Caziant

Caziant is available in a 28-day pack:

• 21 active pills: Varying strengths of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol are delivered in a biphasic regimen (two different dose levels throughout the month).
• 7 placebo pills: Inactive pills that do not contain hormones, taken during the last week of the cycle.

Caziant is contraindicated in patients with:

• History of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism.
• History of stroke or heart attack.
• Severe hypertension or uncontrolled blood pressure.
• Known or suspected breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers.
• Liver disease or hepatic tumors.
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Known hypersensitivity to desogestrel, ethinyl estradiol, or any other components of Caziant.

Patients taking Caziant should be advised to:

• Take the pill at the same time every day, as missing doses increases the risk of pregnancy.
• Use an additional method of contraception (e.g., condoms) if a pill is missed, particularly if two or more pills are missed.
• Avoid smoking while taking Caziant, as it increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.
• Be aware that certain medications, including some antibiotics and anticonvulsants, can reduce the effectiveness of Caziant.
• Contact their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of blood clots, such as leg pain, swelling, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Weight gain
• Mood changes
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding

• Blood Clots: Symptoms include pain, swelling, or redness in the legs, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
• Stroke: Symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, or difficulty speaking.
• Liver Problems: Symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, or dark urine.
• Hypertension: Women with pre-existing high blood pressure should be monitored regularly.

Blood Clots: Combination oral contraceptives like Caziant can increase the risk of blood clots, particularly in women who smoke or have a history of clotting disorders. Women over 35 who smoke should avoid using Caziant.

Cardiovascular Events: Caziant can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems, especially in women with underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Cancer Risk: There may be a slight increased risk of breast cancer in women who use combination oral contraceptives, particularly in women with a family history of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Liver Disease: Caziant should not be used by women with active liver disease or liver tumors.

Caziant may interact with other medications, including:

• Antibiotics: Some antibiotics, such as rifampin, can reduce the effectiveness of Caziant.
• Anticonvulsants: Certain seizure medications can lower the efficacy of birth control pills.
• St. John's Wort: This herbal supplement can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
• Blood Thinners (Warfarin): Hormonal contraceptives can alter the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications and supplements they are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Alternative contraceptive methods include:

• Other Combination Oral Contraceptives: Such as Yaz, Loestrin, or Ortho Tri-Cyclen.
• Progestin-Only Pills: Such as norethindrone (Micronor) for women who cannot take estrogen.
• Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs): Such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or contraceptive implants.
• Contraceptive Injections: Such as Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate).
• Barrier Methods: Such as condoms or diaphragms.