Sold only in countries outside of the U.S. such as the United Kingdom and France, Cilest is a brand name for a combination of the hormones ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate that is used primarily as an oral contraceptive. Despite its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy, Cilest poses a risk for side effects in some women.

Types of Side Effects

Side effects of Cilest include nausea, vomiting, headaches, breast tenderness, weight changes, fluid retention, vaginal yeast infections, changes in menstruation, spotting between periods, depression, skin rashes and decreased libido.

Time Frame

Side effects from combination birth control pills such as Cilest are typically worst within the first few months of use and gradually diminish as treatment continues, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Drug Interactions

Cilest can cause increased side effects from the immuno-suppressant medication cyclosporine, according to netdoctor.co.uk.

Risks

Cilest increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke, particularly if you smoke, are obese or are over the age of 35, according to netdoctor.co.uk. The use of Cilest is also linked with an increased risk of developing estrogen-dependent tumors in the form of breast or uterine cancer later in life.

Considerations

Cilest is not safe for women who are breastfeeding. If you have a history of diabetes, hypertension, sickle-cell disease, severe depression, migraines, inflammatory bowel disease, liver or kidney disease, gallstones, heart failure, cancer, stoke or blood clots, lupus, angina or otosclerosis, it may not be safe for you to take Cilest, cautions netdoctor.co.uk.

Source:

Netdoctor.co.uk: Cilest (Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestimate)

Mayoclinic.com: Combination Birth Control Pills

Drugs.com: Cilest