Cerazette (desogestrel 75 micrograms) – not marketed in Serbia: information on the "mini pill" and alternatives

Cerazette is an oral contraceptive in the form of film-coated tablets containing only one hormone – the progestogen desogestrel, 75 micrograms per tablet. Because it contains no oestrogen, it belongs to the so-called "mini pills" (progestogen-only pills). It works mainly by preventing ovulation and also thickens the mucus of the cervix.

In countries where it is authorised, for example in Sweden and the United Kingdom (marketing authorisation holder Organon), Cerazette is intended, according to the official Summary of Product Characteristics, for preventing pregnancy (contraception). All information on this page comes from the official documents listed in the sources.

What is Cerazette, how is it used and which contraceptive options exist in Serbia?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Cerazette used for in countries where it is authorised?

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics (Sweden 2020, United Kingdom 2024), the indication is contraception. Because it contains no oestrogen, the mini pill may also be considered for women for whom oestrogen is not suitable and during breastfeeding – the doctor decides on this.

How is it used?

• One tablet is taken every day at about the same time, with no break between packs – a new pack is started the day after the last tablet of the previous one.
• Bleeding that occurs during use does not change the way the tablets are taken.
• Missed tablet: if the delay is less than 12 hours, the tablet is taken as soon as remembered and the next one at the usual time. If the delay is more than 12 hours, protection may be reduced – an additional method (for example a condom) should be used for the next 7 days.
• If vomiting occurs within 3–4 hours of taking a tablet, the same rules as for a missed tablet apply; in severe gastrointestinal upset absorption may be incomplete, so additional protection should be used.

This information describes the official product information and is not an individual recommendation – when to start and which contraceptive to use are decided by the doctor according to the official instructions.

Important safety information from the official documents

• The medicine must not be used in: active venous thrombosis, severe liver disease until liver function has returned to normal, known or suspected tumours sensitive to sex hormones, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause and hypersensitivity to any ingredient.
• The risk of breast cancer may be similar to that with combined pills, but the evidence for mini pills is less conclusive.
• If thrombosis occurs, the medicine should be stopped; stopping is also considered during prolonged immobilisation (for example after surgery).
• If periods stop or lower abdominal pain occurs, an ectopic pregnancy should be ruled out.
• Mood changes or symptoms of depression should be reported to a doctor.
• Women prone to chloasma (dark patches on the skin) should avoid sun and UV exposure.
• Medicines that speed up hormone breakdown in the liver (for example carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, efavirenz and St John's wort) may reduce effectiveness – a barrier method should be used during their use and for 28 days afterwards.
• Most common side effects: irregular bleeding (in up to half of women), acne, mood changes, breast pain, nausea and weight gain.
• Pregnancy: the medicine is not intended for use in pregnancy. Breastfeeding: it can be used; small amounts of hormone pass into the milk, and a reduction in milk production has been reported rarely.

What is available in Serbia?

No desogestrel-only tablet is currently authorised in Serbia. Progestogen-only contraceptive methods authorised in Serbia are levonorgestrel intrauterine systems, which are inserted by a gynaecologist:

The choice of contraception is always made by the gynaecologist, based on the woman's health, breastfeeding, the medicines she takes and her personal needs. Do not switch to another hormonal product on your own.

Related information

• What are the first symptoms of pregnancy

Composition, pack and manufacturer

• Active substance: desogestrel 75 micrograms per film-coated tablet.
• Excipient with known effect: lactose monohydrate (about 55 mg per tablet).
• Pack: blister with 28 tablets, in a sachet.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Organon (in the United Kingdom Organon Pharma (UK) Limited, Cramlington).

Storage

• No special temperature storage conditions; keep the blister in the original sachet to protect from light and moisture.
• Shelf life 3 years; use the tablets within one month of opening the sachet.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Frequently asked questions

Can Cerazette be bought in Serbia?

No. Cerazette has no marketing authorisation in Serbia and is not listed in the National Register of Medicines. No other medicine containing only desogestrel 75 micrograms is currently authorised either.

What should I do if I forget a Cerazette tablet?

According to the official instructions: if you are less than 12 hours late, take the tablet straight away and the next one at the usual time. If you are more than 12 hours late, carry on with the tablets but also use a condom for the next 7 days. If you had unprotected intercourse, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

What can replace Cerazette in Serbia?

A progestogen-only tablet is currently not authorised. A gynaecologist may suggest another method – for example a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (Mirena, Levosert) or, if there are no obstacles, another type of contraception. Combined pills are not an automatic substitute because they contain oestrogen.

Can Cerazette be used while breastfeeding?

According to the official documents, yes. Small amounts of hormone pass into the milk, and a reduction in milk production has been reported rarely; monitoring of the baby's growth and development is recommended.

Sources

• emc (United Kingdom) – Summary of Product Characteristics Cerazette 75 micrograms (revised 23 December 2024)
• Läkemedelsverket (Sweden) – Summary of Product Characteristics Cerazette (revised 5 November 2020)
• ALIMS – Decisions on termination of authorisation 1 May–30 June 2021 (Azalia®, desogestrel 75 micrograms, Serbian)
• ALIMS – New authorisations and renewals 1 April–30 June 2022 (Mirena®, Serbian)
• ALIMS – New authorisations and renewals 1 January–15 March 2024 (Levosert®, Serbian)
• ALIMS – National Register of Medicines 2019 (Serbian)
• ALIMS – National Register of Medicines 2021 (Serbian)

Sources checked on: 23 October 2026.