Chateal

What is Chateal?

Chateal is a combined oral contraceptive which contains both estrogen and progesterone.  It is considered a low dose oral contraceptive because it has a lower dose of progesterone compared to some of the other birth control pills. Chateal, when taken daily, is used to prevent pregnancy; it can also be used as emergency contraception.

How does Chateal work?

There are three actions caused by the hormones, estrogen and progesterone, in Chateal.  The first of these actions is to suppress ovulation. Chateal also thickens the mucus lining of the cervix, or entrance to the womb, and changes the lining of the uterus, or womb. All of these actions work to prevent fertilization of an egg.

Active ingredients

The active ingredients in Chateal are ethinyl estradiol (estrogen component) and levonorgestrel (progesterone component).

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in Chateal are lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and polacrilin potassium. The inactive pills also contain artificial color.

How to start Chateal

Chateal is packaged in blister packs containing 28 tablets each. There are 21 active tablets, which are white and contain the active hormones. There are 7 green inert tablets, which do not contain the active ingredients. There are two ways to start Chateal, the Day 1 Start and the Sunday Start.

• Day 1 start: This is the most commonly used starting method for Chateal. Start with the first active white tablet on the first day of menstruation, which is known as Day 1 of the menstrual cycle.

• Sunday start: With the Sunday start, the first tablet should be taken on the Sunday after the onset of the menstrual period. Again, start with the first active white tablet and take them in order as packaged.

How to take Chateal

Chateal should be taken at around the same time every day. The pills should be taken in order according to the packaging. Your menstrual period should occur during the seven days of inert, or inactive, tablets. This does not mean that your period will last seven days, although it can. Take Chateal at a time of day when you are most likely to remember to avoid late or missed doses.

Chateal side effects

Possible side effects of Chateal include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
• Edema, or fluid retention
• Amenorrhea (menstrual periods stop)
• Breast tenderness, enlargement, or secretion
• Swelling of the ankles or feet
• Change in weight or appetite
• Decreased serum folate levels
• Aggravation of varicose veins
• Irregular periods, especially in the first few months of use
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
• Decreased libido
• Mood changes, to include depression
• Increased blood pressure
• Contact lens intolerance
• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Liver problems

Chateal and other oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Contraindications

You should not take Chateal if you:

• Have been diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency
• Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Have abnormal vaginal bleeding for which you have not been evaluated
• Have, or have ever had, breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer
• Have ever had a stroke or heart attack
• Have uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Have or have ever had a blood clot
• Are over the age of 35
• You smoke
• Have diabetes with vascular disease
• Are receiving treatment for Hepatitis C
• Have a sensitivity to ethinyl estradiol, levonorgestrel, or any other component of Chateal

Extra care should be taken if you:

• Have a family history of blood clots
• Smoke
• Are diabetic
• Have a history of migraine headaches
• Have a history of gallbladder disease
• Have a history of hepatic adenomas
• Have a history of liver disease, to include hepatitis
• Have a history of hereditary angioedema
• Have a history of depression

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe headache, especially if you do not have a history of a headache disorder
• Chest pain
• Vision changes or eye pain
• Severe leg pain or swelling

Drug interactions

Some medications can decrease the effectiveness of Chateal. These include:

• Barbiturates
• Bosentan
• Carbamazepine
• Felbamate
• Griseofulvin
• Oxcarbazepine
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin
• St. John's wort
• Topiramate

If you are prescribed antibiotics while taking Chateal, you should use a backup birth control method while taking the antibiotics.

How effective is Chateal?

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 for emergency contraception

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.

Alternatives to Chateal

There are several different types of birth control pills available. You may have to try a few different ones before you find the pill that works best for you. You may have heard of the mini pill, which contains progesterone only. The mini pill is a good alternative if you are sensitive to estrogen. Progesterone-only pills are also used for women who are breastfeeding. Other alternatives include the implant, IUD (intrauterine device), and injections. These options have the advantage that you do not need to remember to take a pill every day. However, there are some side effects with these methods which can make them undesirable. Make sure you talk to your doctor and get the information you need to make the best decision for you.