Cryselle (ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel) is a combination birth control pill containing 2 hormones, estrogen and progestin, that are used to prevent pregnancy.
Contents:
Indications for use
- Prevention of pregnancy;
- hypermenorrhea;
- endometriosis;
- hypogonadism in women.
Mechanism of action
Cryselle is a combined estrogen-progestogen preparation, which has a contraceptive effect. When ingested, it depresses the pituitary secretion of gonadotropic hormones. The contraceptive effect is associated with several mechanisms. A progestogen component (progestin) contains norgestrel, which is superior in activity to the hormone of the yellow body, progesterone.
The estrogen component is ethinyl estradiol, which oppresses the pituitary gland by gonadotropic hormones and results in inhibition of maturation and release of the ovulation ready for fertilization. Contraceptive effect strengthens with ethinyl estradiol. The substance preserves high viscosity of the cervical mucus (making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterine cavity). Along with the contraceptive effect, the drug normalizes the menstrual cycle and helps prevent the development of a number of gynecological diseases, including tumors (when used regularly).
Dosage and mode of application
Each 28-day package contains 21 active pills containing ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg / norgestrel 0.3 mg and 7 inert pills containing no medication.
Take 1 tablet daily, starting from the 1st day of the menstrual cycle, without interruption. If menstruation is delayed, you should exclude pregnancy. After taking the last tablet from the previous blister, begin a new course. If the planned menstruation does not occur, resume reception after excluding pregnancy.
Contraindications
It is not recommended to start using Cryselle in the presence of any of the conditions listed below. If any of these conditions occur, the drug should be discontinued immediately.
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- vaginal bleeding of unknown origin;
- breast cancer;
- hormone-dependent precancerous disease or hormone-dependent malignant tumors;
- liver tumors including in an anamnesis (benign or malignant);
- severe liver disease;
- acute arterial thrombosis or thromboembolism (such as myocardial infarction, stroke);
- deep vein thrombosis in the acute stage, thromboembolism now or in the anamnesis;
- severe hypertriglyceridemia;
- hypersensitivity to drug components (ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel).
With caution: diseases of the liver and gallbladder, arterial hypertension, epilepsy, depression, ulcerative colitis, uterine myoma, mastopathy, chorea, tetany, porphyria, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, kidney disease.
Side effects
In some cases, Cryselle pills can cause side effects:
- headache,
- gastralgia,
- nausea, vomiting,
- breast engorgement,
- weight gain,
- mood changes,
- eyelid edema,
- skin rash, conjunctivitis,
- visual impairment, discomfort when wearing contact lenses,
- decreased libido,
- hearing loss,
- thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism,
- general itching,
- jaundice,
- intermenstrual bleeding.
With long-term treatment – chloasma.
Interactions
- Cryselle reduces glucose tolerance (dosage of hypoglycemic drugs should be adjusted);
- Barbiturates, some anti-epileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenytoin) accelerate the metabolism of estradiol;
- The concentration in the plasma decreases with the simultaneous use of phenylbutazone and certain antibiotics (ampicillin, rifampicin), which is associated with a change in the microflora in the intestine.
What if I miss a dose?
- If you missed an active pill (1-21 tabs), take it within the next 12 hours. If the interval of admission is more than 36 hours, a reliable contraceptive effect is not guaranteed (continue taking the drug from the same package in order to prevent premature menstruation associated with discontinuation of the drug). It is recommended to use other non-hormonal methods of contraception during this period;
- If you missed an inert pill (22-28 tabs), just throw it away. Continue taking the drug in the generally accepted schedule.
Special instructions
Treatment with Cryselle tablets should be discontinued immediately if you get pregnant or if you plan pregnancy (at least 3 months before the planned conception). Stop using the drug 6 weeks before the planned surgery with further prolonged immobilization.
Moderate bloody discharge during the course of treatment does not require discontinuation of the drug; with severe bleeding, the reception is discontinued and a gynecological examination is performed.
Efficiency decreases with diarrhea and vomiting (it is necessary to use additional non-hormonal methods of contraception).
In the lactation period, the release of milk may decrease. Small amounts of ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel are excreted in breast milk.
Before taking the preparation, a general medical and gynecological examination is recommended (including gynecological control, breast examination, liver function, blood pressure control and cholesterol concentration in the blood, urine analysis, cytological examination of the smear).
Hormonal contraceptives may change the results of skin allergic tests, decrease the concentration of LH and FSH.
Due to the fact that contraceptive effect is fully manifested by the 14th day from the beginning of admission, it is recommended to use additional non-hormonal methods of contraception in the first 2 weeks.
The use after delivery is recommended after the first normal menstrual period.
Smokers who take Cryselle for birth control have an increased risk of developing vascular diseases with serious consequences (myocardial infarction, stroke). The risk increases with age and depending on the number of cigarettes smoked (especially in women over 35 years of age).