Cilest

What is it?

A combined oestrogen/progestogen contraceptive preparation containing 35µg ethinyloestradiol and 0.25mg norgestimate in the form of blue tablets marked C250.

Medical Uses

Oral contraception.

Dosage

1 tablet each day for 21 days starting on first day of period, followed by 7 tablet-free days.

Special Care

Patients with asthma, diabetes, Raynaud's disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Sydenham's chorea, tetanus, varicose veins, hypertension, serious kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, haemolytic uraemic syndrome, serious depression. Also, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, contact lenses, history of heart failure, choleliathis. The risk of thrombosis increases with age and if woman smokes or is obese. Slight increased chance of breast cancer. Pelvic organs, breasts and blood pressure should be checked regularly during the time oral contraceptives are being taken.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, history of thrombosis, those with heart disease, heart valve disease and angina, some other circulatory conditions. Patient with sickle cell anaemia, infectious hepatitis, certain liver and kidney disorders, hormone-dependent cancers, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. History of SLE and some other disorders that have previously occurred during pregnancy.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Tetracyclines, barbiturates, carbamazepine, primidone, griseofulvin, phenytoin, rifampicin, ampicillin, phenylbutazone, chloral hydrate, glutethimide, ethosuximide, dichloralphenazone, St John's Wort.

Known Side Effects

Nausea, headaches, bloatedness due to fluid retention, enlargement of breasts, cramps and leg pains, reduction in libido, depression, weight gain, bleeding, vaginal discharge, erosion of cervix.

Manufacturer

Janssen-Cilag.