Cilest - action, indications, contraindications, side effects

Cilest is a combined oral contraceptive pill, often referred to as 'the pill'. It contains two types of female hormones: ethinylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen, and norgestimate, a synthetic progestogen. These hormones work together to inhibit the body's natural cyclical hormones to prevent pregnancy.

Primarily, Cilest prevents ovulation, the process where the ovaries release an egg. It thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to move through and reach an egg. Cilest also alters the lining of the womb (endometrium), making it less likely to accept a fertilized egg.

It's worth noting that while Cilest is very effective in preventing pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Remember to take Cilest exactly as your healthcare provider instructs, and do not miss or skip any doses to ensure its effectiveness.

Cilest is primarily indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. It is a type of hormonal contraceptive that is effective in inhibiting ovulation, thereby reducing the likelihood of conception. The active ingredients in Cilest, ethinylestradiol and norgestimate, work synergistically to prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries each month.

Additionally, Cilest is also prescribed for the management of severe acne in females who are at least 15 years old and have started menstruating, and who have not responded adequately to other treatments such as topical applications or antibiotics.

It can also be used in the treatment of heavy, painful, or irregular menstrual periods. It is important to note, however, that Cilest should only be used for these indications if the patient does not have any contraindications to hormonal contraceptives, and if other therapeutic options have been considered.

Cilest may be considered for use in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), but this should be determined on a case-by-case basis. These indications are considered off-label uses of the medication.

It is critical that Cilest is taken correctly and consistently for it to be effective. It is usually taken once daily, and each pack contains a 21-day supply of pills. After finishing a pack, a seven-day pill-free interval usually follows. A new pack should be started after this interval, regardless of whether or not a menstrual period has occurred.

Contraindications for Cilest are conditions or factors that prevent a person from receiving the medication. If you have any of these conditions, you should not take Cilest:

• Blood clots or a history of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or eyes
• History of heart attack or stroke
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Severe diabetes with blood vessel damage
• Breast cancer or cancer of the uterus/cervix
• Liver disease or liver tumors
• Allergy to any of the components of Cilest
• Vaginal bleeding without a known cause
• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy

If any of these conditions apply to you, it's important to tell your doctor before starting Cilest. It's also vital to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking, as they could interact with Cilest and increase the risk of side effects.

Like all medicines, Cilest can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with Cilest.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Weight changes
• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Depression or mood changes

These are some of the common side effects of Cilest. If any of these affect you severely, or if you experience any other side effects, you should consult with your health care professional immediately. It's important to remember that the benefits of taking Cilest usually outweigh the risks associated with its side effects, but if you have any concerns, you should speak to your health care provider.

Understanding the correct dosage and administration of Cilest is crucial for its efficacy as a contraceptive pill. Generally, one Cilest tablet is taken orally every day at the same time for 21 days, followed by a seven-day pill-free interval. However, as always, any medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by the healthcare professional.

Each Cilest pack contains 21 hormone-containing pills. The first pill should be taken on the first day of the menstrual cycle (first day of bleeding). It's essential to take the pill at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body. If a dose is missed, the contraceptive effect may decrease.

If a dose is forgotten, it should be taken as soon as remembered, even if this means taking two pills at the same time. If more than 12 hours have passed since the usual time of intake, contraceptive protection may be reduced. In such cases, the person should continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time but also use additional contraceptive methods (like condoms) for the next seven days.

In case of severe vomiting or diarrhoea, contraceptive protection may be reduced. Additional contraceptive precautions should be taken until 7 days after recovery.

It is important to note that Cilest does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and consistent use of condoms is recommended.

Lastly, individuals should consult with healthcare professionals before making any changes to the dosage or if they have any concerns about the medication. The above guidelines are only general recommendations, and individual needs may vary.

Cilest is a hormonal contraceptive pill that is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two types of hormones: an oestrogen, ethinylestradiol, and a progestogen, norgestimate. These are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.

It's important to take Cilest exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The tablets come in a pack of 21 and are usually taken once a day, every day for 21 days, followed by a seven-day pill-free break. During the seven-day break, a withdrawal bleed similar to a period should occur. This break is not necessary for contraception but is usually done to mimic the natural menstrual cycle. After the seven-day break, you should start a new pack, even if you're still bleeding.

Each tablet should be swallowed whole, with or without food, at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided in the patient information leaflet or consult your doctor or pharmacist. Missing pills, vomiting or diarrhoea can reduce the effectiveness of Cilest, so additional contraceptive methods may be required.

If you decide to stop taking Cilest, you can do so at any time, but if you don't want to get pregnant, make sure to use another method of contraception. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.

When using Cilest, it's essential to take certain precautions to ensure the medication's effectiveness and minimize potential side effects. These precautions include:

• Before starting Cilest, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other estrogens/progestins; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, particularly of: blood clots, blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency), high blood pressure, abnormal breast exam, cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer), high cholesterol or triglyceride (blood fat) levels, depression, diabetes, family or personal history of a certain swelling disorder (angioedema), gallbladder problems, severe headaches/migraines, heart problems (such as heart valve disease, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), history of yellowing eyes/skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or while using hormonal birth control (such as pills, patch), kidney disease, liver disease (including tumors), stroke, thyroid problems, unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• If you have diabetes, Cilest may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
• Tell your doctor if you just had or will be having surgery, or if you will be confined to a bed or chair for a long time (such as a long plane flight). These conditions increase your risk of getting blood clots, especially if you are using hormonal birth control. You may need to stop this medication for a time or take special precautions.

When considering the use of Cilest, it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or substances you may be taking. This is due to the potential interactions that can occur, affecting the efficacy of Cilest or the other interacting substances.

Specifically, medications that may interact with Cilest include but are not limited to:

• Barbiturates
• Certain anti-seizure medications like carbamazepine or phenytoin
• Griseofulvin, an antifungal medication
• HIV medications
• St. John’s Wort, a herbal supplement

These substances can increase the breakdown of Cilest in your body, reducing its effectiveness. If you are taking any of these, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely for side effects. Never start or stop any medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

In addition, Cilest can also affect the results of certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Ensure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this medication.

The price of Cilest varies depending on the pharmacy you choose to purchase it from, but it typically ranges between $20 and $35 for a one-month supply. This price includes 21 tablets that are taken daily for three weeks, followed by a one-week break during which no tablets are taken. It is important to note that this is an average price range and actual prices may vary.

Some pharmacies may offer discount programs or coupons that can lower the cost of Cilest. For example, some offer a discount if you purchase a three-month supply at once instead of buying month by month. Always inquire about available discounts when purchasing your medication.

If you have health insurance, the cost of Cilest may be partially or fully covered. It's recommended to check with your insurance provider to understand what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Additionally, some pharmacies accept manufacturer's coupons which can help to lower the cost even further.

Remember, while price is an important factor to consider, it should not be the only factor. The effectiveness, side effects, and convenience of use are also essential considerations when choosing a contraceptive method.

The process of finding substitutes for a medication like Cilest is highly dependent on the specific needs of the patient as well as the discretion of the healthcare provider. This discretion is crucial because each substitute may have different dosages, side effects, interactions, and contraindications.

There are a number of birth control pills that can be used as substitutes for Cilest. These include:

• Microgynon: Just like Cilest, Microgynon is a combined contraceptive pill that contains two types of female sex hormones: oestrogen and progestogen. It works in the same way as Cilest by preventing ovulation, thickening the mucus in the cervix to make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, and thinning the womb lining to prevent successful implantation of a fertilised egg.
• Yasmin: Yasmin is another combined contraceptive pill that works in the same way as Cilest. However, it has a different type of progestogen which may make it more suitable for some women, particularly those who experience side effects with other pills.
• Loestrin: Loestrin is a low-dose combined contraceptive pill that can be a good alternative for women who are sensitive to the hormonal changes caused by higher-dose pills.

If you are considering switching from Cilest to a substitute birth control pill, it is important to discuss this decision with your healthcare provider. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information to help you make the best choice for your health.