consistent suppression of ovulation is what gives Cerazette a similar level of effectiveness to combined contraceptive pills.
- Thickens Cervical Mucus: The presence of the desogestrel hormone increases the viscosity of the cervical mucus. This creates a barrier at the entrance of the womb, making it more difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix to reach any potential egg.
- Alters the Uterine Lining: Cerazette also causes changes to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), which makes it less receptive to the implantation of a fertilized egg. This provides an additional layer of protection against pregnancy.
Who Can and Cannot Use Cerazette?
Cerazette is a popular contraceptive option due to its suitability for a wider range of women compared to the combined pill. However, it is not suitable for everyone, and certain medical conditions may prevent its use.
Suitable for
- Breastfeeding Mothers: Cerazette is safe to use while breastfeeding, as it does not appear to negatively influence the production or quality of breast milk.
- Women Sensitive to Estrogen: As a progestogen-only pill, it is a viable alternative for women who experience adverse side effects from estrogen or have medical conditions where estrogen is contraindicated.
- Smokers and Women Over 35: For women who smoke or are over the age of 35, the combined pill may present higher health risks. Cerazette offers a safer hormonal contraception option for these groups.
Not Suitable for
- History of Blood Clots (Thrombosis): Women with a history of thrombosis, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), should not take Cerazette.
- Severe Liver Disease: Severe, uncontrolled liver disease or cancer is a contraindication for Cerazette.
- Hormone-Sensitive Cancers: If you have or suspect you have a cancer that is influenced by sex steroid hormones (like some forms of breast cancer), Cerazette is not recommended.
- Unexplained Vaginal Bleeding: Any undiagnosed or unusual vaginal bleeding should be investigated by a doctor before starting this medication.
How to Take Cerazette Correctly
To ensure maximum effectiveness, it is crucial to take Cerazette as directed.
- Take Daily at the Same Time: Take one tablet every day at approximately the same time, with a small amount of liquid.
- No Pill-Free Break: Cerazette strips contain 28 tablets, and unlike many combined pills, there is no pill-free break between packs. When one pack is finished, you start the next one the following day.
- 12-Hour Window for Missed Pills: One significant advantage of Cerazette over older mini-pills is its extended 12-hour window for a missed tablet. If you are less than 12 hours late, take the missed tablet immediately and continue with the next pill at the usual time. If you are more than 12 hours late, contraceptive reliability may be reduced, and you should use a barrier method (e.g., condoms) for the next seven days.
Potential Side Effects
As with any medication, some women may experience side effects while taking Cerazette. It is important to note that many of these side effects, such as irregular bleeding, often subside after the first few months as the body adjusts to the hormones.
Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 women)
- Mood changes, including depressed mood
- Decreased sexual drive (libido)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Acne
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Irregular or absent menstruation
- Weight gain
Other reported side effects
- Vaginal infections
- Hair loss
- Breast secretions
- Allergic reactions (in rare cases)
Comparison of Cerazette with Other Contraceptive Methods
| Feature | Cerazette (Progestogen-Only Pill) | Combined Pill (e.g., Microgynon) | Older Mini-Pills (e.g., Norethisterone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hormone Content | Progestogen only (desogestrel) | Estrogen and Progestogen | Progestogen only |
| Primary Mechanism | Primarily inhibits ovulation | Inhibits ovulation | Mainly thickens cervical mucus |
| Suitable For | Breastfeeding, over 35s, smokers, estrogen-sensitive women | Generally healthy women under 35 who do not smoke | Women who can't take combined pills, but less effective than Cerazette |
| Missed Pill Window | 12-hour window | Varies, typically 24 hours | 3-hour window |
| Side Effects | Irregular bleeding common initially. Low VTE risk. | Regular bleeding. Higher VTE risk than POP. | Irregular bleeding possible. Variable effectiveness. |
| Bleeding Pattern | Often irregular, lighter, or absent periods | Typically regular, predictable withdrawal bleeding | Often irregular bleeding |
Conclusion
Cerazette is a highly effective and reliable progestogen-only contraceptive pill that offers a safe alternative to combined oral contraceptives for a variety of women, including those who are breastfeeding, smokers, or cannot tolerate estrogen. Its unique mechanism of action, which includes consistent ovulation inhibition, sets it apart from older mini-pills and contributes to its high efficacy. While side effects like irregular bleeding or mood changes can occur, they often resolve within the first few months. As with any prescription medication, it is essential to discuss your medical history with a healthcare provider to ensure Cerazette is a safe and suitable option for you. For more detailed information on proper usage and potential risks, it is advisable to consult the official patient information leaflet.
For more detailed information, consult the official patient information leaflet included with your medication or visit the electronic Medicines Compendium.
