Desogestrel

Desogestrel mini pill

What is desogestrel?

Desogestrel is what’s known as a mini pill and it’s designed to stop you from getting pregnant. Unlike the combined pill, which contains both progestogen and oestrogen, Desogestrel is a progestogen-only-pill (POP). This makes it a good option for women who can’t, for health reasons, use the combined pill.

Although the Desogestrel pill is an effective contraceptive, it can’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you’ll need to consider using condoms. You can find out more about STIs in our article What is an STI?

Is Desogestrel the same as Cerazette and Cerelle?

Desogestrel is both the name of this generic progestogen-only pill and its active ingredient. The synthetic hormone desogestrel is also the active ingredient in both Cerelle (generic) and Cerazette (branded). 

All three medicines are prescribed as 75 mg pills and come in packs of 28. All work in the same way and all can be equally effective. The side effects and ways you take them are identical too.

How does Desogestrel work?

Desogestrel 75 microgram tablets gives you reliable contraceptive protection through three effective ways:

1. Prevents egg release (stops ovulation) each month.
2. Creates a protective barrier by thickening cervical mucus, making it much harder for sperm to reach any egg.
3. Thins the womb lining, making it less likely for a fertilised egg to attach and develop.

How effective is Desogestrel?

As a birth control pill, Desogestrel offers excellent protection when you use it consistently:

With perfect use:

Over 99% effective when you follow the instructions and take your tablet at the same time every day, without missing any doses. 

With typical use:

Around 91% effective, as some women may not follow the instructions, or occasionally miss doses or take tablets late.

There are additional benefits too:

• Many women find Desogestrel helps reduce heavy period symptoms.
• Some women's periods may become lighter or stop altogether while taking this contraceptive.

It’s important to know that your contraceptive cover can be affected by illness. So if you experience vomiting or severe diarrhoea, the advice is to:

• Continue taking your daily tablet as usual.
• Use additional protection such as condoms while you're unwell.
• Do this for the duration of the illness plus a further 48 hours after the vomiting or diarrhoea has stopped.

Desogestrel dosage

Desogestrel comes in packs of 75 mg tablets. You can request 3, 6 and 12 month supplies.

How to take Desogestrel

Desogestrel tablets work best when you establish a daily routine. Pick a convenient time that works for you and stick to it each day.

Your daily routine:

• Take one tablet every day, ideally at the same time. You'll take all 28 tablets in each pack continuously, starting your next pack immediately without any break between them.

Flexible timing:

• You have a flexible 12-hour window around your chosen time to take your pill while still getting full protection.

Starting your first pack:

You can begin taking Desogestrel at any point during your cycle:

• Days 1-5 of your period. You're protected immediately with no additional contraception needed.
• Any other time. Use condoms for the first two days while the medication becomes fully effective.
• Shorter cycles. You may still need condoms for two days, even when starting during your period.

After pregnancy

Starting Desogestrel after pregnancy is straightforward:

• If you take it within the first 20 days of giving birth, you are protected immediately. 
• For day 21 and after, use additional contraception such as condoms for your first two days.

Following miscarriage or abortion

• Within five days you'll have immediate contraceptive protection.
• After five days, use condoms during your first two days taking Desogestrel.

What to expect

Your bleeding patterns may change. For example, periods might become lighter, irregular, or stop completely. If there is a significant change to your bleeding pattern after taking a POP for a few months, this should be reviewed by a clinician.
Always follow your GP’s advice, the clinician’s guidance and the instructions provided with your medication.

What to do if you miss a pill

Desogestrel 75 microgram tablets give you up to 12 hours after your usual time to take your pill and still stay protected from pregnancy. This flexibility makes it a good choice if you sometimes forget to take the medicine.

If you're up to 12 hours late:

• Take the pill straight away when you realise you've forgotten to.
• Carry on with your next pill at your normal time.
• You may take two pills on the same day as this won't harm you
• Your contraceptive cover stays effective.

If you're over 12 hours late:

Your pregnancy protection will be lowered, so you need to:

• Take a pill immediately (don't worry if you've forgotten several).
• Continue with your usual daily routine for the remaining pills.
• Use barrier protection such as condoms for the next 48 hours while your contraceptive protection builds back up.
• Consider emergency contraception if you've had unprotected sex recently.

Helpful tip: Set a daily phone alarm or use a contraception app to help you remember your pill time each day,

It's also worth reading our useful guide for tips on remembering to take your pill.

Do you need emergency contraception?

Make sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist that you use Desogestrel when getting emergency contraception, as this can influence which option will work most effectively.
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.

Who can take Desogestrel?

Desogestrel works for most women (including if you smoke) and you can keep taking it until you go through the menopause or until you're 55. As this mini pill doesn't contain oestrogen, it's often a good option if you can't take the combined pill.
If you're breastfeeding, this progestogen-only pill is also completely safe to use. It won't hurt your baby and won't change how much milk you produce.

You can't take Desogestrel if you:

• Think there's a chance you're pregnant.
• Have or have had breast cancer.
• Have serious liver problems, liver scarring, or liver tumours.
• Have had a heart attack or stroke that might be linked to hormones.
• Take medicines that stop the pill working properly.
• Take certain epilepsy medicines, as Desogestrel might interfere with how they work.

Desogestrel might not be the best choice if you have:

• Bleeding between periods or after sex that your doctor hasn't checked.
• Heart conditions, blood vessel problems, or you've had a stroke.
• Liver conditions.
• Concerns about your periods changing.

If any of these apply to you, speak with your doctor or nurse about whether Desogestrel is the right contraceptive choice for you. We’ll also ask about any underlying health conditions during your online consultation.

What are the side effects of Desogestrel?

The majority of women find Desogestrel easy to tolerate with minimal side effects. If any reactions do occur, they're generally mild and temporary.
During the first few months, you might notice some changes while your body adapts to Desogestrel. For example:

• Period changes. Your monthly cycle may become unpredictable, lighter, or even stop altogether (this is completely normal and not harmful).
• Skin breakouts. Some women experience spots or acne flare-ups.
• Tender breasts.
• Mild headaches can occur as your body adjusts.
• Feeling queasy. Occasional nausea, especially when first starting.
• Mood shifts. Some women notice changes in how they feel emotionally.
• Different sex drive. Your interest in sex might increase or decrease.

Occasionally, some women develop small, harmless fluid-filled sacs on their ovaries. These ovarian cysts are benign and usually disappear on their own without any treatment needed.

Find out more about Desogestrel and acne in our guide.

When you stop taking Desogestrel

Coming off the pill can also cause temporary effects as your natural hormone cycle returns. This adjustment period varies for everyone.
If you're concerned about any reactions or they're not settling after a few months, get in touch through your account. We can discuss whether a different contraceptive might work better for you.
For complete information about side effects and proper usage, check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Does Desogestrel affect blood pressure?

According to the patient information leaflet, there's no indication that Desogestrel causes high blood pressure. But it's important to monitor if you already have the condition and be aware of drug interactions.

With that in mind, it’s best to speak to your GP. You can also message us in your account.

Ordering Desogestrel with Online Doctor

Ordering Desogestrel through our Online Doctor service is straightforward and it starts by completing a quick and simple online consultation.
This helps our clinical team check that Desogestrel is the best choice for you, or can recommend other treatments that might be more appropriate. It's the same careful approach your own doctor would take.