Key facts about Cryselle
What is Cryselle?
Cryselle is the brand name for norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Cryselle available in?
Cryselle is an oral tablet that contains 0.3 mg of norgestrel and 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol.
What is Cryselle used for?
Cryselle is an estrogen/progestin combination contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy
How does Cryselle work?
Cryselle is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that contains 2 hormones: ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norgestrel (a progestin). Both hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary), changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement, and creating an unfriendly environment for the fertilized egg by changing the lining in the uterus (womb).
How do I take Cryselle?
Cryselle is typically taken by mouth and dosed as 1 active tablet by mouth daily for 21 days, followed by 1 placebo tablet daily for the remaining 7 days.
Is it safe for me to take Cryselle?
Cryselle is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication if you have any of the following:
- Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
- A past history of deep vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
- Cerebral vascular or coronary artery disease
- Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone sensitive
- Carcinoma of the endometrium or other known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia
- Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
- Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior pill use
- Hepatic adenomas or carcinomas
Cryselle Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Cryselle include:
- Weight gain
- Back pain, vaginal discharge, and other symptoms of cervical erosion
- Weight loss
- Acne
- Pain during your period
- Vaginal discharge
- Stomach pain, cramps, and bloating
- Larger appetite
- Depression
- Nervousness
Cryselle Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Cryselle. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
- Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
- Serious liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, tiredness, stomach pain
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Cryselle
The following medications may interact with Cryselle:
- Reduced efficacy and increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding and menstrual irregularities have been associated with concomitant use of rifampin
- A similar association, though less marked, has been suggested with barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin sodium, and possibly with griseofulvin, ampicillin, and tetracyclines
Who makes Cryselle?
Barr Pharmaceuticals
Is Cryselle safe in pregnancy?
Cryselle is contraindicated during pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women.
