Cerazette® (Desogestrel)

• Cerazette® should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
• A reliable supplementary non-hormonal contraceptive method e.g. condoms, are usually recommended for the first seven days that you start taking Cerazette®, for e.g. if you start on Days 2 – 5 of your period, you should use a reliable supplementary non-hormonal contraceptive method for the first 7 days of tablet-taking. However, no additional contraceptive precautions are necessary if Cerazette® is taken for the following scenarios below:
• Day 1 of menstrual cycle (pregnancy should be ruled out before starting the medication)
• Immediately after miscarriage or abortion
• Day 21 – 28 after childbirth whether you are breastfeeding or not
• When switching immediately from another progestogen-only pill (no break between switch in pills)
• When switching from a combined pill (COC), vaginal ring or transdermal patch without any tablet-, ring- or patch-free break or from the last active tablet.
• This medication should be taken after food.
• You should take one tablet daily without break, preferably at the same time every day, regardless of menstrual bleeding.
• When a pack is finished, the next pack should be started without interruption.
• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time, even if that means taking two tablets in one day.

• When Cerazette®  is missed for 12 hours or more, a reliable supplementary non-hormonal contraceptive method such as condoms, should be used for the next 7 days.

• Gastrointestinal upsets, such as vomiting and diarrhea within 3 – 4 hours after taking Cerazette®, may interfere with the absorption of the pill leading to a reduction in contraceptive efficacy. If this occurs, it should be considered a missed dose. You should then follow the instructions above about missed doses.

**If you miss your period (especially when tablets are missed), consult your doctor to determine if you are pregnant before continuing to take the next cycle of contraceptives.