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Progestogen-Only Contraceptive (Oral)

Progestogen-Only Pill (POP / Mini-pill)

Brand names: Noriday (norethisterone), Micronor, Cerazette (desogestrel), Cerelle, Norgeston (levonorgestrel)

The progestogen-only pill is an oral contraceptive containing a progestogen alone, providing an option for those who cannot or prefer not to use oestrogen-containing contraception.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It works mainly by thickening cervical mucus to impede sperm, with some formulations also inhibiting ovulation, and it thins the endometrium.

Prescribing in practice

  • Consistent daily timing is important; missed or late pills, and conditions causing vomiting or severe diarrhoea, can reduce contraceptive protection and may require additional precautions.
  • If pregnancy occurs on the progestogen-only pill, an ectopic pregnancy should be excluded as a cause of abdominal pain.
  • Irregular or unscheduled bleeding is a common reason for discontinuation but unexpected bleeding should still prompt consideration of other causes.

Monitoring

Monitoring is largely clinical, reviewing bleeding patterns, adherence, blood pressure and any new risk factors at follow-up.

Counselling the patient

  • Take the pill at around the same time each day for reliable protection.
  • Use additional contraception if a pill is missed or late, following the advice in the leaflet.
  • Irregular bleeding is common, especially early on, but seek review if it is troublesome or persistent.

Evidence & guidelines

The progestogen-only pill is a long-established contraceptive option covered by UK sexual and reproductive health guidance.

Reference: FSRH Progestogen-Only Pills Guideline 2022; UKMEC 2016; Confirm identity and dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC) and NICE. Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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