Just come back from the contraception clinic in tears...

[spinduchess]

I have really sensitive migraines, that are triggered by my hormones.Full aura, body numbness, blindness - the works. I had one every month without fail, and they would last around 4 days on average. Longest one was 10 days.

6 years ago, I was put on Cerazette and it changed my life. No periods, no side effects, no migraines. I am so pleased with it. Skin is clear, mindset is happy all month long, healthy migraine wise.

It has been liberating. There really was no point carrying on living the half-life I had before Cerazette.

I've just come back from the doctors, and they have switched me to Zelleta because its cheaper and didn't have any Cerazette to give me.

I am so upset. I don't know anything about this pill because it is no new - and I really wasn't hoping to change. I'd found something that worked and I was so happy, now I feel so let down.

Does anybody know anything about Zelleta? Am I going to have a period? Will my skin get bad or will I put on weight? Are my migraines going to come back?

I can't bear the thought of that life again. I'm sorry I'm being so dramatic, I'm just panicking - the nurse had no answers for me, just to 'see how it goes'.

I'm so scared.

[spinduchess]

This might be really cheeky, but I think I have solved my problem - at least for 12 months.

A friend has just offered me four packets of hers.

[OddBoots]

I'm glad you have solved your worry. :)

If you come up against this in the future though, having looked now at those ingredients, you should be absolutely fine with either of those alternatives.

[spinduchess]

Thanks Oddboots.

The NHS does a wonderful job in this country. I miss my old doctor. Side effect of moving I suppose, won't get treatment from somebody who knows me so well anymore.

[spinduchess]

One more question! I know I'm being a twat, I'm sorry.

If I do end up switching brands - is that ok for my body? Say if I did 12 months on Cerazette, then 3 months on Zelleta, then 3 on Cerelle or something?

Is that safe?

[ilovepowerhoop]

I would imagine so. I had to try 3 different types of mini pill for several months at a time each until I found one that suited (I was on cerazette before getting the mirena coil)

[ProcrastinaRemNunc]

I had completely debilitating migraines the majority of the time and occasional ocular migraines. Cerazette helped and Cerelle (on the occasions cerazette has been substituted with it) has had the exact same effect. I haven't tried the Z one you mention but I'd give it a go on the basis of the ingredients list you've provided - and I do understand the ramifications of getting it wrong. I was trialled on several before getting it right and wouldn't ever want to return to how things were either!

[spinduchess]

I've just done the Brook contraception match tool - and they recommended the Mirena coil for me.

Powerhoop how are you finding it?

If I have to change eventually, I might as well consider all the options.

[ilovepowerhoop]

its fine. I dont get periods which is good (have very light spotting occasionally). The threads have gone awol though so I am not looking forward to it being removed (had a scan and xray and the coil is still in place).

[catsofa]

A contraception clinic will give you a pill to stop you getting pregnant. They do take other things into consideration, but because you are taking the pill for completely different reasons you really need to get them from a GP, who will prescribe the ones that work for your migraines, for your migraines. The clinic is still fundamentally trying to help you not get pregnant, since that is their purpose, and that's not what you need.

So, go to the place designed for the problem you actually have. Get registered with a GP, tell them your history and what you need, they will sort it out. No problem, free of charge.

It's totally understandable but I do think you're panicking more than you need to. Even if you do decide to give the new pills a chance you will only need to do it until you start getting symptoms - you won't "be blind one week in four" because you will go to a GP and get it changed way before that, won't you? And now you have your own supply of Cerazette you don't even have to go to a GP to get them initially, and can switch back whenever you like. Why not try the new ones in those circumstances?

[spinduchess]

Good to know, thank you very much for your help.

For my contraception, I would like:

No periods
No migraines
and to go to the doctor as infrequently as possible

I think I need a conversation with a GP, regardless of which pill I decide to take next time I need a new packet.

Why does this always feel like least bad choice, rather than the best? There is always a compromise.

[spinduchess]

I do think you're panicking more than you need to.

I think that is my typing style. I'm honestly fine. You are of course right though, catsofa.

[spinduchess]

Interesting article: www.pbiforum.net/en/pbi/rd/237/Morningside-Healthcare-launches-generic-contraceptives.htm

Looks like they are doing the same to Marvelon, Microgynon and Cilest too.

[lunar1]

I would be asking to speak to a prescriber who was knowledgeable enough to answer your questions. You are not on a trial so the information you want should be available. The prescriber should know enough about what they are prescribing to talk you through the medication properly.

There is no excuse for giving you a prescription and not being able to answer your questions. It's sloppy lazy practice.

[spinduchess]

Thanks lunar. I felt so rushed today, is why they upset me. I came out feeling pushing into something I didn't want to do, and stupid for wanting to know more.

Have just come across this post on the other site. Doesn't look too promising:

Hi all! I was on cerazette for 6 years had no problems at all except from a slight weight gain at the beginning when I first started taking the pill. I had a period/spotting maybe twice a year and it was always around the time my period would be due never irregular! I went to drs 3 month ago for script and review and was prescribe zelleta with the reassurance that it was the same as cerazette they had just changed the name!! I have had periods every 2 weeks lasting at least 10 days ! Even before I started taking contraception I was lucky to have light periods lasting 5 days max. I do not recommend anyone changing there contraception if you're happy and settled with it ! Do not let the drs con you saying it is 'the same' just a different name as it clearly isn't they're just trying to save money! I've tried researching and only found sites in America ! Here's to say I've been on it for 3 months and given it a good chance to settle and I'm going back to the drs this week with my diary showing how often and how long they have gone on for and getting put back on cerazette!

[spinduchess]

What bothers me most is that nurses have been giving out Zelleta and telling women that it is Cerzatte with a new name. It isn't, and suggesting so is very wrong.

[Bugsylugs]

Spinduchess but you do sound very entitled we all have to change you might not be broke but the NHS is so we need to change. This new pill may well be excellent for you but you are not even willing to try it. agree the nurses should not be saying it is cerazette with a new name.

[Bugsylugs]

Smitten1981 Yasmin should not be prescribed unless no other pill suits not due to money but due to increased risks as per MHRA.
Right I will stop ranting and leave this thread.

[spinduchess]

Cheers bugsy. Thanks for that. How nice of you.

[spinduchess]

And actually, I think every woman in this country is entitled to contraception they are happy with. So sue me.

[lunar1]

The thing is it's the entitlement of patients using the nhs to have their questions answered by a competent person. Why would the op want to change meds when she has no information from the professional.

[spinduchess]

Thanks lunar. I agree, I feel very let down by the information I received today.

I have no problem with finding cheaper drugs. Why can't their be a phasing out procedure? Keep happy women on the drugs they want to be on, but don't let new people start it. Noone is permanently on a contraceptive method anyway, the turnover would be very quick.

[spinduchess]

Christ, I cannot type. There, not their!

[catsofa]

To be fair, the first thing we should be doing about the state of the NHS is dealing properly with tax dodgers so we can afford to fund it better, and taking it back off the Tories and their profiteering mates so it can be run better. Not forcing Spinduchess to try a new drug when she's already on one that is working just fine.

[Bugsylugs]

It's how you come across.
Just to let you know some who have written on here have sort have implied it contraceptive clinics are funded by public health and do not have the same free will of prescribing as GPs so it is entirely possible that they cannot prescribe cerazette. However you may find your local GP is able and willing to do so.

[thekingfisher]

spinduchess - you have my sympathy
my dh has a regular daily medication which our gp tried to change to a generic version of. We had a complete row with them as he got hideous side-effects with the generic even thought active ingredients are the same - the fillers were different after two trips back tot the GP and also a detailed discussion with the pharmacist it was changed back and has been so since. The Pharmacy ( boots) now ensures they have appropriate stock in for us!

So I don;t think it is unreasonable of you - with your history to insist on staying with the branded medication - and i don't think you are entitled at all. Essentially you are also taking a medication to assist with a medical condition the contraception is actually side benefit i suppose - so not really of significance