Zelleta Contraception
Zelleta Contraception - What is it?
Zelleta pills are a progestogen only contraception which helps to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Zelleta contains the active ingredient Desogestrel, which is a synthetic version of the female hormone. This gives women protection against pregnancy without the use of oestrogen.
Most traditional combined oral contraception pills contain both progestogen and oestrogen, however this is not suitable for all women. Zelleta is a mini pill which only contains progestogen which is often a suitable option for women who cannot take oestrogen for various reasons, including those who are breastfeeding. Zelleta works by stopping ovulation in most women. It also helps to stop sperm from reaching the womb through the cervix, which makes it an effective contraception option.
Is Zelleta suitable for everyone?
Zelleta is not like the traditional combined oral contraception. These mini pills only contain progestogen which makes them suitable for those who cannot tolerate oestrogen. If you’re unsure on which oral contraceptive pill is best for you, it would be helpful to try out different contraceptive options over a few months to figure out which one works best for you. Zelleta is often suitable for new mums who have just had a baby and are planning to breastfeed.
Is there anything I should be aware of when taking Zelleta?
Zelleta provides an effective contraceptive method for most women who want to avoid unwanted pregnancy. However, it is important to know that it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. The mini pill shouldn’t be taken by those who have a history of blood clots, liver disease, including some types of cancer.
While taking Zelleta, some people may develop ovarian cysts. These are generally harmless and often resolve on their own without treatment. However, some women may experience pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. If you experience any new or unusual symptoms while taking Zelleta, seek urgent medical advice. If you would like to find out whether Zelleta is suitable for you, we can help by reviewing your medical history and discussing your individual needs before prescribing.
Zelleta is available at the touch of a button. We have a team of registered UK clinicians are dedicated to offer ongoing support and guidance whenever you need it. Zelleta is delivered directly to your door in plain and discreet packaging to give you peace of mind from the comfort and privacy of home.
How do I take Zelleta?
Zelleta should be taken once daily as the same time each day to remain effective. Each pack contains 28 tablets which need to be taken consecutively without any breaks in between the packs. If you’re new to Zelleta, it’s best to start taking this on the first day of your period, as this will provide protection immediately. Some women can experience temporary changes to their menstrual cycle whilst taking Zelleta. This means your bleeding can become irregular or even completely stop. However, this should return back to normal soon as soon as you stop taking the pill and fertility will return back to normal.
Frequently, Asked Questions
Zelleta is a progesterone-only contraceptive pill. Each tablet contains 75 micrograms of Desogestrel.
Yes. Zelleta only contains progestogen and does not contain oestrogen. This method is suitable for people who cannot use or tolerate contraception that contains oestrogen.
Zelleta 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.
Zelleta 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 Zelleta, you are still protected as long as you take your pill within 12 hours of your usual time.
If you forget to take your Zelleta pill at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. Zelleta 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 Zelleta tablets affects how quickly you gain contraceptive protection. Taking Zelleta 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.
Zelleta 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, Zelleta, 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. Zelleta 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 Zelleta, consult a healthcare professional.
Yes. Some medicines and herbal remedies can affect how Zelleta 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. Zelleta is not indicated for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during treatment with Zelleta, all further intake should be immediately stopped. You should contact your GP or midwife.
Yes. Zelleta 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.
Zelleta is a progesterone-only contraceptive pill. Each tablet contains 75 micrograms of Desogestrel.
Yes. Zelleta only contains progestogen and does not contain oestrogen. This method is suitable for people who cannot use or tolerate contraception that contains oestrogen.
Zelleta 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.
Zelleta 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 Zelleta, you are still protected as long as you take your pill within 12 hours of your usual time.
If you forget to take your Zelleta pill at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. Zelleta 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 Zelleta tablets affects how quickly you gain contraceptive protection. Taking Zelleta 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.
Zelleta 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, Zelleta, 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. Zelleta 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 Zelleta, consult a healthcare professional.
Yes. Some medicines and herbal remedies can affect how Zelleta 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. Zelleta is not indicated for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during treatment with Zelleta, all further intake should be immediately stopped. You should contact your GP or midwife.
Yes. Zelleta 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