Written by Patrick Moser, FNP-BC
Information last reviewed 06/21/19
Chateal is an oral contraceptive that contains both progesterone and estrogen. It is considered a low-dose oral contraceptive because it contains a lower dose of progesterone compared to some other birth control pills. Chateal is taken daily to prevent pregnancy; it can also be used as emergency contraception.
The hormones - estrogen and progesterone - in Chateal act to suppress ovulation, thicken the cervical mucus lining – the entrance to the womb – and cause changes to the lining of the womb. These three actions prevent an egg from being fertilized.
The active ingredients in Chateal are ethinyl estradiol (estrogen component) and levonorgestrel (progesterone component).
The inactive ingredients in Chateal are lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and polacrilin potassium. The inactive pills also contain artificial colors.
Oral birth control rarely causes a severe allergic reaction that requires medical attention. Chateal does however contain lactose monohydrate. This additive is safe and usually does not cause any uncomfortable symptoms for those who are lactose intolerant. However, if you have a severe lactose allergy, you might want to try another form of birth control that does not contain lactose.
Chateal comes in small plastic packs with 28 tablets each. The 21 active tablets are colored white. They are the ones that contain active hormones. The 7 green tablets are inactive pills; they do not contain hormones. Chateal can be started on day 1 or on a Sunday.
It’s important that you take Chateal at the same time each day and in the order the pills are packaged in. You should get your menstruation during the seven days when you are taking the inactive (green) tablets. That is not to say your menstrual cycle will be exactly seven days long, but it could be. Try and pick a suitable time during the day to take the pill. This will make it easier to remember when you should take Chateal and avoid missing any doses.
Possible side effects of Chateal include:
Chateal and other oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Do NOT take Chateal if you:
Extra care should be taken if you:
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Some medications can decrease the effectiveness of Chateal. These include:
If you are taking antibiotics at the same time as Chateal, it is advisable to use another contraceptive method such as condoms.
When taken correctly, Chateal is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that fewer than one woman out of 100 women who use Chateal for contraception will get pregnant in one year. Other forms of birth control, such as the IUD and implant, may be more effective than Chateal.
Chateal is indicated for emergency contraception. The dosage for emergency contraception is 4 white (active) pills as soon as possible after unprotected or inadequately protected sexual intercourse, followed by 4 white pills 12 hours after the first dose. Although it can be used for emergency contraception, it is not as effective compared to progesterone (Levonorgestrel or mifepristone) only. The progesterone-only pills, commonly known as plan B, are the preferred medication for emergency contraception.
Chateal is one of many different types of contraceptive pills and it may take you a while to find the right one for you. If you have a sensitivity toward estrogen, you can try the progesterone-only or ‘mini pill’. The mini pill is also a better choice for women who are breastfeeding. If you’d prefer not to have to take a pill every day or you find it difficult to remember, your options include implants, the intrauterine device (IUD) and hormonal injections. Make sure you speak to your doctor about the side effects of these alternatives. They can help you find the right contraceptive method.
There may be some additional health benefits from taking oral contraceptives. These benefits include decreased incidence of ovarian cysts, lower risk for ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in which the fertilized egg attaches outside of the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes), and protection from certain types of cancer, specifically ovarian or uterine cancer. Pain during menstruation might be less severe or occur less frequently.
As soon as you stop taking Chateal, you can become pregnant. It can take a few months for the menstrual cycle to return to normal. If you’re having trouble conceiving, there may be other causes that are worth considering. Contraceptives are not known to cause infertility.
If you miss one of the white active pills, take it as soon as you can. Your next pill should be taken at the normal time, even if you take 2 pills in one day. If you forget to take 2 active pills in a row, you should take 2 pills on the day you remember and 2 pills the next day. Then resume taking pills as normal. You should use a backup birth control method, such as condoms, for the next 7 days if you miss 2 active pills because the risk of pregnancy is higher during that first week. Refer to the package insert or ask your doctor if you are not sure what you should do if you forget to take your pill(s).
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. You and your physician will determine if and how you should take any medication prescribed to you following a medical consultation.
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