Cerazette 75mcg Tablet

Cerazette 75mcg Tablet is a progestin-only oral contraceptive, often referred to as the mini-pill, containing Desogestrel 75mcg as its sole active ingredient. Unlike combined oral contraceptives, Cerazette contains no oestrogen, which makes it a suitable option for women who cannot take oestrogen-containing pills, including breastfeeding mothers and women with certain cardiovascular risk factors.

Cerazette 75mcg Tablet is a prescription-only medicine in Malaysia and Singapore. Because it requires an individual assessment of a woman’s medical history, current medications, and contraceptive needs, an online consultation with a doctor through DoctorOnCall is required before a prescription can be issued and the order dispensed.

Desogestrel primarily works by suppressing ovulation in most menstrual cycles, and additionally thickens cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the egg, while thinning the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation. This combination of actions provides reliable contraceptive protection without the need for an oestrogen component.

Cerazette 75mcg Tablet is taken continuously, one tablet every day at approximately the same time, with no placebo tablets and no break between packs — a new pack is started immediately after finishing the previous one. Unlike the combined pill, the timing window for this progestin-only pill is stricter, so tablets should be taken within the same 12-hour window each day to maintain full contraceptive effectiveness.

The standard dose is one 75mcg tablet daily, taken at the same time every day without interruption, for as long as contraception is needed and as advised by the prescribing doctor. If a tablet is taken more than 12 hours late, additional contraceptive precautions (such as condoms) should be used for the next 7 days as advised by a doctor or pharmacist.

Cerazette 75mcg Tablet should be used before the expiry date printed on the packaging or blister strip. Do not use tablets that are past their expiry date or that appear damaged or discoloured.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture, and keep tablets in their original blister packaging until use to preserve the calendar-based tracking that helps ensure the tablets are taken correctly. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

• Known or suspected pregnancy
• Current or past history of venous thromboembolism (blood clots)
• Active severe liver disease or liver tumours
• Known or suspected hormone-sensitive cancers, such as certain breast cancers
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Known hypersensitivity to desogestrel or any component of the tablet

• Certain enzyme-inducing medicines, such as some anti-epileptic drugs (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin), rifampicin, and St John’s Wort, may reduce the contraceptive effectiveness of desogestrel
• Some antibiotics and antifungal medicines may interact and require additional contraceptive precautions
• HIV medicines (certain antiretrovirals) can affect the metabolism of desogestrel
• Inform your doctor of all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products you are taking before starting this medicine

• Take your tablet at the same time every day to maintain contraceptive effectiveness — set a daily reminder if helpful
• Do not skip the strict 12-hour window rule for this progestin-only pill, unlike combined pills which allow more flexibility
• Use additional contraception (such as condoms) for 7 days if a dose is taken more than 12 hours late or a tablet is missed
• Report any severe headache, leg swelling or pain, or chest pain to a doctor promptly, as these may signal rare but serious complications
• Attend follow-up reviews with your doctor to reassess ongoing suitability, especially if your health or medications change

Cerazette 75mcg Tablet requires an online consultation and a doctor’s prescription before dispensing, as ongoing monitoring is important to confirm the medicine remains suitable, especially if new medical conditions develop, new medicines are started, or irregular bleeding becomes bothersome. Women should discuss their full medical and family history, including any history of blood clots or liver disease, during their consultation.