Cerazette is known as a mini pill, which is a progesterone-only contraceptive pill (POP). It’s used to help stop you getting pregnant. Cerazette is made up of a synthetic progesterone. Each box contains three packs of 28 tablets. Like other progestogen-only pills, Cerazette can be a good option for women who are unable to or may not want to take pills containing oestrogens.

Cerazette is an oral contraceptive pill intended to prevent pregnancy.

Cerazette contains desogestrel (75mcg), a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. In contrast to other progestogen-only pills, Cerazette works primarily by stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs; and by thickening the mucus in the cervix.

Cerazette comes in a pack with 28 pills, each marked with a day of the week. You should take one pill every day, at the same time each day, with no breaks. You must take each tablet at about the same time every day so that the interval between two tablets is always 24 hours.

You take Cerazette packs back-to-back without a break for your period. When you finish one 28 day pack, start the next one the following day. You need to make sure you are taking Cerazette every day to be protected against pregnancy. Many women stop having their periods while taking Cerazette. This is normal and no cause for concern.

Get in touch through your online patient record if you have any other questions about how to take Cerazette.

Each tablet contains 75 microgram desogestrel taken daily.

How long before cerazette is effective? If you’re not using hormonal contraception at present (or in the past month) wait for your period to begin. If you take your first tablet on days 1-5 of your period, Cerazette will be effective immediately and additional contraceptive precautions are not necessary. If you take it after day 5 of your period, make sure to use an additional barrier method of contraception for the first 2 days of taking the tablets.

You can start Cerazette between 21 to 28 days after the birth of your baby.

Please note, Cerazette only protects you from pregnancy. It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infection (STI). In order to prevent these, please consider barrier contraception like condoms and make sure to have regular STI screening. You can order home STI test kits here.

Side effects are common to all contraceptive pills as your body gets used to the hormonal changes. Some side effects you may experience include: headaches, nausea, acne, reduced libido, or changes in mood. These should improve after the first three months.

Your periods may also become less regular or stop.

If your side effects are having a big impact on your life, or don’t go away after the initial three-month period, contact us and we may suggest you try a different pill.

For more information on Cerazette’s side effects, please read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your pill.

Bleeding between periods is a possible side effect of Cerazette. This should be temporary and typically gets better as your body gets used to the pill. Irregular bleeding is not a sign that Cerazette is not working. In general, you need not take any action; just continue to take Cerazette. If it hasn’t stopped after a few months, or is particularly heavy or painful, please get in touch with us or see your usual healthcare provider.

You should not take Cerazette while pregnant. Make sure to stop taking it straight away if you fall pregnant while taking Cerazette.

You can take Cerazette while you’re breastfeeding.

Please ensure you declare your full medical history to us during your online consultation so we can ensure any contraceptive we prescribe is safe and suitable for you. Cerazette may be more suitable than the combined contraceptive pill for certain groups of people, for example women aged over 40 years, smokers and women with a BMI 35 or over.

There are other progesterone-only pills available, including alternative versions of desogestrel (such as Cerelle, cheaper version of Cerazette) or different progestogens such as Noriday. We can also offer combined oral contraceptive pills if suitable.

Other non-pill options for contraception include long acting methods like implants, coils (hormonal or copper) or injections. These can be discussed and fitted at your local GP practice or sexual health clinic.

Other options for contraception include using a barrier method, such as condoms, which block the sperm from reaching an egg. Buy condoms from Boots or your local pharmacy, or visit your local sexual health clinic for more information and advice on methods of contraception.

Cerazette and Cerelle are both a progesterone-only mini-pill. They both contain exactly the same active ingredient and work in exactly the same way. They are just manufactured by different companies and have different branding. Cerelle is a cheaper option so provides a more cost-effective alternative to Cerazette. Find out more about Cerelle here.

You need a prescription to get the contraceptive pill. You can make an appointment with your regular GP or get it quickly and easily online through us at Boots Online Doctor.

You won’t need to wait to speak to anyone, simply fill out our online questionnaire and we’ll prescribe Cerazette if suitable for you.

Find out more about our oral contraceptive pill service.

There is a possibility that you may gain some weight while using Cerazette but there is no evidence that it causes significant weight gain. Any weight gain may be due to changes in hormones throughout your cycle having an impact on your appetite and water retention.

You can stop taking Cerazette any time. From the day you stop, you will no longer be protected against pregnancy and will need to use another form of contraception.

Contact us through your online patient record if you’d like to discuss alternative contraceptive pills.