Cilest contraceptive pills have been withdrawn from pharmacies in Poland and 42 other countries due to too slow, non-compliant absorption of one of their ingredients - norgestimate. Many women taking Cilest wonder what to do - should they finish taking pills from the pill, go to the gynecologist for replacement as soon as possible, or start using a different form of contraception?
The Main Pharmaceutical Inspector informed that the decision onwithdrawalfrom the market of contraceptive pillsCilestwas made "due to the non-compliance of the substance solubility parameter active Norgestimatum with quality specification "- it is about slower than expected release of this hormone contained in Cileast, which may make the contraceptive effect of Cilest ineffective.
Two batches of Cilest tablets have been recalled from pharmacies:
- packs of 21 tablets, batch number: CBS0K00, expiration date: January 31, 2015;
- 63 tablets pack, lot number: CFS2J00, expiration date: April 30, 2015.
Ladies who have a supply of Cilest from these series can return them to the pharmacy (against receipt), where they bought it.
What should women using Cilest do after withdrawing it from pharmacies?
- All women who have used the contraceptive pill calledCilestshould immediately visit their gynecologist to select the appropriate drug if they still need effective protection or hormonal treatment. If the continuation of therapy is not needed, they can finish taking the last tablet from the package - advises Dr. Monika Sieńkowska-Kamińska, gynecologist.
Many women wonder whether they should stop taking Cilest and whether changing Cilest to another preparation may affect the contraceptive function.
- There is no need to break the already started packaging of Cilest - explains Dr. Sieńkowska-Kamińska. - When it comes to changing to another preparation while using this drug, it all depends on the dose of hormones in the new preparation prescribed by the gynecologist. If it is a low dose formulation then it is best to take the first tablet without takinga seven-day break between packages and it will not hurt to protect yourself for about seven days. If in doubt, see your doctor.