Like other birth control pills,  Zelleta contraceptive pill helps also protect women from unwanted pregnancy.

Zelleta is a progesterone-only contraceptive pill. This is particularly useful for women who are allergic to the combined contraceptive pill or the oestrogen hormone. This pill can even be taken by women who are breastfeeding.

Zelleta has 99% effectiveness in preventing an unwanted pregnancy when used correctly.

Zelleta contains desogestrel 75 micrograms, the synthetic version of the female hormone progesterone. Desogestrel stops the ovaries from the process of ovulation. They don’t release an egg during the month when you are on the pill. Additionally, it thickens the natural mucus at the neck of the womb and makes it difficult for the sperm to cross from the vagina and enter the womb. It also makes the womb lining thinner to make it difficult for any successfully fertilised eggs to get implanted on the lining.

If you start using the pill on the first to the fifth day of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy immediately. If you start taking it later during the cycle (making sure that you are not pregnant), you will need to use additional contraception methods like condoms for at least two days until the Zelleta pill starts working. If you have a shorter period cycle like 23 days and if you start the pill on day 2-5 of your period, then too you may not be protected and you will need to use additional contraception methods like condoms for at least two days after you start the pill.

You can stop taking the Zelleta pill at any time you want.

Zelleta can be purchased online via MedsNow. However, this is a prescription-only medication. Hence, you will need to consult your GP or any prescriber to ensure that this patch is the right medication for you.

The pill should be taken at a fixed time everyday. There is no pill-free week on this pill, unlike other pills. Hence, you must continue taking this pill throughout the month, even during your period days.

The pill can be taken by most women, including those who are breastfeeding. 

However, the pill may not be suitable for certain women, including those who:

• Are pregnant 

• Have breast cancer or any other cancer that may get impacted by this hormone intake

• Have a liver disease

• A serious form of cardiac disease

• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding

Like any other contraceptive pill, one common side effect of Zelleta is the risk of developing breast cancer. If you are concerned about this, then you may discuss it with your doctor once before you start the pill.

Some other common side effects of the pill may also include:

• Period changes such as irregular periods, changes to the bleeding flow or stoppage of the period

• Nausea

• Headache

• Mood Swings

• Reduced sex drive

• Acne

• Breast tenderness

Unlike other combined contraceptive pills, this medicine can be taken even if you are breastfeeding after 21 days of delivery. However, it must not be used during pregnancy. In case you get pregnant while taking the pill, you must inform your doctor immediately. But this does not do any harm as such to the baby.

The following medicines may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine at preventing pregnancy:

• antiepileptic medicines like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, perampanel, phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin or topiramate

• medicines for HIV like cobicistat, efavirenz, nevirapine or ritonavir

• antifungal medicine griseofulvin

• modafinil for narcolepsy

• antibiotics rifabutin or rifampicin for tuberculosis

• herbal medications like St. John’s wort

If you forget to take one pill, take the missed pill as soon as you remember. You may even need to take two pills at the same time. Then continue taking the rest of the medicines in the pack as scheduled. But if you haven’t taken the pill for more than 12 hours, you may not be protected against pregnancy and may need to use additional forms of protection.

No serious side effects have been reported in case someone has taken an overdose of the pills. However, it is suggested to consult the doctor rightaway.

Can Zelleta cause weight gain?

Yes, one of the common side effects of the pill includes weight gain. 

Is Zelleta safe?

Zelleta is generally considered safe. Contraceptive pills come with the risk of developing blood clots. Also, it should not be taken by women under the age of 18 years. 

Does Zelleta cause blood clots?

All contraceptive pills come with the risk of developing blood clots.

Can you take Zelleta if you smoke?

Yes, Zelleta can be taken by heavy smokers too. 

Can I take Zelleta if I'm breastfeeding?

Yes, Zelleta can be taken 21 days after the delivery when you are breastfeeding. 

What if I have vomiting or diarrhoea?

If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill or have severe diarrhoea, you may not be protected against pregnancy. If this happens, take a new pill as soon as you feel better and continue taking the other pills as per the schedule. You will need to use a condom till you are ill.

What if I get pregnant while taking Zelleta?

In case you get pregnant while taking the pill, you must inform your doctor immediately and take his advice.