Cerazette home page

When can you start taking Cerazette (desogestrel)?

When using Cerazette for the first time (and if you are not currently using hormonal contraception):

  • Take your first pill on the first day of your period.
    You will be protected from pregnancy straight away. If you take Cerazette on days 2–5 of your period, you will need to use an additional barrier method for the first 7 days of tablet taking.
  • Continue to take one pill at around the same time each day.
    For example, take each pill every morning after breakfast, or in the evening after brushing your teeth. It is important that you take Cerazette at about the same time each day, and no later than 12 hours after your usual time. If you miss taking a pill, or take your pill more than 12 hours late, then you may not be protected against pregnancy.
  • When you finish a strip of pills, start your next strip straight away.
    Unlike combined contraceptive pills (i.e. those that contain estrogen as well as a progestogen), there is no need for a pill-free week each month. If you do not start a new strip of pills then you will not be protected against pregnancy.

If you are already using a type of hormonal contraception, the table below and the Patient Information Leaflet should help remind you of when you can switch to Cerazette. Remember to ask the healthcare professional who prescribed Cerazette to give you further instruction if you are unsure.

 
 

    Changing from…

 Start taking Cerazette…

    No current hormonal contraception

 …on first day of menstrual bleeding

    Combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill

 …on day after the last active COC tablet

    Other progestogen-only pill

 …on any day without taking a break

    Medroxyprogesterone acetate

 …no later than 12 weeks after last injection

    Norethisterone enanthate

 …no later than 8 weeks after last injection

    Implant or intrauterine system (IUS)

 …on day of implant or IUS removal

    After childbirth

 …wait 21 days
 
 
Contraceptive Choices – click here to find out more Diary Card: Click here to download

 

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.yellowcard.gov.uk.
Adverse events should also be reported to MSD Drug Safety Department on 01707 363773

Organon

Date of Preparation 9/09
Job Code 9/12 - CZT.10.GB.42040.AV

© 2010 Copyright Organon Laboratories Limited. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy