Have a look, then start a consultation with our pharmacist to see what's right for you.
Cerazette (Desogestrel 75 microgram)
Cerazette is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill containing desogestrel. It doesn't contain oestrogen, so it's an option for people who can't take combined pills, including those who are breastfeeding. It's taken every day with no break between packs, at a dose high enough to usually stop ovulation, which is why it's more reliable than most other progestogen-only pills. Irregular bleeding is common in the first few months and isn't a sign it's not working.
Cerelle (Desogestrel 75 microgram)
Cerelle is a progestogen-only pill containing desogestrel, the same active ingredient as Cerazette. It works by stopping ovulation in most cycles, which makes it more reliable than older-style mini pills that only thicken cervical mucus. Because it doesn't contain oestrogen, Cerelle can be used by people who don't tolerate combined pills, including while breastfeeding. Some irregular bleeding in the first few months is normal and not a sign it isn't working.
Desogestrel 75 microgram
Desogestrel 75 microgram tablets are a generic progestogen-only pill, containing the same active ingredient as branded versions like Cerazette and Cerelle. It doesn't contain oestrogen, so it suits people who can't take combined pills, including while breastfeeding. At this dose, it usually stops ovulation, giving reliable contraception when taken correctly, one tablet every day with no gap between packs. Some irregular bleeding in the first few months is common and not a sign it isn't working.
Femodette (Gestodene/Ethinylestradiol)
Femodette is a combined contraceptive pill containing two hormones, gestodene and ethinylestradiol. It works by stopping an egg being released, thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb, and thinning the womb lining, and it often makes periods lighter, more regular, and less painful. It's taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Like all combined pills, it carries a small increased risk of blood clots, which our pharmacist will screen for as part of your consultation.
Gedarel 20/150 (Ethinylestradiol/Desogestrel)
Gedarel 20/150 is a combined contraceptive pill containing two hormones, ethinylestradiol 20 microgram and desogestrel 150 microgram. It works by stopping an egg being released, thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb, and thinning the womb lining. It's taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Because it contains desogestrel, it sits in a slightly higher-risk group for blood clots than older combined pills containing levonorgestrel, which our pharmacist will screen for as part of your consultation.
Gedarel 30/150 (Ethinylestradiol/Desogestrel)
Gedarel 30/150 is a combined contraceptive pill containing ethinylestradiol 30 microgram and desogestrel 150 microgram. Like other combined pills, it works by stopping an egg being released, thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb, and thinning the womb lining. It's taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Because it contains desogestrel, it sits in a slightly higher-risk group for blood clots than older combined pills containing levonorgestrel, something our pharmacist will screen for at your consultation.
Levest (Levonorgestrel/Ethinylestradiol)
Levest is a combined contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel 150 microgram and ethinylestradiol 30 microgram. It works by stopping an egg being released, thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb, and thinning the womb lining. It's taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Levonorgestrel is an older-generation progestogen that research places in a lower-risk group for blood clots compared with newer progestogens like desogestrel or drospirenone, though all combined pills carry some increased risk.
Levonelle (Levonorgestrel 1500 microgram)
Levonelle is a single-tablet emergency contraceptive containing 1500 micrograms of levonorgestrel. It's licensed for use up to three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex, and works best the sooner you take it, ideally within the first 24 hours. Like ellaOne, it delays or stops the release of an egg from the ovary rather than ending a pregnancy that's already happened. If you weigh more than 70kg, our pharmacist may suggest ellaOne instead, as it tends to hold its effectiveness better at higher body weights. You can get Levonelle at Newton Drive Pharmacy after a short, confidential consultation with our pharmacist. Complete our free online consultation form, or walk in and ask to speak to us in private, no appointment needed. If it's suitable, we dispatch it the same day in discreet packaging, and there's nothing to pay if you qualify for the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service.
Microgynon 30 (Levonorgestrel/Ethinylestradiol)
Microgynon 30 is a combined contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel 150 microgram and ethinylestradiol 30 microgram. It works by stopping an egg being released, thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb, and thinning the womb lining. It's taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Levonorgestrel sits in the lower-risk group for blood clots among combined pills, though our pharmacist still checks your individual risk factors before supplying it.
Noriday (Norethisterone 350 microgram)
Noriday is a progestogen-only pill containing norethisterone, taken every day with no break, including through your period. It works mainly by thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb and altering the womb lining, and in some cycles it also stops ovulation. Unlike desogestrel-based mini pills, Noriday needs to be taken within a stricter 3-hour window each day. Our pharmacist will talk you through what counts as a missed pill and what to do about it.
Rigevidon (Levonorgestrel/Ethinylestradiol)
Rigevidon is a combined contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel 150 microgram and ethinylestradiol 30 microgram. It works by stopping an egg being released, thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb, and thinning the womb lining. It's taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Levonorgestrel sits in the lower-risk group for blood clots among combined pills, though our pharmacist still checks your individual risk factors before supplying it.
Yasmin (Ethinylestradiol/Drospirenone)
Yasmin is a combined contraceptive pill containing ethinylestradiol 30 microgram and drospirenone 3 milligram. It works by stopping an egg being released, thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb, and thinning the womb lining. It's taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Drospirenone is a newer-generation progestogen, and combined pills containing it sit in a slightly higher-risk group for blood clots than older pills containing levonorgestrel, which our pharmacist will screen for as part of your consultation.
ellaOne (Ulipristal Acetate 30mg)
ellaOne is a single-tablet emergency contraceptive containing 30mg of ulipristal acetate. It can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex, and tends to stay effective for longer in that window than the other pharmacy option, levonorgestrel. It works by delaying or stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. Like all emergency contraception, it does not end an existing pregnancy, so it needs to be taken before conception can happen, not after. You can get ellaOne at Newton Drive Pharmacy after a short, confidential consultation with our pharmacist. Complete our free online consultation form, or walk in and ask to speak to us in private, no appointment needed. If it's suitable, we dispatch it the same day in discreet packaging, and there's nothing to pay if you qualify for the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. Take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. ellaOne works throughout your cycle, but like any emergency contraceptive, it's more reliable the sooner you take it.
