Cerelle Contraception
Cerelle Contraception - What is Cerelle?
Cerelle, also known as the mini pill, is a progesterone only contraceptive pill which helps prevent pregnancy due to unprotected sex. This mini pill contains the active ingredient Desogestrel which is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Cerelle, like many other mini pills, does not contain oestrogen. This makes it a suitable option for women who are unable to take contraception containing oestrogen, especially those who are breastfeeding.
Is Cerelle suitable for everyone?
Although Cerelle is safe for many women, it may not be suitable for everyone. You may not be able to take Cerelle if you have or have previously had the following medical conditions:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Liver disease
- Breast cancer
- Kidney conditions
It is important to know who can and cannot take this medication. If you are unsure, always speak to a healthcare professional who can offer you with support and guidance on alternative contraception.
Are there any side effects with Cerelle?
Like many women’s contraception, Cerelle is generally safe and suitable for most. However, some women may experience mild side effects while taking Cerelle. One of the most common side effects when taking Cerelle is a change in your menstrual cycle. Your periods could become more irregular, lighter, or sometimes more frequent. Other common side effects of taking Cerelle can include:
- Acne
- Mood changes
- Changes in libido
- Weight gain or loss
Everyone’s experience can differ when it comes to taking medication. Not all people will experience these side effects, although some people may be more sensitive to the ingredients then others. It is always advisable to take the mini pill under the supervision of a healthcare professional and always seek support if something doesn’t feel right.
At Dr Pillmans, we have a dedicated team of registered UK clinicians who are here to provide you with ongoing support and guidance whenever you need it. Our team are happy to answer questions, big or small to ensure you feel safe and comfortable from ordering your prescription, and even after delivery.
We understand that privacy is extremely important when it comes to your body and health. That is why we have taken steps to ensure all of our medication is delivered directly to your door in discreet, plain and unbranded packaging. We want all of our customers to have confidence when ordering with us and in turn, we will guarantee you a reliable service with complete peace of mind from the comfort and privacy of your home.
How does Cerelle work?
Cerelle works by preventing ovulation. This means that the ovaries do not release an egg each month. As a result, a pregnancy cannot occur without an egg being released. Cerelle also helps to thicken the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix and reach an egg. Cerelle is known to be more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy making it a great option for many women. By taking Cerelle at the same time each day, this will help maintain its effectiveness and provide a great level of protection against unplanned pregnancies.
Frequently, Asked Questions
Cerelle is taken as an oral tablet, one to be taken daily at the same time. There are 28 tablets in a packet. Usually, you continue onto the next packet as soon as you finish one packet with no tablet-free break.
Yes, progestogen-only pills should be taken at the same time every day to work properly. For Cerelle, you are still protected as long as you take your pill within 12 hours of your usual time.
If you forget to take your Cerelle pill at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. Cerelle pills have a 12-hour window. This means as long as you take it within 12 hours of your usual time, you are still protected. If the time has been longer than this period, you may require additional contraception. Follow the information on the patient information leaflet or feel free to speak to one of the team members.
Progestogen-only pills are over 99% effective if taken correctly; if pills are missed or taken late, effectiveness can be reduced. You may require additional contraception, such as the morning-after pill or a copper IUD.
The timing of when you start taking your Cerelle tablets affects how quickly you gain contraceptive protection. Taking Cerelle on days 1 to 5 of your menstrual cycle provides immediate protection against pregnancy. If you are more than five days into your period cycle, you must use additional contraception, such as condoms, for a minimum of two days.
Cerelle is a progesterone-only oral contraceptive that can be used for people who can’t tolerate or don’t want oestrogen. Suitability will still depend on each individual’s medical history, current medications, and risk factors.
Yes, Cerelle, like other progesterone-only pills, can be used during breastfeeding. Depending on your circumstances, you should get advice from a clinician, midwife, or GP.
No. Cerelle is an effective form of contraception but does not protect individuals from sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can help reduce the risk of STIs.
Yes. Changes in your bleeding patterns may include irregularity, lighter flow, increased frequency, or a complete stop.
Common side effects include the following: Changes in your bleeding patterns may include irregularity, lighter flow, increased frequency, or a complete stop. Headaches, breast tenderness, acne, Reduced sex drive, nausea & weight changes
Yes. Mood changes, such as a low mood or other symptoms of depression, are a common side effect. If you notice a change in your mood after starting Cerelle, consult a healthcare professional.
Yes. Some medicines and herbal remedies can affect how Cerelle works. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you take medicines for tuberculosis, epilepsy, or HIV or if you take griseofulvin, lamotrigine, or St John’s wort.
No. Cerelle is not indicated for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during treatment with Cerelle, all further intake should be immediately stopped. You should contact your GP or midwife.
Yes. Cerelle is a reversible contraceptive. The timing for when ovulation can reoccur can vary in each individual.
Dr Pillmans provides an online consultation service for eligible patients seeking contraception. Your answers are reviewed for suitability before supply. If approved, your medication is packed discreetly in unbranded packaging and delivered straight to your door.
Cerelle is a progesterone-only contraceptive pill. Each tablet contains 75 micrograms of Desogestrel.
Yes. Cerelle only contains progestogen and does not contain oestrogen. This method is suitable for people who cannot use or tolerate contraception that contains oestrogen.
Cerelle works by stopping ovulation to prevent an egg from being released; it also increases the thickness of cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
Cerelle is taken as an oral tablet, one to be taken daily at the same time. There are 28 tablets in a packet. Usually, you continue onto the next packet as soon as you finish one packet with no tablet-free break.
Yes, progestogen-only pills should be taken at the same time every day to work properly. For Cerelle, you are still protected as long as you take your pill within 12 hours of your usual time.
If you forget to take your Cerelle pill at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. Cerelle pills have a 12-hour window. This means as long as you take it within 12 hours of your usual time, you are still protected. If the time has been longer than this period, you may require additional contraception. Follow the information on the patient information leaflet or feel free to speak to one of the team members.
Progestogen-only pills are over 99% effective if taken correctly; if pills are missed or taken late, effectiveness can be reduced. You may require additional contraception, such as the morning-after pill or a copper IUD.
The timing of when you start taking your Cerelle tablets affects how quickly you gain contraceptive protection. Taking Cerelle on days 1 to 5 of your menstrual cycle provides immediate protection against pregnancy. If you are more than five days into your period cycle, you must use additional contraception, such as condoms, for a minimum of two days.
Cerelle is a progesterone-only oral contraceptive that can be used for people who can’t tolerate or don’t want oestrogen. Suitability will still depend on each individual’s medical history, current medications, and risk factors.
Yes, Cerelle, like other progesterone-only pills, can be used during breastfeeding. Depending on your circumstances, you should get advice from a clinician, midwife, or GP.
No. Cerelle is an effective form of contraception but does not protect individuals from sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can help reduce the risk of STIs.
Yes. Changes in your bleeding patterns may include irregularity, lighter flow, increased frequency, or a complete stop.
Common side effects include the following: Changes in your bleeding patterns may include irregularity, lighter flow, increased frequency, or a complete stop. Headaches, breast tenderness, acne, Reduced sex drive, nausea & weight changes.
Yes. Mood changes, such as a low mood or other symptoms of depression, are a common side effect. If you notice a change in your mood after starting Cerelle, consult a healthcare professional.
Yes. Some medicines and herbal remedies can affect how Cerelle works. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you take medicines for tuberculosis, epilepsy, or HIV or if you take griseofulvin, lamotrigine, or St John’s wort.
No. Cerelle is not indicated for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during treatment with Cerelle, all further intake should be immediately stopped. You should contact your GP or midwife.
Yes. Cerelle is a reversible contraceptive. The timing for when ovulation can reoccur can vary in each individual.
Dr Pillmans provides an online consultation service for eligible patients seeking contraception. Your answers are reviewed for suitability before supply. If approved, your medication is packed discreetly in unbranded packaging and delivered straight to your door.
Written by Imran Lakhi
Independent Prescribing Pharmacist GPHC 2060586
Reviewed by date: 21/05/2026
Reviewed by Muhammedammar Patel
Pharmacist GPHC 2210444
Reviewed by date: 21/05/2026