Cerelle Mini Pill

Cerelle is a progestogen-only pill (POP) that is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

84 pack of Cerelle 75µg desogestrel film-coated tablets
Packaged blister packet of 75mg Cerelle film-coated tablets
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6 x 28 tablet(s) - £20.99

3 × 28 tablet(s) - £14.99


Frequently asked questions

Is Cerelle a combined pill?

No, Cerelle is not a combined pill. Cerelle only contains progesterone and combined pills contain progesterone and oestrogen together. This means Cerelle has less chance of oestrogen-related side effects but more chance of progesterone-only side effects. Oestrogen can increase the chance of improvements to acne and periods, so the chance of these improvements is lower with Cerelle.

Is Zelleta the same as Cerelle tablets?

Cerelle and Zelleta contain the same active ingredient as well – desogestrel 75 mcg. They are effectively different brands of the same medication and work in the same way. The other ingredients that make up the core and outer coating of the pill vary slightly.

What about Cerelle and acne?

A combined pill would be better. Cerelle only contains progesterone which can make acne worse on its own. Combined pills have oestrogen in which can improve acne for some people and makes acne less likely as a side effect.

Does Cerelle cause weight gain?

Increased body weight is listed as a side-effect of Cerelle, but Cerelle doesn’t directly cause you to put on weight. It can, however, affect your appetite and cause you to eat more or less than usual. It can also cause your body to retain fluid resulting in ‘water weight’. You can avoid weight gain while taking Cerelle by being aware of your eating habits, sticking to a healthy eating plan and taking regular exercise.

Can Cerelle cause anxiety?

Depression and mood changes are known side effects of Cerelle but reports from some women and healthcare providers suggest a possible link between desogestrel (the active ingredient in Cerelle) and anxiety and panic attacks. If you experience changes to your mood including low mood, lack of interest in sex, anxiety, or panic attacks while taking Cerelle, talk to your healthcare provider about switching to a different pill.

Can Cerelle cause hair loss?

Hair loss and thinning hair are known side-effects of hormonal birth control, including Cerelle. You are more likely to experience hair loss if you are especially sensitive to the hormones in the pill or have a personal or family history of hormone-related hair loss (such as during pregnancy). Hair loss due to the pill usually settles down within a few months, but if you are still losing hair or your hair is not growing back after around 3 months, speak to your GP. Your GP may prescribe medication for hair loss or suggest another form of birth-control.

Can Cerelle cause migraines?

Headaches, including migraines are a common side-effect of both the combined and progestogen-only contraceptive pill. Migraines are more common in women than men, especially around the time of your period and may be triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels. If you experience migraines while taking Cerelle talk to your GP.

Does Cerelle give you a low libido?

While most women do not experience low libido (sex drive) while taking Cerelle, it is a listed side effect. Low libido can be caused by many factors such as stress, tiredness, poor physical health, and relationship problems.

If you experience low libido while taking Cerelle, talk to your GP or healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will try to determine if there is another cause for your low libido, and if it appears to be due to Cerelle, may suggest a non-hormonal form of birth control.

Does Cerelle increase your risk of blood clots (thrombosis)?

The combined-contraceptive pill slightly increases your risk of developing blood clots, but this risk is much lower with progestogen-only pills including Cerelle.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of a blood clot including:

  • redness, swelling, pain and heat in your lower leg
  • difficulty breathing
  • fast heartbeat
  • chest pain
  • fainting or dizziness

Can Cerelle contraceptive pills make you infertile?

The contraceptive pill only works for as long as you are taking it and does not have any long-term effects on your fertility. Once you stop taking Cerelle, you are no longer protected against pregnancy and your fertility will return to normal, normally within a few days or weeks.

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Medically reviewed by:
Dr Babak Ashrafi Clinical Lead for Service Expansion
Accreditations: BSc, MBBS, MRCGP (2008)

Babak studied medicine at King’s College London and graduated in 2003, having also gained a bachelor’s degree in Physiology during his time there. He completed his general practice (GP) training in East London, where he worked for a number of years as a partner at a large inner-city GP practice. He completed the Royal College of GPs membership exam in 2007.

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Last reviewed: 17 Aug 2023



Contraceptive pills are a reliable way of reducing your risk of getting pregnant from sex. ZAVA offers most common brands of pill, so you can order your preferred brand by visiting our contraceptive pill service page.


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In stock. Prices from £14.99