HOW DO YOU TAKE DESOGESTREL PILL?
One tablet should be taken at same time each day, starting on day 1 of cycle then taken continuously with no breaks to prevent pregnancy. The packs are taken back-to-back without a break, including during your period. Many females won’t have their period at all while on desogestrel tablets which is normal. You should swallow the tablet whole, with water.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE THIS PILL?
If you forget to take this pill, you still have a 12-hour window in which it can be taken and still protect you from pregnancy. This is a longer window than most other mini pills. You should take the pill as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the normal time – even if this may mean you take 2 pills in one day.
If you forget to take a pill within 12 hours of your usual time, you will not be protected against pregnancy and this is counted as a ‘missed pill’. You should still continue to take your pills as usual, but use an additional form of contraception (such as condoms) for the next two days.
If you did have unprotected sexual intercourse during this time, you may need an emergency contraception – also sometimes known as the plan B or morning after pill. This should be discussed with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist to ensure you receive the right treatment within the correct time frame.
HOW DOES DESOGESTREL WORK?
This medication is a progestogen-only mini pill containing the active ingredient desogestrel, which is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Cerazette is the branded version, whilst desogestrel is the generic version and they both contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way.
Most progestogen-only pills (POPs) work primarily by preventing the sperm cells from entering the womb but they do not always prevent the egg cell from ripening, which is the main way that combined pills work. The desogestrel pill is different from most POPs as in most cases it prevents the egg cell from ripening, which is why it is a highly effective contraceptive tablet.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT DESOGESTREL?
Desogestrel when used correctly can be up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, it should be started on day 1-5 of your period to immediately protected against pregnancy. If you vomit within 3-4 hours after taking this medication or are suffering from severe diarrhoea you may not be protected against pregnancy. If this happens, you should consult a qualified doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice as additional measures may need to be taken.
It is important to note that no contraceptive pill is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy and no contraceptive pill can protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFERENT BRANDS OF THIS TREATMENT?
Cerazette is the branded version of this medication. The generic form is called desogestrel and there are other names such as Cerelle, Desomono, Desorex, Feanolla, Moonia and Zelleta. All of which contain the same active ingredient desogestrel and work in the exact same way and may be more cost-effective.
