Cilest

Cilest

Cilest is a combined hormonal contraceptive pill which contains two hormones progestogen and oestrogen in low doses. Cilest is primarily used to prevent unwanted pregnancy and is also helpful in problems like:

• Irregular and heavy periods
• Reducing the chances of the ovary and uterine cancer
• Pre-menstrual symptoms

The contraceptive Clilque contains two types of female sex hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones prevent an egg being released from your ovaries so you can’t get pregnant.Also, Cilique makes the fluid (mucus) in your cervix thicker which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb. Cilique is a 21-day Pill – you take one each day for 21 days, followed by 7 days when you take no pills.

Cilest is available in 350/50 microgram (norgestimate, ethinylestradiol) tablets.

All medicines on our website are approved by the MHRA and are dispatched from a GPhC pharmacy via a next-day discreet delivery.

How does Cilest work?

Cilest contains two hormones, norgestimate and ethinylestradiol, which work in the same way as the naturally occuring female sex hormones; progestogen and oestrogen respectively.

These hormones stop the monthly process of ovulation from ovaries by inhibiting the ripening and release of the egg. Cilest also thickens the mucus present in the cervix and makes it difficult for sperm to traverse across it and reach the egg in the womb. Another way in which Cilest prevents the chances of pregnancy is to change the lining of the uterus and makes it less conducive for the fertilised eggs to implant in it.

How should I take Cilest?

To prevent pregnancy, Cilest should be taken according to instructions provided.

Swallow each tablet whole with a glass of water.

Cilest can be taken with or without food. However, do not drink grapefruit juice while taking Cilest.

Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Taking the pills for 21 days

Cilest comes in a strip containing 21 tablets, each marked with the name of the day on it. Start taking the pills with the correct day name and then follow the directions of arrows printed on the strip. Take the pill for the next 21 consecutive days without a break.

Pill-free week

Once you have taken 21 tablets regularly for 21 days, now have a break on one week called pill-free week. As the name indicates, you will not take any pill during this week, but you will be protected against conception. There will be a withdrawal bleed similar to your periods during this week. On the 8th day, you must start the new pack of 21 pills, irrespective whether your bleeding has stopped or not.

If you are taking the pills regularly, you will always start a new pack on the same day of the week.

Taking Cilest for the first time

If you are taking Cilest for the first time, begin taking tablets from the 1st day of your period. When taken in this way, you will be protected straight away against unwanted pregnancy.

If you start taking Cilest from any other day of your period, you should use additional contraceptive methods like condoms, unless you have taken seven tablets of Cilest regularly.

Switching from another hormonal contraceptive

Ask your family planning nurse or doctor for proper instructions or see the leaflet inside the pack.

Side effects of Cilest

All medications carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody gets them. Understanding the risks associated with your medicine is important during your course of treatment with Cilest.

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• Headache
• Painful or abnormal periods
• Stomach ache

Common (may affect moe than 1 in 100 people):

• Migraine
• Feeling dizzy or weak
• Wight gain
• Depression
• Mood changes, feeling nervous or difficulty sleeping
• Gynaecological problems
• Vaginal infections
• Discharge from the vagina
• No periods
• Urinary tract infections
• Tender breasts
• Stomach problems
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Skin problems
• Muscle spasms
• Pain in the hands, arms, legs or back

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of this medicine, including a thorough list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine.