Cerazette

Cerazette is a type of hormonal contraceptive commonly known as the 'mini pill' or progestogen-only pill (POP). Cerazette contain the active ingredient Desogestrel, which is a synthetic progestogen, similar to the natural progestogens produced by the body.

Desogestrel works as a contraceptive primarily by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It also acts by increasing the thickness of the natural mucus at the neck of the womb, making it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb. By preventing sperm entering the womb, successful fertilisation of any eggs that are released is less likely. Desogestrel also acts to change the quality of the womb lining (endometrium). This prevents the successful implantation of any fertilised eggs onto the wall of the womb, thereby preventing pregnancy.

Ideally, you should start taking Cerazette on day one of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period). This will protect you from pregnancy immediately and you won't need to use any additional methods of contraception. If necessary, you can also start taking it up to day five of your cycle without needing to use additional contraception when you start. However, if you have a short menstrual cycle (with your period coming every 23 days or less), starting as late as the fifth day of your cycle may not provide you with immediate contraceptive protection. You should talk to your doctor or nurse about this and whether you need to use an additional contraceptive method for the first two days.

You can also start taking Cerazette at any other time in your cycle if your doctor is reasonably sure that you are not pregnant. If you start taking this pill at any other time in your cycle, you will need to use additional contraception, eg condoms for the first two days of pill taking.

If you are starting Cerazette after having a baby you should start taking it on day 21 after giving birth. You will then be protected against pregnancy immediately and do not need to use extra contraception. (You can start taking it before day 21, but this increases the risk of breakthrough bleeding and is unnecessary.) If you start taking it later than 21 days after giving birth, you should use extra contraception for the first two days of pill taking.

If you are starting Cerazette immediately after a miscarriage or abortion at under 24 weeks, you will protected against pregnancy immediately. If you start taking it more than seven days after the miscarriage or abortion, you should use extra contraception for the first two days of pill taking.

Not to be used in - known or suspected pregnancy; Women with abnormal vaginal bleeding, the cause of which has not yet been diagnosed; Breast cancer; Hereditary blood disorders called acute porphyrias.

Cerazette should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Side effects are: changes in menstrual bleeding, eg irregular bleeding or sometimes stopping of bleeding; mood changes; decreased sex drive; headache; nausea; acne; breast tenderness; weight gain.