Cerazette

What is Cerazette 75mcg?

Cerazette 75mcg is a progestogen-only-pill (POP) you take to prevent pregnancy. It’s different to combined pills because it only contains the single active ingredient desogestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progestogen. Cerazette is also known as a mini pill.

Although the pill is a highly effective way to stop you getting pregnant, it can’t protect you against STIs (sexually transmitted infections). You can find out more about this, including tests and treatments in our article What is an STI?

How does Cerazette work?

The hormone released by the Cerazette pill is able to stop you releasing an egg (ovulating) every month. It makes it hard for sperm to reach an egg too, because the medicine thickens the mucus in your cervix. By thinning your womb lining, it also makes it less likely an egg can attach to it. 

How effective is Cerazette?

As long as you follow the advice you’re given and instructions in the patient information leaflet, the contraceptive pill Cerazette is over 99% effective. 

With ‘typical use’, as the NHS describes it, the pill is around 92% effective.

The Cerazette mini pill may not be absorbed properly if you're being sick (vomiting) or have severe diarrhoea. If this happens, follow the advice outlined in the patient information leaflet.

If you do have sex, make sure you use condoms to protect yourself.

How to take Cerazette

With Cerazette birth control pills, you have a 12-hour flexibility window. What that means is you can pick a convenient time each day, take your Cerazette contraceptive pill within 12 hours of that chosen time and you’ll still get reliable protection.

Take Cerazette continuously with no pill-free breaks between packs.

Cerazette 75 microgram tablets come in packs of 28 tablets. Start your new pack straight away when you finish the previous one, including during your period. Changes to your bleeding pattern - whether periods become lighter, irregular, or stop entirely – can occur. If irregular bleeding hasn’t stopped after a few months, is particularly heavy or painful, please speak to your clinician.

Starting your first Cerazette pack

You can start Cerazette at any stage of your menstrual cycle:

• Period days 1-5: You're protected straight away and you won’t need any additional contraception
• All other times: The medicine takes 2 days to become effective, so you’ll need to use condoms during that period
• Shorter cycles: Even when starting during your period, you might also need to use condoms for 2 days

After having a baby

Begin taking Cerazette:

• Up to 21 days after birth for immediate protection
• Beyond 21 days you'll need extra protection like condoms during your first 21 days

Following miscarriage or abortion, speak to a doctor before starting Cerazette.

What to do if you miss a pill

If you miss taking your Cerazette tablet, Cerazette provides up to 12 hours flexibility while still protecting you from pregnancy. This is more than many other mini pills offer, so it is a benefit if you’re worried about forgetting to take your pill.

Within 12 hours of your usual time:

• Take your missed pill when you remember
• Continue with your next pill at your regular time
• You might end up taking two pills on the same day

More than 12 hours late:

• Your protection against pregnancy is reduced
• Keep taking your pills at your normal times
• Use condoms for the following two days
• Emergency contraception may be necessary if you've had sex without protection during this period

If you can’t get to see your GP or go to a pharmacy, or would prefer not to, we offer the morning after pill. You just need to complete a short and confidential online consultation.

You might find another of our articles helpful: remembering to take your pill.

Who can take Cerazette?

Cerazette is safe for the majority of women (including smokers) and can be used until you reach menopause or turn 55. Since it's oestrogen-free, it's often a good option for women unable to use combined contraceptive pills.

This progestogen-only pill is also safe during breastfeeding as it won't harm your baby or interfere with milk production.

You can't take Cerazette if you:

• Suspect you may be pregnant
• Currently have or previously had breast cancer
• Have severe liver disease, liver tumours or serious cirrhosis
• Have experienced a heart attack or stroke linked to progestogen use
• Use medicines that reduce the pill's effectiveness
• Take specific epilepsy medications (as Cerazette may interfere with their function)

Cerazette might not be appropriate if you have:

• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse that hasn't been explained
• Heart conditions, vascular disease or stroke history
• Liver disorders
• Worries about changes to your menstrual cycle

Should any of these situations apply to you, you should discuss them with your GP, nurse, or clinician about whether Cerazette is the most suitable contraceptive option for you.

We’ll also ask about any underlying health conditions during your online consultation.

What are the side effects of Cerazette?

Most women get on well with Cerazette and don't experience any side effects. When side effects do happen, changes to bleeding patterns are typically the most common. This might mean spotting, irregular periods, or different flow, and these changes usually settle down within three months of starting.

Additional side effects that some women may experience include:

• Headaches
• Skin changes such as acne
• Nausea
• Mood fluctuations
• Breast discomfort or sensitivity
• Alterations in libido
• Benign ovarian cysts (these are typically harmless and resolve naturally)

Side effects are more common during the initial months of use and generally improve as your body adapts to the medicine.

Full details about side effects and usage instructions can be found in the patient information leaflet provided with your treatment. 

Should you have concerns about any side effects or if they continue beyond the first few months, please contact us through your account. That way we can discuss alternative contraceptive options that may be more suitable.

Does Cerazette cause bleeding?

In answer to this question, the NHS say: ‘The progestogen-only pill may change your periods. It can affect periods in different ways. Your periods may be lighter, more frequent or may stop altogether. You may get some bleeding (spotting) between periods.’

Ordering Cerazette with Online Doctor

In the same way your GP needs to be certain Cerazette is suitable for you, our clinicians also need to make sure it’s appropriate for you. 

While you can request this mini pill from us, you’ll first need to complete a short online consultation.