Cerelle

What is Cerelle?

Cerelle is a popular progestogen-only contraceptive pill, often referred to as the 'mini pill', that is taken by women to prevent pregnancy. It offers an effective hormonal birth control option without containing oestrogen. This may make it a suitable option for anyone who is over 35 and smokes or is breastfeeding and looking for effective birth control.

The Cerelle pill is a generic form of Cerazette, another popular mini-pill. Because the Cerazette patents lapsed, other manufacturers were able to produce equivalent versions, either under a generic name or alternative brands such as Cerelle or Feanolla. Cerelle is manufactured by Gedeon Richter.

The Benefits Of Using Cerelle Mini Pills

Cerelle is a mini-pill, which means it does not contain oestrogen. This makes it a suitable contraceptive method for anyone who chooses not to or cannot take oestrogen. Some of the benefits of taking Cerelle include:

• It is suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen.
• It can be taken up to 12 hours late (unlike other mini pills with a shorter window).
• It’s suitable for breastfeeding women.
• It reduces menstrual bleeding or stops periods altogether for some women.
• It prevents ovulation, unlike earlier mini pills.

How Does Cerelle Work?

The active ingredient in Cerelle, desogestrel, works by mimicking the effects of progesterone, a naturally produced female hormone. It works in 2 ways to prevent pregnancy. They are:

1. Preventing ovulation or the release of an egg from being released from the ovaries. This is Cerelle’s primary mechanism of action.
2. Thickening the cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to enter the womb and fertilise an egg.

Cerelle’s main mechanism of action, ovulation prevention, is what really sets it apart from older progestogen-only pills, such as Noriday, which primarily focuses on changes to cervical mucus and inhibiting the movement of eggs. Cerelle mini pills may also protect against pregnancy by having additional contraceptive effects on the womb lining and the activity of cilia in the fallopian tubes.

Although Cerelle can effectively prevent pregnancy when it is taken correctly, it will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The most reliable way to protect you and your partner from STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis is to use condoms each time you have sex.

How Long Does Cerelle Take to Work?

If you start taking Cerelle on day 1 of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy straight away and will not need to use an additional method of contraception. If you start taking Cerelle any time after day 1 of your period, you will need to use an additional method of contraception, such as condoms, until you have taken Cerelle for 7 days.

How Effective is Cerelle?

When taken correctly, Cerelle is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, its effectiveness is closer to being 91% effective if typical use is taken into account. This includes missing pills, taking them late, vomiting within 4 hours of taking them, or having severe diarrhoea. This means that 9 out of 100 Cerelle users will become pregnant every year.

Clinical studies have shown that using Cerelle as a birth control method for 2 consecutive cycles resulted in an incidence of ovulation of 1%. Therefore, this demonstrates that Cerelle stops ovulation in 99% of cases.

How to Take Cerelle

The best time to start Cerelle is on the first day of your period, as this means you will be protected against pregnancy immediately. Cerelle comes in strips of 28 pills, and you should take 1 pill every day without a break. You should swallow the Cerelle pill whole with a glass of water at the same time every day.

To take Cerelle, you should:

1. Start the strip by taking a pill from the top row. Choose a pill that corresponds with the correct day of the week. For example, if it is Monday, take a pill from the top row marked ‘Mon’. You can find the days of the week printed on the back of the strip.
2. Continue taking one pill each day, following the direction of the arrows, until you have finished the strip.
3. When the strip is finished, start a new Cerelle strip the next day without a break or waiting for a bleed.

Some people may experience some vaginal bleeding when using Cerelle. If you do, continue taking your pills as normal without stopping. If you are concerned, contact your clinician for advice.

Switching From a Combined Pill, Vaginal Ring, or Transdermal Patch

If you are switching to Cerelle from a combined pill, vaginal ring, or patch, and you have a pill, ring, or patch-free break, you can:

• Start on the day after your pill, ring, or patch-free break ends, or when you have finished all of the inactive or placebo pills.
• You will need to use an additional method of contraception, like condoms, for the first 7 days of taking Cerelle.

If you are switching to Cerelle from a combined pill, vaginal ring, or patch, and you don’t have a break, you can:

• Start taking Cerelle on the day after your last pill or on the day of removal of your vaginal ring or patch.
• If your current pill contains inactive or placebo pills, you can start Cerelle on the day after your last active tablet.
• You do not need to use an additional method of contraception and will be protected against pregnancy straight away.

If you switch from an injection, implant, or hormonal intrauterine system (IUS), start taking Cerelle when your next injection is due or on the day that your implant or IUS is removed. You do not need to use an additional method of contraception.

Switching From Another Mini Pill

If you switch to Cerelle from another mini pill, you can stop taking your current pill and start taking Cerelle straight away. You will not need to use an additional method of contraception when you switch to Cerelle.

Cerelle Pill: Do You Take a Break?

No, Cerelle is a progestogen-only pill which is taken consistently every day for 28 days without a break between strips. So, when you finish a strip, you start the next one the next day. Because, unlike some other mini pills, Cerelle prevents ovulation and suppresses your menstrual cycle, taking a break can cause you to lose your protection against pregnancy. So, it is important to take Cerelle exactly as it is prescribed to ensure it remains effective

Cerelle Missed Pill Guidance

Cerelle is a 12-hour pill, which means it needs to be taken within 12 hours of the same time each day to stay effective. Some mini-pills have a 3-hour window, so Cerelle offers more flexibility than some other types.

If you are less than 12 hours late taking Cerelle, take the pill as soon as you remember, and take the next one at the normal time. You will not need to use any additional contraception, as your protection will be maintained.

If you are more than 12 hours late taking Cerelle, you may not be protected against pregnancy. You should take the missed pill as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the usual time, even if it means taking two pills in one day. If you have forgotten more than one pill, you don’t need to take the earlier missed pills to make up for the missed doses. You should continue taking your pills as usual, but you must use an additional contraception method for 7 days.

If you have missed at least one pill and have had unprotected sex, you should speak to a clinician as you may need emergency contraception.

If you missed one or more Cerelle pills during the first week of taking the tablets and you had unprotected sex in the week before missing the tablets, you could become pregnant. You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

What Happens if You Take Too Many Cerelle Pills?

If you take too many Cerelle pills, it is unlikely to cause you serious harm, but it may cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding. If you get any of these symptoms or are concerned because you’ve taken too many Cerelle pills, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

If You Vomit or Have Diarrhoea

If you vomit within 3 to 4 hours of taking Cerelle, or have severe diarrhoea, the active ingredient may not have been completely absorbed. If this happens, you should follow the missed pill advice.

If you are unsure, the NHS also offers advice about what to do if you are sick or have diarrhoea when taking a mini pill.

Cerelle Side Effects and Cautions

It is important to familiarise yourself with the potential side effects and cautions before taking Cerelle, so you know what to expect.

Cerelle Pill Side Effects

All medicines, including Cerelle, can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. Many people find that they are temporary and mild, often improving once their bodies get used to desogestrel.
 

For a full list of potential Cerelle side effects, read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your pill or view it online.

If you experience any Cerelle side effects, including those not listed in the patient leaflet, you should report them to the Yellow Card Scheme. If you experience any side effects that are difficult to manage or do not get better, speak to your clinician for advice.

When to See Your Doctor

Although serious Cerelle side effects are rare, if you get any of the following, you should see a doctor as soon as possible:

• You have severe pain or swelling in either of your legs, unexplained chest pain, breathlessness, or an unusual cough, especially if you are also coughing up blood
• You have a sudden or severe stomach ache or jaundice
• You find a lump in your breast
• You have sudden, severe pains in your lower abdomen or stomach
• You will be off your feet for a while, or you are going to have surgery
• You have any unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding
• You think you might be pregnant

If you get any serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction with difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, you should call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department straight away for treatment.

Cerelle Pills and Breast Cancer

There is a slightly increased risk of breast cancer when taking Cerelle compared to people who do not take the pill. However, this risk returns to the same level as someone who has never taken the pill 10 years after stopping Cerelle.

The risk of developing breast cancer is influenced by the age at which you stop taking it rather than how long you take it for. That’s because the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
 

If you have a family history of breast cancer or are concerned about the increased risk of breast cancer while taking Cerelle, speak to your clinician.

Risk of Thrombosis

Although there is a slightly increased chance of thrombosis (blood clot) while taking the pill, the risk is lower in mini-pill users compared to people who take the combined pill. There is a risk of developing a blood clot even if you do not use the pill, and if you are pregnant.

If you have a history of blood clots, either personal or family, you should let your clinician know during your consultation so they can determine whether Cerelle is right for you. Because the risk is reduced in mini pill users, people who are over 35 and smoke may be better suited to progestogen-only pill options. However, you should avoid smoking because of the health risks. Use our quit smoking service to help you find appropriate treatment.

Psychiatric Disorders

Some people who use hormonal contraceptives, including Cerelle, have reported depression or a depressed mood. Depression is serious and can cause some people to have suicidal thoughts. If you experience mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts while taking Cerelle, speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

Cerelle Warnings and Interactions

Cerelle is an effective birth control method, but it may not be suitable for everyone. You should discuss any health conditions you have or medications you are taking with a clinician before starting Cerelle, so they can determine whether it is safe and suitable for you.

Do not take Cerelle if you:

• Are allergic to desogestrel or any other ingredients listed in this medication
• Have a blood clot in your legs, lungs, or anywhere else in the body
• Have or have had jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) or severe liver disease, and your liver function has not yet returned to normal
• Have or are suspected of having a hormone-sensitive cancer, such as some types of breast cancer
• Have any unexplained vaginal bleeding

Cerelle Warnings

Before taking Cerelle, you should let your clinician know if you have:

• Or have ever had breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Or have ever had a blood clot (thrombosis)
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Tuberculosis
• High blood pressure
• Or have had chloasma
• Depression or mood changes

Cerelle Interactions

Some medications can interact with Cerelle, affecting how it works and its effectiveness. Before taking Cerelle, tell the clinician during your consultation about any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications that you are taking.

Tell your clinician if you are taking any medications to treat:

• Epilepsy
• Tuberculosis
• HIV infections
• Hepatitis C infections
• Some other infectious diseases
• High blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs
• Depressive moods
• Certain bacterial infections
• Fungal infections
• High blood pressure

If you are taking any medications or herbal products that might make Cerelle less effective, you should use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms. An additional barrier method may also be needed for up to 28 days after stopping a medication or herbal supplement that interacts with Cerelle.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not take Cerelle if you are or think you might be pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and contact your doctor straight away. 

Cerelle may be used while breastfeeding and does not appear to affect breast milk production or quality. Small amounts pass into breast milk, and available study data have not shown effects on the growth and development of breastfed children. There have been infrequent reports of reduced milk production, so speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding and want to use Cerelle.

Where Can I Buy Cerelle Contraceptive Pills?

Cerelle is a prescription-only mini-pill, which means you must have the approval of a healthcare professional to get it. You can visit your GP or a sexual health clinic to get it on the NHS, or you can get it privately from trusted online pharmacies or clinics.

Can I Buy Cerelle Over the Counter?

No, Cerelle is not available over the counter because it is a prescription-only medicine. If you would prefer to get a mini pill without a prescription, Hana is a 75 mcg desogestrel pill that can be bought over the counter.

Is Cerelle on the NHS?

Yes, Cerelle is available on the NHS, but you will need to visit your GP or a sexual health clinic to get it. A healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, will discuss your medical history with you to determine whether it is safe for you to take and will let you know whether it is available in your area.

Can I Buy Cerelle Online?

Yes, Cerelle is available to buy online from reputable pharmacies, such as Prescription Doctor. You must complete a short online consultation so a clinician can make sure it is a suitable contraceptive method for you.

If our clinician approves Cerelle for you, we will send your medication using our next-day delivery service if your order is approved before 3 pm Monday to Friday. We will always send your medication in plain, discreet packaging. All medications are licensed in the UK and dispensed by our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered pharmacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cerelle Pills