Desogestrel is a progestogen (a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone) used in the mini pill at a dose of 75 micrograms. It is the most commonly used mini pill ingredient in the UK and is sold under brand names including Cerelle, Cerazette, Feanolla, and Zelleta.

Is Cerelle the same as desogestrel?

Yes. Cerelle is a brand of desogestrel 75 microgram mini pill. Cerazette, Feanolla, Zelleta, and unbranded generic desogestrel are also the same medicine. They contain the same active ingredient at the same dose and work identically.

Is Cerazette desogestrel?

Yes. Cerazette contains desogestrel 75 micrograms, the same as Cerelle, Feanolla, and Zelleta. Cerazette was the original brand; the others are equivalents made by different manufacturers.

Are all desogestrel pills the same?

Clinically, yes. Every desogestrel 75 microgram mini pill has the same active ingredient, dose, 12 hour window, and effectiveness. The only differences are the brand name, packaging, and inactive ingredients. If your pharmacy switches you between them, the contraceptive effect is unchanged.

What is the difference between Cerelle, Feanolla and Zelleta?

Only the manufacturer and packaging. Cerelle is made by Consilient Health, Feanolla and Zelleta by other companies. All contain desogestrel 75 micrograms and are clinically equivalent to Cerazette.

How late can I take a desogestrel pill?

Desogestrel 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.

Does desogestrel stop your 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.

What are the alternatives to desogestrel?

Other mini pills include Slynd (drospirenone, 24 hour window) and traditional pills like Noriday (norethisterone) and Norgeston (levonorgestrel), which have a stricter 3 hour window. If you can take oestrogen, the combined pill is also an option. Your pharmacist will help you choose.

Desogestrel: The Mini Pill Explained

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

Desogestrel is a progestogen used in the mini pill (progestogen-only pill) at a dose of 75 micrograms. It is sold under several brand names, including Cerelle, Cerazette, Feanolla, and Zelleta, which are all the same medicine. It has a 12 hour late window and stops ovulation in most cycles.

Desogestrel is taken every day with no break and is free on the NHS through the Pharmacy Contraception Service.

What is desogestrel?

Desogestrel is a progestogen, a synthetic version of the natural hormone progesterone. In contraception it is used in the mini pill at 75 micrograms per tablet. It is the most commonly used mini pill ingredient in the UK, and because it stops ovulation in most cycles it is more reliable than older mini pills and has a more forgiving 12 hour window. 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.

Which brands contain desogestrel?

Desogestrel is sold as Cerazette (the original brand), Cerelle, Feanolla, Zelleta, Aizea, and unbranded generic desogestrel. All contain desogestrel 75 micrograms and are clinically equivalent. The brand you receive depends on cost and stock, not clinical difference. For a side-by-side of the two most common, read Cerelle vs Cerazette.

Brand	Active ingredient	Dose	Clinically equivalent?
Cerazette	Desogestrel	75 micrograms	Original brand
Cerelle	Desogestrel	75 micrograms	Yes
Feanolla	Desogestrel	75 micrograms	Yes
Zelleta	Desogestrel	75 micrograms	Yes
Aizea	Desogestrel	75 micrograms	Yes
Generic desogestrel	Desogestrel	75 micrograms	Yes

How does desogestrel 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 it stops ovulation, it is more effective than traditional mini pills that rely on cervical mucus and have a stricter 3 hour window.

How do you take a desogestrel pill?

Take one tablet at the same time each day, every day, with no break between packs. 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. If you start on day 1 of your period you are protected straight away; otherwise use condoms for 2 days. Use our missed pill tool for personalised advice.

What are the side effects of desogestrel?

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 effect. Desogestrel does not increase the risk of blood clots, unlike the combined pill. See the pill and blood clots.

Who can take desogestrel?

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 desogestrel?

Around 1 in 5 people find their periods stop; others have lighter, less frequent, or irregular bleeding, especially in the first 3 months. These changes are not harmful, and there is no medical need for a monthly bleed on the mini pill. If bleeding is heavy or persistent after 3 months, speak to your pharmacist, as switching is straightforward.

How to get a desogestrel pill 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 Cerelle, Cerazette, Feanolla, Zelleta, or generic desogestrel. They are all the same medicine.

Frequently asked questions

What is desogestrel?: Desogestrel is a progestogen (a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone) used in the mini pill at a dose of 75 micrograms. It is the most commonly used mini pill ingredient in the UK and is sold under brand names including Cerelle, Cerazette, Feanolla, and Zelleta.
Is Cerelle the same as desogestrel?: Yes. Cerelle is a brand of desogestrel 75 microgram mini pill. Cerazette, Feanolla, Zelleta, and unbranded generic desogestrel are also the same medicine. They contain the same active ingredient at the same dose and work identically.
Is Cerazette desogestrel?: Yes. Cerazette contains desogestrel 75 micrograms, the same as Cerelle, Feanolla, and Zelleta. Cerazette was the original brand; the others are equivalents made by different manufacturers.
Are all desogestrel pills the same?: Clinically, yes. Every desogestrel 75 microgram mini pill has the same active ingredient, dose, 12 hour window, and effectiveness. The only differences are the brand name, packaging, and inactive ingredients. If your pharmacy switches you between them, the contraceptive effect is unchanged.
What is the difference between Cerelle, Feanolla and Zelleta?: Only the manufacturer and packaging. Cerelle is made by Consilient Health, Feanolla and Zelleta by other companies. All contain desogestrel 75 micrograms and are clinically equivalent to Cerazette.
What are the side effects of desogestrel?: Common side effects include irregular bleeding, acne, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, and nausea. These usually settle within 2 to 3 months. Desogestrel does not increase blood clot risk, unlike the combined pill.
How late can I take a desogestrel pill?: Desogestrel 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.
Does desogestrel stop your 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.
What are the alternatives to desogestrel?: Other mini pills include Slynd (drospirenone, 24 hour window) and traditional pills like Noriday (norethisterone) and Norgeston (levonorgestrel), which have a stricter 3 hour window. If you can take oestrogen, the combined pill is also an option. Your pharmacist will help you choose.

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