Cerazette® is a birth control medication. It is called a mini-pill as it only contains Progestogens and no Estrogens. Combined birth control pills that contain Progestogens and Estrogens are often used for other purposes like clearing up acne. Cerazette® does not do this. However, by default Cerazette® helps regulate irregular menstruation and calms PMS. This is because the Progestogen hormone secreted into the bloodstream controls when the egg is released from the ovaries. This is one of the ways it protects your body from becoming pregnant. It blocks the sperm from fertilizing the egg by causing the cervical mucus to thicken and detract the sperm from reaching the egg.

Like most medications Cerazette® also has side effects – some are minor and some are serious and even life threatening. If the side effects last more than one day then consult with your doctor and consider changing birth control. The most common side effects of Cerazette® include nausea, headaches, depression, low libido, acne, breast pain, weight gain and changes to the menstruation like irregular bleeding or no bleeding. These side effects are minor and not considered dangerous although you should inform your doctor about them.

Generally Cerazette® is very tolerable but in some cases more severe side effects might occur. If you start feeling very tired or start experiencing vaginal infections, hair loss, painful periods, very heavy periods or start vomiting then let your doctor know. You might find it more beneficial to use a different brand of birth control. Likewise, if you wear contact lenses and find that they are not as comfortable as they used to be or if you start developing skin rashes or get an ovarian cyst.

In rare cases Cerazette® can cause very serious side effects like blood problems, nipple discharge, gallstones, hearing loss, liver problems and high blood pressure. See the packet insert for full details of side effects. If you experience a sever side effect then stop taking Cerazette® immediately.

It’s possible to have an allergic reaction to Cerazette. Symptoms of Cerazette allergy include: hives, difficulty in breathing, facial swelling, swelling of the lips, tongue or nose. Other side effects may include sudden numbness or weakness, loss of sensation in certain parts of the body, severe headaches, confusion, problems with speech and hearing, blurred vision or balance.

Do not use Cerazette® if you are are over 44 years old or are pregnant – it can harm you and the fetus. It should also not be used immediately following the birth of a baby. You should wait a few months before beginning the course of treatment.

Avoid taking Cerazette® if you suffer from blood pressure related problems or have suffered from cancer.

Avoid taking Cerazette® if you have suffered from organ diseases especially disorders of the lung, liver or kidneys. Heart patients should avoid taking Cerazette® or any other medication other than their heart medication. Stroke victims should also avoid using Cerazette®. Women who suffer from migraines, are overweight or suffer from cholesterol related problems should also not take Cerazette®.

Smokers should also avoid taking Cerazette®. Smoking while on birth control medication can increase the chances of blood clots, stroke or heart attack.

Taking Cerazette® alongside other medications like antibiotics, vitamin tablets, hepatitis C medication, HIV/AIDS medication, may reduce the effectiveness of Cerazette® – make sure you discuss this with your doctor!

Do not take Cerazette if you have an under-active thyroid or history of depression. Likewise, Cerazette® should be avoided if you are Diabetic as it may affect the blood sugar levels in the body. Do not take Cerazette® if you suffer from seizures or epilepsy or have suffered from tuberculosis in the past.

You should stop taking Cerazette® before going in for any surgery.

Cerazette® does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Cerazette® may interact with over the counter medications like vitamins, minerals and herbal products. It’s best to avoid new medicinal drugs when you are on Cerazette®.

What You Should Know Before Taking Cerazette® birth control.

Never start any new birth control without discussing it with your personal doctor. Sometimes there can be drug interaction with other medications that you are taking. Sometimes Cerazette® is not a good choice for people with previous medical conditions.

Do not presume that all birth control pills work the same way and contains the same active hormones. They don’t.

Your doctor can advise you on all the benefits and risks of taking Cerazette®, and more importantly will confirm that it is suitable for you to take – before you start taking it.
The information on this site is purely educational; it does not replace a doctor’s consultation.