Desogestrel 75mcg Mini Pill

Desogestrel is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill, often called the mini pill. You take one 75 microgram tablet every day, with no break between packs. It's more than 99% effective when taken correctly and, because it contains no oestrogen, it suits many people who can't take the combined pill. At MedsRus, a UK prescriber reviews a confidential online consultation before supplying desogestrel, and we send it in plain packaging.

Desogestrel at a glance

How does desogestrel work?

Desogestrel mainly works by stopping your ovaries releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb, making it harder for sperm to get through, and thins the womb lining.

Older mini pills mostly worked by thickening the mucus, so they had to be taken within a 3-hour window. Desogestrel stops ovulation more reliably, which is why it has a more forgiving 12-hour window.

Who can take desogestrel?

Because it doesn't contain oestrogen, desogestrel is suitable for many people who can't take the combined pill, including those who:

• are over 35 and smoke;
• have high blood pressure or a BMI over 35;
• get migraines with aura;
• are breastfeeding;
• have a higher risk of blood clots.

It may not be suitable if you have, or have had, breast cancer, severe liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. The consultation checks this. For a comparison with the combined pill, see our contraceptive pill page.

How to take desogestrel

• Take one tablet at the same time every day.
• When you finish a pack, start the next one the next day. There's no break.
• Starting on days 1 to 5 of your period: you're protected straight away.
• Starting on any other day: use condoms for the first 2 days.
• After giving birth: you can start at any time. If you start on or before day 21, you're protected straight away. If you start after day 21, use condoms for the first 2 days.

If you miss a pill

• Less than 12 hours late: take it as soon as you remember, and the next one at the usual time. You're still protected.
• More than 12 hours late: take the most recent missed pill straight away, carry on as normal, and use condoms for the next 2 days. If you had sex in the last few days, you may need emergency contraception.

If you're sick within 3 hours of taking a pill, take another one as soon as you can. Severe diarrhoea can also stop it working.

Does desogestrel stop periods?

It might. Periods on desogestrel are unpredictable:

• about 1 in 5 people stop having periods altogether;
• about 4 in 10 have fairly regular bleeding;
• the rest have irregular, infrequent or longer bleeding, or spotting.

Changes often settle in the first 3 months. Not having periods on desogestrel is not harmful, and it doesn't affect your fertility after you stop. If bleeding is very heavy, lasts a long time, or you're worried, speak to a doctor or nurse. Take a pregnancy test if you have symptoms of pregnancy.

Side effects of desogestrel

Side effects are usually mild and often settle within a few months:

• irregular bleeding or spotting;
• acne;
• breast tenderness;
• headaches;
• mood changes or low mood;
• lower sex drive.

Speak to us or your GP if side effects don't settle, or if you notice changes in your mood. Get urgent help if you have severe pain in your lower tummy, as rarely this can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Medicines that can stop it working

Some medicines, including certain epilepsy medicines, some HIV medicines, the antibiotics rifampicin and rifabutin, and the herbal remedy St John's Wort, can make desogestrel less effective. Tell the prescriber about every medicine you take.

Is Cerazette the same as desogestrel?

Yes. Cerazette is the original brand of desogestrel 75 micrograms. Generic desogestrel contains the same medicine at the same dose and works in exactly the same way.

How to order desogestrel from MedsRus

1. Complete a confidential consultation about your health and any medicines you take.
2. A UK prescriber reviews it and, if suitable, approves your pill.
3. We send it in plain packaging, and you can reorder before you run out.

Desogestrel FAQs

Does desogestrel stop periods?

About 1 in 5 people stop having periods. Others have regular, irregular or occasional bleeding.

How long does it take for desogestrel to stop periods?

It varies. Bleeding patterns usually settle within the first 3 months, but some people never stop having periods on it.

What happens if I take desogestrel late?

If you're less than 12 hours late, you're still protected. If it's more than 12 hours, take it, carry on, and use condoms for 2 days.

Do I take a break between packs?

No. Start the next pack the day after you finish the last one.

Can I take desogestrel while breastfeeding?

Yes, it's suitable while breastfeeding.

Does desogestrel cause weight gain?

There's no good evidence that it causes weight gain, although some people notice changes in appetite.

Can I take desogestrel if I smoke?

Yes. Because it contains no oestrogen, desogestrel can be taken by smokers of any age.

Can I get pregnant straight after stopping desogestrel?

Yes. Your fertility returns quickly after you stop, so use another method straight away if you don't want to get pregnant.

What if I had unprotected sex after a late pill?

If you were more than 12 hours late and had sex without a condom after the missed pill, before you'd taken 2 days of pills correctly, you may need emergency contraception. Speak to us or a pharmacist as soon as possible.

Further reading

• Contraceptive pill: mini pill vs combined pill
• How the morning after pill works

Sources:

• NHS: Progestogen-only pill
• NHS: Choosing contraception
• BNF: Desogestrel