What is Cerelle?

Cerelle is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill (POP), often called the mini pill. It contains desogestrel 75 micrograms and is used to prevent pregnancy.

Cerelle does not contain oestrogen, which makes it suitable for people who cannot take combined oral contraceptive pills. When taken correctly, Cerelle works mainly by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to reduce the chance of pregnancy.

Cerelle does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — condoms are recommended for STI protection.

What is Cerelle Used For?

Contraception: Preventing pregnancy when taken correctly
Oestrogen-free contraception: Suitable for those who cannot take combined pills
Breastfeeding-compatible contraception: Commonly used after childbirth
Some people also experience lighter, irregular, or absent periods while taking Cerelle.

How Does Cerelle Work?

Cerelle prevents pregnancy by:

Stopping ovulation in most users
Thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg
When taken correctly, Cerelle is over 99% effective.

When Should I Use Cerelle?

Cerelle may be suitable if you:

Cannot take oestrogen
Have migraines with aura
Are breastfeeding
Prefer a pill with no pill-free break

A clinician will review your medical history to confirm Cerelle is appropriate for you.

Who Can Use Cerelle?

Adult women (18+) who want oestrogen-free contraception
Those medically eligible for a progestogen-only pill
Breastfeeding individuals (with clinical review)

Who Should Not Use Cerelle?

You should not take Cerelle if you:

Have current or past breast cancer
Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
Have severe liver disease
Are allergic to desogestrel or any other ingredients
Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) and complete the clinical assessment fully before starting.

Can I Get Cerelle Without a Prescription?

No. Cerelle is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
It can be supplied through a UK-registered online pharmacy after a clinician confirms it is suitable for you.

Alternative Contraceptive Options

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs)
Other progestogen-only pills (POPs)
Contraceptive implant, injection, or coil (IUD/IUS)
A clinician can help you choose the option that best suits your health and lifestyle.

How to Take Cerelle:

Take one tablet every day, at the same time each day
Take tablets continuously with no break between packs
Start the next pack immediately after finishing the previous one
Cerelle has a 12-hour missed pill window.

If a pill is taken more than 12 hours late, effectiveness may be reduced.

If you miss a pill, follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet.

If you’re unsure what to do, speak to your pharmacist or GP, or call NHS 111 for advice.

Active ingredient:

Desogestrel 75 micrograms

Other ingredients (excipients):

May include lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, and tablet coating agents.
Cerelle contains lactose.

Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) for the full ingredient list, especially if you have allergies or lactose intolerance.

Common side effects:

Changes in bleeding pattern (spotting, irregular bleeding, or no periods)
Headaches
Acne
Breast tenderness
Mood changes

Less common:

Weight changes
Reduced libido
Ovarian cysts (usually harmless and resolve on their own)

Serious but rare:

Allergic reactions
Blood clots (risk is much lower than with combined pills)

Seek urgent medical help (999 / A&E) if you develop facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of a severe allergic reaction

Contact your GP if bleeding is very heavy, prolonged, or troublesome

Call NHS 111 if you’re unsure whether symptoms are related to Cerelle

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for full safety information.