Is Cerelle a combined pill?

Combined pills contain an oestrogen plus a progestogen, whereas Cerelle contains only a progestogen. This changes how it is taken, which side effects may occur and which health conditions affect suitability. Cerelle primarily prevents ovulation and also changes cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to pass.

Bleeding may become irregular, lighter, more frequent or stop while taking Cerelle. That pattern does not by itself show whether contraception is working. Cerelle does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so barrier protection may still be needed. A clinician or pharmacist should confirm suitability if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver disease, a history of hormone-sensitive cancer or take interacting medicines.

Take the tablets exactly as directed on the pack, at a consistent time, and begin the next pack without a tablet-free break. If a dose is late or missed, vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs, or you start another medicine, check the patient leaflet and obtain prompt advice from a pharmacist or clinician because extra contraception may be needed. Do not use instructions intended for a combined pill.

Before starting, disclose prescription medicines, non-prescription products and herbal remedies. Some treatments can reduce contraceptive protection. If pregnancy is possible after missed tablets or unprotected sex, ask promptly about emergency contraception and when to perform a pregnancy test.

Arrange an assessment for bleeding that is very heavy, persistent, begins after sex or comes with pelvic pain. Seek urgent help for sudden severe abdominal pain, collapse, breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, or symptoms of pregnancy with one-sided pelvic pain or shoulder-tip pain. A new breast lump, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or a marked change in mood also warrants clinical advice.

Confirm why a progestogen-only pill suits you and whether any medicines interact with it. Ask for instructions tailored to starting, late or missed tablets, stomach illness and switching from another method. If irregular bleeding is troublesome, discuss pregnancy testing, infection testing or an examination rather than stopping contraception without an alternative plan.