Cerelle

Cerelle contains a small amount of the female progesterone hormone,  desogestrel; hence, its called a progestogen-only pill (POP) or mini-pill. It is a contraceptive pill, which prevents unplanned pregnancy. Unlike combined pills, this does not contain an oestrogen hormone, which is suitable for women with oestrogen intolerance and breastfeeding mothers.

Other mini pills do not prevent the ripening of an egg cell, but Cerelle contains a high enough dose of desogestrel that stops the ripening of an egg cell in most cases. Although this contraceptive does not prevent sperms from entering the womb, like other POPs, it intercepts the ripening of the egg cell, which provides high contraceptive efficacy. 

What Are The Benefits Of Taking Cerelle?

Aside from protecting against unplanned pregnancies, Cerelle also helps regulate your monthly menstrual cycle and stop the painful symptoms or menstruations altogether. Although this type of POP does not prevent the sperms from entering the womb, it prevents the ripening of the egg cell; thus, interrupting the ovulation process. In return, there is no egg cell for the sperm to fertilise.

Plus, this is a suitable contraceptive if you cannot tolerate oestrogen found in combined pills, and if you are currently breastfeeding. However, you may experience not having any vaginal bleeding or make it irregular.

Reminder: Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Cerelle has 28 tablets in each strip. Each strip also has arrows and the day of the week to help you take the pills properly. You are to take one tablet at the same time every day starting from the top row of the strip. Further, you should only take the tablet that corresponds to the current day of the week. For example, if you’re starting a strip on a Monday, you should take the pill in the top row with the label “Mon.” Then, you should follow where the arrow is pointing until you finish one strip.

There should be no interruption during your treatment; this means that when you finish one strip, you should continue with the next strip immediately on the following day.

From other hormonal contraception to Cerelle

If you were using another form of contraception, like hormonal contraception, you should wait for your period to begin before taking Cerelle. You should take your first tablet on the first day of your period following the previous instructions. Doing so will allow you to engage in sex without the need for extra contraception methods. On the other hand, if you start taking Cerelle between the second and fifth days of your period, you will need to use a barrier-type of contraceptive, e.g., condoms, in the first seven days of treatment, especially when engaging in sexual intercourse.

From a combined pill, vaginal ring, or transdermal patch to Cerelle

You can start taking Cerelle on the day after your last pill or the day of removal of your vaginal ring or patch. If your pill has inactive pills that you need to take, you can skip those tablets and take Cerelle after the last active pill. If these instructions are followed to a T, you will not need additional contraception methods.

From another POP to Cerelle

You can stop taking the other POP and start with Cerelle mini pill at any time; this will not require the use of other contraception methods.

From an injectable or implant or progestogen-releasing IUD to Cerelle

You can start using Cerelle on your next injection or the day of your implant or IUD removal.

After giving birth

It is recommended that you use Cerelle pills between 21 to 28 days after childbirth. If you decide to start later than the given period, make sure to use additional contraceptive precautions in the first seven days of Cerelle treatment.

Cerelle missed pills

If you’re less than 12 hours late to take your daily pill, take it as soon as you remember. Then, resume at the usual time. On the other hand, if you are more than 12 hours late, take the pill as soon as you remember, then proceed as usual. However, the contraceptive effect of the pill may be less effective, and the more tablets you miss, the less effective it becomes. In this case, use an extra method, such as a condom for the next seven days.

If you vomit or experience diarrhoea within three to four hours after taking your daily pill, you may take another pill following the instructions on the missed tablets. Also, if you have taken more than the intended daily dose, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or slight vaginal bleeding, especially for young girls. But there are no serious harmful effects in this case.