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    Cerazette

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    How to take Cerazette

    Take one pill every day, at the same time each day, with no breaks to prevent pregnancy. You take the packs back-to-back without a break, including during your period. Many women won’t have their period at all while on Cerazette – this is normal and should not cause concern.

    How does Cerazette work?

    Cerazette is a progestogen-only-pill (POP) that works in two ways. It prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix. This prevents sperm from entering the womb and fertilising an egg. Cerazette also stops ovulation by prevents egg cells from ripening. This makes it a highly effective pill.  

    How effective is Cerazette?

    If you start using Cerazette on days 1-5 of your period, you will be immediately protected against pregnancy.

    Used correctly, Cerazette can be up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, if you are vomiting or have severe diarrhoea you may not be protected against pregnancy. If this happens, continue to take the pill as usual but use a condom whilst you're ill. If this continues for more than 24 hours you should follow the same steps as a missed pill.

    Are Cerazette and Cerelle the same thing?

    Cerazette, Cerelle and Desogestrel all contain the same active ingredient and they work in exactly the same way to protect you against pregnancy.

    What are the side effects of Cerazette?

    Most women will not experience any side effects on Cerazette. Some women experience irregular bleeding. This side effect is common and usually settles within three months.

    You may experience spotting or heavier bleeding with which you need to use tampons or pads. You don’t need to do anything to stop the bleeding, however if bleeding is heavy or prolonged speak to your doctor. 

    Other side effects can include headaches, acne, feeling sick, mood swings, and breast sensitivity. 

    For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us through your Patient Record.

    What happens if you forget to take the pill

    If you forget to take it, unlike most mini pills, Cerazette offers a window of 12hrs in which it can be taken and still protect you from pregnancy. Take the forgotten pill as soon as you remember. Then take the next pill at the normal time. This may mean taking two pills in one day.

    If you do not take it within 12hrs of the usual time, you will not be protected against pregnancy. Continue to take your pills as usual but use condoms for the next two days. If you've had unprotected sex during this time, you may need emergency contraception. 

    Read our guide for ways to help you remember to take your pill.  

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      Cerazette FAQs

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      Does Cezarette make you feel anxious?

      Some women have reported feelings of depression while taking Cerazette. You may find that your mood is altered, if you experience mood swings, feelings of anxiety or depression while using Cerazette speak to your doctor.  

      Can Cerazette stop periods?

      Many women won’t have their period at all while on Cerazette. Some women may still experience regular, lighter, more frequent or longer periods.

      Can smokers use Cerazette?

      Cerazette is suitable for smokers, and is a good alternative to the combined contraceptive pill. ​​​​​​

      It doesn’t include oestrogen, so can be taken by women who can't use contraception that contains oestrogen.  

      Is Cerazette safe to use whilst breastfeeding?

      Cerazette is safe to use while breastfeeding. Small amounts of the hormone in Cerazette may pass into the baby’s bloodstream through breast milk, but this won't affect them or impact the way breast milk is produced. 

      Will Cerazette affect my weight?

      You might be worried about weight gain while on Cerazette. However, there is no evidence that the progestogen-only pill will cause women to put on weight. You may find your weight changes throughout your cycle due to fluid retention and other reasons not related to the pill. 

      Can I buy Cerazette online?

      You can request and pay for a Cerazette prescription online. As this pill is a prescription-only medication, even if you are using an online doctor, you will need a prescription from a clinician before you can buy Cerazette online. You should never buy the contraceptive pill online without a prescription from a regulated health service with professionally qualified and registered clinicians. 

      How do I switch to Cerazette from a different pill?

      If you would like to switch your contraceptive pill, contact us via your Patient Record or get an appointment with your GP to discuss the change. If you are changing to a new pill you would be advised to have no break between the packs and you may have to use other contraceptive methods during the changeover.

      Ordering Cerazette

      If you’ve already bought your pill from us, you can request a further 3, 6 or 12-month supply from your Patient Record, if you're medically suitable. If you want to change your pill, please send us a message in your Patient Record.

      Taking other medications while on Cerazette

      You should be able to take Cerazette alongside other medicines. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Cerazette safely.

      Different methods of contraception

      We offer a range of contraceptives, including NuvaRing, Evra Patch, combined pills, low-dose pills and mini pills. View all our contraception options.

      Condoms are an effective form of contraception and protect against STIs.

      There are also long-acting contraceptives available through your GP or family planning clinic, including implants, the coil and injectable contraception.

      Our contraception service

      1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

        5 mins

      2. Choose from recommended options

        In your Patient Record

      3. One of our NHS-experienced clinicians confirms your suitability

        You’ll be informed by email if your contraception has been approved and prescribed

      4. 3, 6 or 12 months of protection

        Delivery to your door

        Collect at 7000+ convenient ParcelShops

        Same-day pharmacy collection

      What our patients say

      Meet our clinical team

      Based in our London office, our doctors and independent pharmacists have years of experience caring for patients in NHS hospitals, GP surgeries or in community pharmacies. Any one of the team may provide you with advice, your prescription or aftercare via private message.

      Meet the whole team
      • Dr Kieran Seyan  - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

        Dr Kieran Seyan

        GMC: 6104204

      • Dr Gigi Taguri  - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

        Dr Gigi Taguri

        GMC: 6129350

      • Dr Mitra Dutt- Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

        Dr Mitra Dutt

        GMC: 6077868

      • Dr Neel Patel

        Dr Neel Patel

        GMC: 7085151

      Meet the whole team

      Delivery & collection information

      • Standard delivery

        Free

        Delivered within 2-3 working days.

      • Next-day delivery

        £4.95

        Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days. Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

      • Standard ParcelShop collection

        Free

        Collect from 7000+ convenient ParcelShops in 2-3 working days.

      • Next day ParcelShop collection

        £2.95

        Collect next day from 7000+ convenient ParcelShop locations, if approved before 5pm Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sunday orders, collect Monday if approved before 12pm Sunday or Tuesday if ordered after 12pm. 

      • London same-day collection

        Free

        Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day. Subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected London pharmacy.

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