Cilest

How to Use Cilest

Cilest is a 21 day pill which is taken daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days where no pills are taken. It is recommended to take this medication at the same time each day. The blisters are marked with a day of the week, to aid with taking the medication. The pills must be swallowed whole, with water if needed.

If you miss a tablet, take a replacement tablet as soon as you remember; even if this means taking two tablets at the same time, and continue to take the course at the same time of day that you usually would. It is highly advised to take extra contraceptive precautions for the following days.

It is advised to contact your doctor, family planning nurse or pharmacist for further advice, as they may recommend you to use emergency contraception.

If you are sick or suffer from severe diarrhoea within two hours of taking the medication, your body may not have absorbed all of the hormones from the pill. It is advised to take a pill from a spare strip to compensate for this pill, and then carry on taking the course as normal; no extra contraception is needed. If you are suffering from persistent vomiting and severe diarrhoea, for more than 24 hours, additional precautions should be used; during and for 7 days after recovery.

Cilest Side Effects

Cilest can cause side effects; however, not everybody suffers from them. There is a slight increased risk of blood clots in the veins, breast cancer and liver problems and so it is important to check for any symptoms. Other side effects include: headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, painful or unusual periods, migraine, depression, weight gain, UTI’s and acne.

Read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.