Cerazette

You have been given a progestogen-only pill - Cerazette. This must be taken properly to stop you getting pregnant. Starting your pill for the first time You should take your first pill on the first day of your next period. You will have contraceptive protection straightaway. Choose a convenient time of day and take one pill every day at this time. This will be the normal time you take your pill. However, you can start Cerazette anywhere in your cycle but you must use extra contraception condoms as well for the first 7 pills You should take a pill every day for as long as you want contraception. Do not ever take a break between packets. When you finish the packet, start the next packet the next day. Continue to take the pill even when you are having a period. Bleeding/periods Your periods may change while you are taking the progestogen-only-pill. You may have frequent spot bleeding or you may have regular periods as normal. Sometimes the periods are very irregular and you may not get periods very often or they might stop altogether. Usually the periods will settle down after a few months.

If you do not have a period for six weeks after starting Cerazette, or if your period is unusually late, come and see the nurse. Bring a urine sample with you for a pregnancy test. Most women taking Cerazette will stop having periods but it is important to make sure that you are not pregnant. What if you forget a pill? If you forget to take a pill at the normal time but remember it within 12 hours you will be safe if you take it straightaway. If it is more than 12 hours since you should have taken your pill, you are no longer guaranteed contraception. You should take your pill as soon as you remember and continue to take your pills at the normal time and use condoms on the day you missed your pill and for the next 7 days. Vomiting /diarrhoea If you are sick within 3 hours of taking your pill, it is likely that your pill will have been brought up. Severe diarrhoea can also cause problems. Carry on taking your pill as normal and use condoms while you are unwell and for 7 days after you are better.

Other medicines Some medicines will stop the progestogen -only-pill working properly. Most antibiotics do not affect this pill. However, you should always tell the Doctor, Dentist or Nurse Practitioner that you are on the progestogen-only-pill. You may need to use condoms while you are taking another medicine and for up to 4 weeks afterwards. Carry on taking your pill properly during this time. Oops! If you did not use a condom or it split/ fell off when you had missed a pill, been sick or taken other medicines, you may be at risk of getting pregnant. Contact either the: Nurse Practitioner Doctor Family Planning Clinic NHS Walk-In-Centre Some Pharmacies e.g. Moss/Boots for advice as you may need Emergency Contraception (morning after pill). Emergency Contraception must be started within 72 hours of the accident

Risks As with any method of contraception, there is a very small risk of getting pregnant while taking the progestogen-only-pill. Of the women who do become pregnant while taking this type of pill, a very small number may develop an ectopic pregnancy. This is a pregnancy that forms outside the womb in one of the fallopian tubes. This can be a serious problem if left without attention. If you develop pain on one side of your lower abdomen and you are late for a period or your period was at least 5 6 weeks ago or more, then arrange to see the Doctor or Nurse Practitioner as soon as possible for an examination and pregnancy test. The progestogen-only-pill will not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). We always recommend using condoms as well, especially in new relationships. You can get these free from this Medical Centre or the Family Planning Clinic. You can also get confidential advice about STIs and tests and treatment. Some STIs do not give symptoms but can stop you being able to get pregnant in the future.

Useful Contacts Wymondham Medical Partnership 01953 602220 Central Family Planning Clinic Grove Road Norwich 01603 287345 or 01603 287346 Grove Genitourinary Medicine Clinic Norfolk & Norwich Hospital 01603 286307 Timber Hill Health Centre Level 4 The Castle Mall Norwich 0300 0300 333 Family Planning Association www.fpa.org.uk For advice on sex & contraception www.ruthinking.co.uk Mancroft Advice Project (MAP) Advice & information for 11-25 year olds Mon-Fri 1.30 6pm 01603 766994 www.mancroftadviceproject.org.uk

Wymondham Medical Partnership

How to take Cerazette

Information Leaflet