Content
Selene is a contraceptive that contains ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate in its composition, being indicated in the treatment of acne, mainly in the pronounced forms and accompanied by seborrhea, inflammation or formation of blackheads and pimples, mild cases of hirsutism, which is characterized by excess of fur, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Although Selene is also a contraceptive, it should only be used for that purpose by women who need treatment for the conditions described above.
This medicine can be purchased in pharmacies, for a price of about 15 to 40 reais, upon presentation of a prescription.
How to take Selene
The Selene method of use consists of taking one tablet on the first day of menstruation and daily taking one tablet, every day, at the same time until the pack is finished. After finishing a card, you must take a 7-day break before starting the next one.
When vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs 3 to 4 hours after taking the tablet, it is recommended to use another contraceptive method during the next 7 days.
What to do if you forget to take Selene
When forgetting is less than 12 hours from usual time, take the forgotten tablet and take the next tablet at the correct time. In this case, the contraceptive effect of the pill is maintained.
When forgetting is more than 12 hours of usual time, the following table should be consulted:
Forgetfulness week | What to do? | Use another contraceptive method? |
1st week | Take the forgotten pill immediately and take the rest at the usual time | Yes, in the 7 days after forgetting |
2nd week | Take the forgotten pill immediately and take the rest at the usual time | It is not necessary to use another contraceptive method |
3rd week | Choose one of the following options:
- Take the forgotten pill immediately and take the rest at the usual time. Start the new card as soon as you finish the current one without pausing between cards
- Stop taking the pills from the current pack, take a 7-day break, counting on the day of forgetfulness and start a new pack
| It is not necessary to use another contraceptive method |
Generally, a woman is only at risk of becoming pregnant when forgetting occurs in the first week of the pack and if the person has had sex in the previous 7 days. In other weeks, there is no risk of becoming pregnant.
If more than 1 tablet is forgotten, it is recommended to consult the doctor who prescribed the contraceptive or the gynecologist.
Possible side effects
The main side effects of Selene include headache, poor digestion, nausea, weight gain, breast pain and tenderness, mood swings, abdominal pain and changes in sexual appetite.
Who should not use
This remedy should not be used in people with a current or previous history of thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, heart attack, stroke or angina pectoris that causes severe chest pain.
In addition, it is also contraindicated in people at high risk for clot formation or who suffer from a certain type of migraine accompanied by focal neurological symptoms, people with diabetes mellitus with blood vessel damage, with a history of liver disease, certain types of cancer or vaginal bleeding without explanation.
Selene should also not be used in pregnant women, nursing mothers or people who are allergic to any of the components of the formula.