Cerazette is a contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It is a progestogen-only pill (POP) or mini pill meaning it contains just one hormone, progesterone. This is compared to the combined contraceptive pill, which contains oestrogen and progesterone. Cerazette contains a man made version of progesterone called desogestrel. This makes Cerazette similar to other alternative pills like Cerelle.

Cerazette is as effective as other mini pills (over 99%) when taken correctly. It may be a more suitable option for women who cannot take oestrogen.

Cerazette contains the active ingredient desogestrel which works by:

• preventing sperm cells from entering the womb, helping avoid any eggs from being fertilised
• thins the lining of the womb, stopping the implantation of any fertilised eggs

Most mini pills do not stop ovulation, but Cerazette can, which makes it different from other progesterone-only pills.

How effective is Cerazette?

Cerazette is 99% effective if used correctly, but the actual figure is likely to be closer to 92%. This will mainly be due to people forgetting to take the pill daily or being late taking it.

There are other factors that can lower the effectiveness of Cerazette such as vomiting or diarrhoea.

Always take Cerazette exactly as your doctor has told you to. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

Cerazette comes in strips of 28 tablets that will last for 4 weeks. Each pill is assigned to a specific day of the week with arrows printed on the front of the strip to help you take your pill correctly. You should take the Cerazette pill at the same time each day. It might be useful to set an alarm to remind you.

When you start a new Cerazette strip, you should:

• take the tablet that corresponds with the correct day of the week from the top row (e.g., if it is Monday take the tablet marked ‘Mon’)
• continue taking 1 tablet every day at the same time until the pack is empty, taking care to follow the direction of the arrows on the strip
• when the current strip is empty, start a new Cerazette strip the next day without having a break or waiting for a bleed

When to take Cerazette?

Cerazette should be taken at the same time every day. Choose a time that’s most convenient for you to remember. Some people find it helps to set an alarm to remind them to take their pill or to take it at the same time as another daily activity, such as brushing their teeth.

How often to take Cerazette

Take 1 pill every day for 28 days without any breaks. You should then begin your next 28 day pill pack the day after you finish your current strip. You should not take a break between Cerazette strips.

How long do you need to take Cerazette for?

You need to take Cerazette until you have completed the full pack, then begin taking your next pack on the next day, so you are taking the product back to back without any breaks.

You should take Cerazette for as long as you do not want to get pregnant. If you do want to try for a baby, you can stop taking Cerazette at any time. As soon as you stop taking Cerazette, you will no longer be protected against pregnancy.

What should I do if I forget to take the pill?

If you are less than 12 hours late:

• take the tablet you missed as soon as you remember
• take the next one at the usual time

You will still be protected from becoming pregnant.

If you are more than 12 hours late:

• you may not be completely protected against pregnancy
• take a tablet as soon as you remember, and take your next one at the usual time (even if it means taking two in the same day)
• you will need to use extra protection like condoms for the next 7 days
• if you are more than 12 hours late and have had sex, you could be at risk of pregnancy and may need emergency contraception

Cerazette is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a doctor’s approval to get it. You can request Cerazette from reputable online services like Superdrug Online Doctor without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

Can I buy Cerazette online?

You can request Cerazette quickly and easily from Superdrug Online Doctor. It is very important to purchase any form of medication from reliable and trusted services that are regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

To request Cerazette from Superdrug Online Doctor:

1. Fill out a brief health and lifestyle questionnaire.
2. Order your preferred treatment and make payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers.
4. If approved, your treatment will be posted to your address or made available for collection at your local Superdrug Pharmacy.
5. If your order is not approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with other treatment options.

Can I buy Cerazette over-the-counter?

You cannot buy Cerazette over-the-counter because it is a prescription only medication. Hana is a brand of mini pill that is available over-the-counter in pharmacies.

Can I get Cerazette on the NHS?

Cerazette may be available on the NHS, but you will need to make an appointment with a doctor to find out.

Like all medications, Cerazette can cause side effects, but that does not mean you will definitely experience them.

Common Cerazette side effects (affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• mood changes
• low sex drive
• headache
• feeling sick (nausea)
• acne
• breast pain
• weight gain

Uncommon side effects (affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• vaginal infections
• being sick (vomiting)
• hair loss
• painful periods
• tiredness
• difficulty wearing contact lenses

Rare side effects (affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

• skin rash
• hives
• painful blue-red skin lumps (erythema nodosum)

You can find a full list of side effects in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.

How long do Cerazette side effects last?

Cerazette side effects are often mild and short-lasting. When your body gets used to the change in hormone levels the side effects should go away, usually within 3 months. If they persist or they are affecting your quality of life, let your doctor know.

What to do if you get Cerazette side effects

If you get side effects, you should tell your doctor if you find them particularly bothersome. You can also report side effects, even those not listed in the patient information leaflet, to the Yellow Card Scheme.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, call 999 or go to A&E immediately:

• allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face or tongue, difficulty breathing, or swallowing)
• any signs of a blood clot

Cerazette is not suitable for everyone. Do not take Cerazette if you:

• are allergic to desogestrel or any other ingredients
• have a blood clot in a blood vessel
• have or have had yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• may have cancer
• experience unexplained bleeding

You should tell your doctor before taking Cerazette if you have:

• breast or liver cancer
• diabetes
• thrombosis
• epilepsy
• high blood pressure
• tuberculosis
• chloasma

Before taking Cerazette, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications, including those used to treat:

• epilepsy
• tuberculosis
• HIV
• hepatitis C
• high blood pressure
• depression
• bacterial infections

Cerazette must not be taken during pregnancy, but it can be used during breastfeeding. A small amount of the active ingredient in Cerazette passes into breast milk, but it does not appear to affect the quality or production.

Several alternative contraception methods are available if Cerazette is not right for you.

Mini pills:

• Cerelle: Contains the same active ingredient and dose as Cerazette.
• Norgeston: Contains levonorgestrel, a different type of synthetic progesterone that may be suitable for women who cannot tolerate desogestrel.
• Noriday: Contains norethisterone that must be taken within the same 3-hour window each day.

Combined pills:

• Microgynon 30: Most popular combined contraceptive pill.
• Yasmin: Prevents pregnancy and can manage acne symptoms and heavy or painful periods.
• Eloine: Low dose combined contraceptive pill that has fewer side effects.

Contraceptive patch:

• Evra patches: Small patches which stick to your skin and release oestrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy. A suitable option for women who struggle to remember to take a daily pill.

Vaginal ring:

• NuvaRing: A vaginal ring that’s inserted directly into the vagina that’s up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. The NuvaRing lasts for 3 weeks, so is an alternative for women who do not want to take a daily pill.

Contraceptive injection:

• The injection contains a man made version of progesterone and works by stopping ovulation. It lasts for 8 to 13 depending on which type you are given. The injection must be given by a trained medical professional.

Contraceptive implant:

• A small plastic rod that’s inserted under the skin in your arm by a doctor or nurse. It releases progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. It works for 3 years before it needs to be replaced.

Intrauterine system(IUS) (the coil):

• A small plastic T-shaped device that is inserted into your womb by a doctor or nurse and releases progestogen. It is safe to use while breastfeeding and can last 3 to 8 years.

Non hormonal contraception:

• Condoms (male and female)
• Diaphragms
• Copper coil (intrauterine device)

Is Cerazette the same as Cerelle?

Yes, the only difference between Cerazette and Cerelle is the branding. They both contain the same active ingredient in the same dose, and work in exactly the same way to prevent pregnancy. Cerazette and Cerelle are made by different companies.

Why am I bleeding while taking Cerazette?

Vaginal bleeding while taking Cerazette is a common side effect, but you should continue taking the pill as normal. Vaginal bleeding may look like slight staining or it may be heavier and look like a period, and you may need to use sanitary towels or tampons. In most cases, bleeding is nothing to worry about and is not a sign that Cerazette is not working. If the bleeding is heavy or prolonged, you should speak to your doctor for advice.

Will I gain weight taking Cerazette?

Weight gain is listed as a common Cerazette side effect, but it does not mean you will definitely gain weight or that it will be significant. Weight gain can also be temporary and caused by water retention.

How long after stopping Cerazette will I have a period?

Most women will have a period within 2 to 4 weeks of coming off the pill but it can take up to 3 months for your periods to return to normal. If you haven’t had a period a month after coming off of Cerazette, you should take a pregnancy test to confirm you are not pregnant.

Can I take Cerazette to delay my period?

No, you cannot take Cerazette to delay your period. Contraceptive pills are not intended to be used to delay your period. Instead you may need to request period delay tablets.

Can I use Cerazette as emergency contraception?

No, Cerazette is a contraceptive pill and does not work as emergency contraception. If you have had unprotected sex or your contraceptive method has failed, you will need to use an emergency contraceptive pill or the intrauterine device (IUD).