Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Cerazette®

Cerazette is a progestin-only oral contraceptive that prevents pregnancy primarily by thickening cervical mucus and inhibiting ovulation.

Cerazette is a progestin-only oral contraceptive that prevents pregnancy primarily by thickening cervical mucus and inhibiting ovulation. Used for Contraception in women of reproductive age, Contraception in women who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Cerazette contains desogestrel, a synthetic progestin that works through multiple mechanisms: it alters cervical mucus consistency to impede sperm penetration, suppresses the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge needed for ovulation, and modifies the endometrium to prevent implantation. Unlike combined oral contraceptives, it contains no estrogen, making it suitable for women who cannot tolerate or are contraindicated for estrogen-containing formulations.

Approved indications

• Contraception in women of reproductive age
• Contraception in women who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives

Common side effects

• Irregular menstrual bleeding or amenorrhea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes
• Acne
• Weight changes

Key clinical trials

• PPOS (Progestin Primed Ovarian Stimulation) and Corifollitropin Alfa (CFA) Cross-over Study (PHASE4)
• Effects of Sex Steroid Hormones on Human Brain Function, Structure and Connectivity

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Cerazette® CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Cerazette® updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• University Hospital, Ghent portfolio CI