Cilest: Detailed Description, Dosage, and Usage Information
Description: Cilest is a combined oral contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as a birth control pill. It contains two active ingredients: ethinylestradiol (an estrogen) and norgestimate (a progestin). These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to hinder sperm movement, and altering the uterine lining to make it less receptive to implantation.
Dosage and Administration: Cilest comes in a blister pack containing 21 active pills and 7 placebo (inactive) pills. The pills are color-coded, typically with the active pills being white or light-colored and the placebo pills being a different color. Here’s how to take Cilest:
- Starting the Pack: Begin by taking the first active pill on the first day of your menstrual cycle (the first day of bleeding). You can also start on the second to fifth day of your cycle, but additional contraception (like condoms) should be used for the first 7 days.
- Daily Dosage: Take one active pill daily at around the same time. Swallow it with water, with or without food.
- Placebo Pills: After you’ve finished the 21 active pills, take the 7 placebo pills during the following week. These pills serve as a reminder to keep you in the habit of taking a pill every day. You will still be protected against pregnancy during this week.
- Starting the Next Pack: Start a new pack on the eighth day, regardless of whether you’re still bleeding or not.
Usage Information:
- Missed Pills: If you miss an active pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. If you miss two or more active pills, take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible and use backup contraception for the next 7 days. Consult the package insert for specific guidance based on how many pills you’ve missed.
- Vomiting/Diarrhea: If you vomit within 2 hours of taking an active pill or have severe diarrhea, it might affect the pill’s effectiveness. Follow the advice in the package insert.
- Interactions: Some medications can interfere with Cilest’s effectiveness, including certain antibiotics and antiepileptic drugs. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking.
- Side Effects: Common side effects of Cilest can include breast tenderness, nausea, spotting between periods, changes in menstrual flow, and mood changes. Serious side effects like blood clots are rare but possible.
Precautions:
- Smoking: Avoid smoking while taking Cilest, especially if you’re older than 35, as it increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects.
- Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have or have had, such as blood clots, hypertension, migraines, and liver disease.
- Pregnancy: Stop taking Cilest if you become pregnant and consult your doctor.
Remember, Cilest is a prescription medication. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting or making any changes to your birth control regimen. This information is a general overview and should not replace personalized medical advice.