Cerazette is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill (mini pill) containing desogestrel 75 micrograms. It is taken once a day without a break. It was the original desogestrel mini pill brand and is free on the NHS through the Pharmacy Contraception Service.

Is Cerazette a desogestrel pill?

Yes. Cerazette contains desogestrel 75 micrograms. Cerelle, Feanolla, and Zelleta are the same medicine under different brand names.

What are the side effects of Cerazette?

Common side effects include irregular bleeding, acne, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, and nausea. These usually settle within 2 to 3 months. Cerazette does not increase blood clot risk.

How late can I take Cerazette?

Cerazette has a 12 hour late window. If you take it less than 12 hours after your usual time, you are still protected. If more than 12 hours late, take it as soon as you remember and use condoms for 48 hours.

How long does Cerazette take to work?

If you start Cerazette on day 1 of your period, you are protected straight away. If you start at any other time, it takes 2 days of taking it correctly to become effective, so use condoms for the first 48 hours.

Will Cerazette stop my periods?

It can. Around 1 in 5 people on desogestrel find their periods stop. Others have lighter or irregular bleeding, especially in the first 3 months. These changes are normal and not harmful.

Can I take Cerazette while breastfeeding?

Yes. Cerazette does not contain oestrogen and is safe to take from birth while breastfeeding. It is one of the most commonly recommended pill types for breastfeeding mothers.

Cerazette: What You Need to Know

Reviewed by Usama Ali, MPharm (GPhC: 2224726). Last reviewed: July 2026.

Cerazette is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill (mini pill) containing desogestrel 75 micrograms. It is taken once a day with no break between packs and has a 12 hour late window. It is free on the NHS through the Pharmacy Contraception Service and is clinically equivalent to Cerelle, Feanolla, and Zelleta.

What is Cerazette?

Cerazette is a mini pill containing desogestrel 75 micrograms. It was the original desogestrel mini pill and is made by Organon. It is the same medicine as Cerelle, Feanolla, and Zelleta. Unlike the combined pill, it contains no oestrogen, so it suits people who are breastfeeding, have migraines with aura, smoke and are over 35, or have raised blood pressure.

How does Cerazette work?

It stops your ovaries releasing an egg in most cycles, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the womb lining. Taken correctly it is more than 99% effective, around 91% with typical use (FSRH, 2022). Because desogestrel stops ovulation, Cerazette is more effective than traditional mini pills.

How do you take Cerazette?

Take one tablet at the same time each day, every day, with no break. It has a 12 hour late window: within 12 hours you are still protected; more than 12 hours late, take it as soon as you remember and use condoms for 48 hours. Start on day 1 of your period for immediate protection; otherwise use condoms for 2 days. Use our missed pill tool for personalised advice.

Is Cerazette the same as Cerelle?

Yes. Cerazette and Cerelle both contain desogestrel 75 micrograms. They work the same way, have the same effectiveness, carry the same low risks, and produce the same side effects. The only difference is who makes them. For a full side-by-side, read Cerelle vs Cerazette.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include irregular bleeding, acne, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, nausea, and changes in body weight, usually settling within 2 to 3 months. Changes to bleeding are the most common. Cerazette does not increase blood clot risk. See the pill and blood clots.

Who can take Cerazette?

Suitable for most people aged 16 to 54 through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, including while breastfeeding, with migraine with aura, smoking over 35, raised BMI or blood pressure, or a history of blood clots. Not suitable if you have or have had breast cancer, severe liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. A blood pressure reading is not usually needed for the mini pill.

What happens to your periods on Cerazette?

Around 1 in 5 people on desogestrel find their periods stop; others have lighter, less frequent, or irregular bleeding, especially in the first 3 months. These changes are not harmful. If bleeding is heavy or persistent after 3 months, speak to your pharmacist, as switching is straightforward.

How to get Cerazette free

Available free on the NHS via your GP, a sexual health clinic, or a pharmacy through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. With Contraception Direct, book a free phone consultation and your pill is posted discreetly within 1 to 3 working days. Under the PCS you may receive Cerazette, Cerelle, Feanolla, Zelleta, or generic desogestrel. They are all the same medicine.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cerazette?: Cerazette is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill (mini pill) containing desogestrel 75 micrograms. It is taken once a day without a break. It was the original desogestrel mini pill brand and is free on the NHS through the Pharmacy Contraception Service.
Is Cerazette the same as Cerelle?: Yes. Both contain desogestrel 75 micrograms and are clinically equivalent. The differences are the manufacturer and packaging. If your pharmacy switches you from one to the other, the contraceptive effect has not changed.
Is Cerazette a desogestrel pill?: Yes. Cerazette contains desogestrel 75 micrograms. Cerelle, Feanolla, and Zelleta are the same medicine under different brand names.
What are the side effects of Cerazette?: Common side effects include irregular bleeding, acne, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, and nausea. These usually settle within 2 to 3 months. Cerazette does not increase blood clot risk.
How late can I take Cerazette?: Cerazette has a 12 hour late window. If you take it less than 12 hours after your usual time, you are still protected. If more than 12 hours late, take it as soon as you remember and use condoms for 48 hours.
How long does Cerazette take to work?: If you start Cerazette on day 1 of your period, you are protected straight away. If you start at any other time, it takes 2 days of taking it correctly to become effective, so use condoms for the first 48 hours.
Will Cerazette stop my periods?: It can. Around 1 in 5 people on desogestrel find their periods stop. Others have lighter or irregular bleeding, especially in the first 3 months. These changes are normal and not harmful.
Can I take Cerazette while breastfeeding?: Yes. Cerazette does not contain oestrogen and is safe to take from birth while breastfeeding. It is one of the most commonly recommended pill types for breastfeeding mothers.

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