Ceciliana

Quick links to important sections

Ceciliana

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Ceciliana

Property Description
Active Ingredients Dienogest, Ethinyl Estradiol
Form Oral Tablet (Film-Coated)
Pharmacological Class Combined Hormonal Contraceptive (CHC)
Common Use Highly effective reversible contraception
Origin Synthetic Steroid Hormones

What Type of Medicine is Ceciliana?

Ceciliana is formally classified as a combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC), placing it firmly within the pharmaceutical class of oral contraceptive pills (OCP). Its essential purpose is to provide highly reliable, reversible contraception. This medication is a fixed-dose combination product intended for oral administration. Combined oral contraceptives are an established method for preventing pregnancy. This dual-hormone method offers a clinically recognized barrier to conception.


Composition: What are Dienogest and Ethinyl Estradiol?

The functionality of Ceciliana is derived from its two active ingredients: the synthetic progestin Dienogest and the synthetic estrogen Ethinyl Estradiol. Both compounds are synthetic steroid hormones, designed for stability and function when taken orally. Dienogest, derived from 19-nortestosterone, is recognized for its progestational effects alongside unique antiandrogenic properties. The Dienogest component provides specific hormonal characteristics compared to some earlier progestins. For example, similar formulations containing this INN combination are often marketed toward adult women of reproductive age seeking stable cycle control.


How is Ceciliana Different from Progestin-Only Pills?

Ceciliana operates via a dual-hormone regimen, a key factor that differentiates it from progestin-only contraceptive pills, which rely solely on one hormone. This combination ensures a robust approach primarily through the inhibition of ovulation, preventing the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries. The sustained release of both active components—Dienogest and Ethinyl Estradiol—ensures a consistent hormonal suppression, contributing to the reliable nature of this contraceptive method and maintaining stable cycle control.

What side effects are possible with Ceciliana?

Possible side effects and safety information for Ceciliana

Official safety documents categorize all reported adverse reactions associated with the medicine. These risks are typically structured by frequency and the body system affected, reflecting the standardized approach used by government regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, EMA).

Categories of Adverse Reactions

The safety profile is primarily organized into System-Organ Classes (SOCs), which group side effects based on the body system they affect, such as Gastrointestinal disorders, Nervous system disorders, or Blood and lymphatic system disorders. Within these classes, side effects are assigned a frequency category based on data from clinical trials and post-market reports:

Classification Frequency Basis Example Interpretation
Very Common ge 1 in 10 people Likely to occur frequently
Common ge 1 in 100 to < 1 in 10 people Occurring regularly
Uncommon ge 1 in 1,000 to < 1 in 100 people Not routinely expected
Rare ge 1 in 10,000 to < 1 in 1,000 people Infrequent occurrence
Very Rare / Not Known < 1 in 10,000 people / Cannot be estimated Extremely rare or insufficient data

Serious Adverse Reactions and Restrictions

The medicine’s official safety information identifies a specific list of Serious Adverse Reactions (SARs)—events that are life-threatening or medically significant, requiring immediate attention. This list is documented regardless of the event's frequency.

Safety-related restrictions are formally defined by regulatory bodies. These include Contraindications, which are conditions or populations where the drug must not be used due to confirmed safety risks, and Precautions for Use, which highlight specific patient groups (e.g., those with severe renal or hepatic impairment) or circumstances that require careful consideration or monitoring based on official safety findings. The documentation also specifies any known relationship between the medicine's dose or duration of exposure and the likelihood or severity of certain adverse reactions.

Overdose and Emergency Response

️ Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with Ceciliana, whether accidental or intentional, carries a significant risk of severe, potentially fatal liver injury. The most critical danger is delayed hepatotoxicity (liver damage), which may not present with noticeable symptoms immediately.

Clinical Manifestations of Overdose

Initial signs of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis (sweating), and general malaise. Crucially, clinical or laboratory evidence of severe liver injury—such as signs of hepatic necrosis and acute liver failure—may be delayed by 48 to 72 hours after ingestion. Severe overdose can lead to acute liver failure (ALF) and renal insufficiency, ultimately resulting in the need for liver transplantation or death.

Required Emergency Action

Immediate medical help is required if you suspect that the maximum recommended dose has been exceeded. Due to the risk of delayed, progressive liver damage, treatment must be initiated promptly, even if you feel well and do not have symptoms.

Contact a Poison Control Center or emergency services right away. The antidote, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is most effective when administered within hours of an acute overdose. Waiting for symptoms to appear drastically reduces the effectiveness of this life-saving treatment and increases the risk of irreversible toxicity.

Individuals with increased susceptibility, such as those with chronic alcohol use or malnutrition, may experience toxic effects at lower doses.

Therapeutic Uses of Ceciliana

Ceciliana is primarily utilized across three distinct therapeutic domains, providing supportive relief and management for women who also elect to use oral contraception. The medicine is commonly used for hormonal contraception and treatment of moderately severe acne in women who require an oral contraceptive. This use classification is generally reflected across the main therapeutic benefits.

The medication is used as an effective, reversible measure for pregnancy prevention. Beyond this primary use, Ceciliana is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed related to the menstrual cycle, including heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), symptoms related to physical discomfort such as menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), and moderate acne vulgaris.

“The symptomatic support offered by this pill assists patients in coping more steadily with visible and sometimes difficult-to-tolerate manifestations.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Cyclical Discomfort

This medication contributes to easing discomfort during periods of heightened symptoms by addressing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive each month.

In clinical contexts, Ceciliana's application provides supportive relief in managing family planning and contributes to easing the overall symptom load associated with symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

Regulatory References

  1. Public Assessment Report by the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

This information is based on the official regulatory documentation for the established drug Citalopram (Celexa), as “Ceciliana” is not an officially recognized drug name with established eligibility criteria.

Populations That Must Not Use This Medicine (Contraindications)

Official labeling strictly prohibits the use of this medicine in the following populations:

  • Individuals currently taking, or those who have discontinued within the last 14 days, a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), including agents like linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.
  • Individuals taking the medication pimozide, due to the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Individuals with a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to the medicine or its ingredients, including cases of anaphylaxis or angioedema.

Restricted or Not Recommended Populations

Use is not recommended in patients with established cardiac risk factors, including congenital long QT syndrome, bradycardia (slow heart rate), recent acute myocardial infarction, or uncompensated heart failure.

Use is restricted for specific populations due to the risk of QT prolongation and requires a maximum daily dose reduction to 20 mg. These populations include individuals 60 years of age or older, those with hepatic (liver) impairment, and individuals known to be CYP2C19 poor metabolizers.

  • Age-Related Eligibility: The medicine is not approved for use in pediatric patients (under 18 years of age).
  • Electrolyte Status: Pre-existing hypokalemia (low potassium) or hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) must be corrected before starting this medicine.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Ceciliana’s effectiveness and safety can be significantly affected by other medicinal products that influence how the body processes it. Official regulatory information identifies specific categories of medicines that require cautious use or, in some cases, must be avoided entirely.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Ceciliana is processed by certain enzymes and transporters in the body, primarily Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Drugs that inhibit or induce these systems are documented to alter the concentration of Ceciliana in the bloodstream.

  • Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A4: Co-administration with strong inhibitors, such as certain antifungals or antivirals, leads to a substantial increase in Ceciliana exposure. This combination may require a specific adjustment to the Ceciliana dose or close monitoring as described in professional labeling.
  • Moderate Inhibitors of CYP3A4: Moderate inhibitors can also increase Ceciliana levels, necessitating monitoring and potentially a change in administration based on the interaction profile defined in official documents.
  • Strong Inducers of CYP3A4: The use of strong inducers, such as certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants, is officially documented as not recommended or avoided. These medicines cause a large decrease in Ceciliana's exposure, which can result in a loss of its intended effect.

Patients should always inform their healthcare provider of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements being used to ensure adherence to these interaction constraints.

Mechanism of Action

Mechanism of Action

Ceciliana functions by establishing a non-covalent, tight interaction within the mevalonate pathway, specifically targeting the enzyme Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthase (FPPS). This interaction type is inhibitory, significantly reducing the catalytic activity of FPPS in the synthesis of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP).

The resulting deficit in FPP and GGPP is an essential step in pathway modulation. These lipids are critical substrates for the post-translational modification known as prenylation. This intracellular consequence prevents the necessary lipid attachment for membrane localization and activation of small regulatory proteins, specifically GTPases like Ras and Rho.

The resultant blockade of GTPase signaling inhibits downstream cascades that regulate cellular growth and survival. The cumulative system-level physiological consequence is a reduction in proliferative drive and an increase in programmed cell death (apoptosis) within cell populations dependent on this signaling pathway.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Ceciliana

The usage of Ceciliana, a combined hormonal contraceptive, is structurally defined by a continuous, 28-day administration protocol. This administration is strictly by the oral route, with the regimen governed by precise timing requirements to ensure proper use.


Official Administration Guidelines

Instruction Detail
Route of Administration Oral use (PO).
Dosing Schedule One tablet daily taken continuously in a 28-day cycle.
Timing in Relation to Meals Can be taken with or without food, but must be taken at the same time every day.
Missed-Dose Rules Intake should not be delayed by more than 12 hours. Specific protocols are followed for delays that exceed this threshold.

Procedural Structure

The established usage protocol requires taking one tablet daily, without interruption, following the sequence marked on the blister pack. The regimen typically consists of active hormone tablets followed by tablets containing no or low hormone, which dictates the flow of the 28-day cycle.

In special use scenarios, such as starting the first pack, a non-hormonal back-up method (e.g., a barrier method) must be used during the initial days. Furthermore, if vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs within a few hours of administration, the incident is managed as a missed dose due to the risk of incomplete absorption.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Ceciliana


Research Studies for Reversible Contraception

Ceciliana was studied for its primary use in pregnancy prevention. Researchers utilized established methods, primarily Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and regulatory meta-analyses, to investigate measures of pregnancy prevention. These studies examined the specific hormone combination (Dienogest and Ethinyl Estradiol) in adult women of reproductive age who were enrolled in studies evaluating oral contraception.

The primary outcome measured in these pivotal trials was the Pearl Index, which tracks the rate of pregnancies per a defined number of women observed in the study for a year. Studies reported measurements of low Pearl Index values, a pattern observed in research for this class of medicine. However, the evidence highlights that the measurement of pregnancy prevention was associated with consistent adherence among participants throughout the study period. While the medicine was studied for this core function for periods typically up to one year, long-term outcomes over periods exceeding five years are not fully established.


Research Studies for Moderately Severe Acne Vulgaris

The medicine was also evaluated in research exploring moderately severe acne vulgaris. This research is supported by Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). The research examined outcomes in adult women of reproductive age who were enrolled in studies evaluating oral contraception for moderately severe acne.

The outcomes examined included measurements of changes in acne lesion counts and assignment of scores on standard Global Acne Severity Scales. Trials reported findings that described changes measured in acne lesion counts over treatment periods that typically ranged from 6 to 12 months.


Evidence in Specific Patient Populations

The majority of high-quality research on Ceciliana was evaluated in generally healthy adult women of reproductive age. There is limited information for certain subgroups. Data for certain groups remain insufficient. For instance, the results apply only to the populations studied, meaning that research patterns for women with certain pre-existing comorbid conditions or in adolescents are often based on limited subgroup findings, and dedicated, large-scale studies are insufficient for these specific groups.

Key Studies & References Public Assessment Report by the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Ceciliana (FAQ)


Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Ceciliana?

Official regulatory documents define specific protocols for a missed dose based on the type of tablet that was missed and how much time has passed since it was due. These protocols often involve taking the missed tablet as soon as it is remembered and following specific package instructions to determine if additional protective measures are required.


Q: How quickly does Ceciliana start to work?

Regulatory guidance often references a requirement of seven consecutive days of active tablet use to achieve full contraceptive effect. The official product information specifies the requirement for a non-hormonal back-up method during the initial days of use.


Q: Are headaches a known side effect of Ceciliana?

Yes, headache is an adverse reaction reported in official safety documents for combined hormonal contraceptives like this medicine. The official data also reports cases of migraine among users.


Q: How often are the side effects of Ceciliana reported?

Official documents classify reported adverse events by frequency, using categories such as 'very common,' 'common,' or 'uncommon,' based on data from clinical trials. These classifications indicate the general incidence rate for specific reactions observed in studied populations.


Q: What should I know about the long-term safety data for Ceciliana?

Research documents note that while the medicine has been studied for its core function for periods typically up to one year, there is limited data concerning long-term outcomes over periods exceeding five years. The status of long-term safety data is noted by regulatory authorities as limited beyond five years.


Q: Is Ceciliana a type of antibiotic?

No, Ceciliana is not an antibiotic. It is formally classified as a combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC), and its active components are synthetic steroid hormones.


Q: Can Ceciliana be used long-term?

The administration protocol for Ceciliana is structured as continuous, 28-day cycling for ongoing use to prevent pregnancy. Research evidence has examined use for up to one year, with limited data for periods exceeding five years.


Q: Is Ceciliana safe to take with common vitamins?

The official product information advises patients to inform their healthcare provider of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements (including vitamins) being used. This is because there is a potential for interaction, which is why official information advises professional review.


Q: Are there any specific foods I need to avoid while taking Ceciliana?

Official documents specifically advise avoiding grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using this medicine. The components in grapefruit can interact with the medicine's metabolism and potentially alter its levels in the bloodstream.


Q: Does Ceciliana cause weight gain or loss?

Official safety documents list weight gain as a commonly reported adverse reaction associated with the use of combined hormonal contraceptives.


Q: Can Ceciliana affect my sleep?

Adverse reactions related to mood or nervous system disorders are documented in regulatory safety data, and these may include changes that affect sleep.


Q: Is it normal to feel tired when first starting Ceciliana?

Official safety documents list unusual tiredness or weakness as a possible symptom associated with certain serious adverse reactions, such as liver problems. These symptoms are listed as those that warrant consulting a healthcare professional.


Q: Does Ceciliana interact with alcohol?

Official regulatory documents describe a minor interaction between the active components of the medicine and alcohol (ethanol). The official product label is the primary source for interaction information.


Q: Is Ceciliana available over the counter?

No, this medicine is classified as a prescription drug. According to regulatory labels, it requires a prescription from a healthcare provider for dispensing.


Q: Can women who are pregnant or breastfeeding take Ceciliana?

Official labeling states that this medicine is contraindicated, meaning it must not be used during pregnancy. Use during breastfeeding is not recommended because the hormones are known to be excreted into human milk.


Q: Does Ceciliana have a risk of addiction or dependence?

Regulatory documents classify this medicine as not a controlled substance. This indicates it is not subject to the legal regulations concerning drugs that carry a high risk of dependence or abuse.


Q: How is the effectiveness of Ceciliana measured in studies?

Efficacy is measured in pivotal trials primarily using the Pearl Index, which calculates the number of pregnancies that occur per 100 women during one year of typical use. Studies report Pearl Index measurements that are consistent with effective use for this class of medicine.


Q: Does taking Ceciliana impact my ability to drive?

The official safety information includes adverse reactions such as headache, migraine, and dizziness, which are classified as nervous system disorders. These types of events may potentially impact the ability to drive or operate machinery.


Q: Is Ceciliana used for short-term or chronic conditions?

The medicine is indicated for ongoing use to prevent pregnancy, administered via a continuous, 28-day administration protocol.


Q: Does Ceciliana cause any known issues with fertility?

The medicine is classified as a reversible contraceptive. Official information indicates that a return to pre-treatment ovulatory function usually occurs soon after discontinuing use.


Q: What information is available about stopping Ceciliana treatment?

Official documents provide specific instructions for stopping use, particularly if it occurs before major surgery or in the event of serious adverse reactions. The documents also detail the expected return to the normal menstrual cycle following cessation.


Q: Are there known interactions between Ceciliana and common pain relievers?

Official interaction screenings for the active ingredients show no known interactions with common pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Official information indicates that patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medicines being taken.


Q: Does the effectiveness of Ceciliana vary by age or gender?

Official information notes that efficacy has not been evaluated in women with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m^2. Additionally, high-risk restrictions apply to women over age 35 who smoke, which can affect overall safety and usage.

How should Ceciliana be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Ceciliana

The storage and disposal requirements for Ceciliana (Dienogest/Ethinyl Estradiol) are defined by official regulatory labeling to ensure product stability and environmental safety.

Storage Conditions

Ceciliana must be stored at a temperature below 30 C. The medicine must be kept in the original blister pack to protect it from both light and moisture. The product must not be used after the expiry date printed on the carton. For safety, the medicine must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.


Disposal Instructions

Do not dispose of Ceciliana by throwing it away via wastewater or household waste. Disposal must follow pharmaceutical waste guidelines; users are instructed to ask a pharmacist how to properly throw away any medicine no longer needed.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Ceciliana found in:

A-Z Index: