Zoely

Zoely is an oral contraceptive that contains two active ingredients, oestradiol and nomegestrol. These are versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. The Zoely pill’s active ingredients work together to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg), alter the cervical mucus in order to prevent sperm from entering the womb, and change the lining of the womb so that if an egg does get released, it will not be able to embed itself and grow.

The Zoely pill is an oral contraceptive that contains two active ingredients, oestradiol and nomegestrol. These are versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. The Zoely pill’s active ingredients work together to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg), alter the cervical mucus in order to prevent sperm from entering the womb, and change the lining of the womb so that if an egg does get released, it will not be able to embed itself and grow.

Zoely is used to prevent pregnancy. It is sometimes also prescribed for women who have problems with particularly heavy or painful periods. (This is because contraceptives produce a monthly withdrawal bleed that is much lighter than a woman’s usual period.)

Zoely tablets come in self-adhesive blister strips, each starting with a different day of the week. These are to show you on which day to take each tablet. The tablets should be taken at the same time each day with water. Zoely is only effective as a contraceptive when taken daily. If you vomit within three or four hours of taking a pill or have very severe diarrhoea, it may not have been fully absorbed into your bloodstream. If such case, or if you have missed a pill, you should use additional contraceptives to avoid getting pregnant.

Zoely tablets come in strips of 28 tablets, with 24 white tablets and 4 yellow tablets. These must be taken in the order specified, starting with the white pills. You will experience a withdrawal bleed during the four days that you use the four yellow tablets. Start a new strip immediately after the last yellow tablet.

If you have forgotten to take a Zoely pill, consult the package leaflet. This information will tell you when the pill is not safe anymore.

Contraceptives may have side effects, including:

• Menstrual spotting or breakthrough bleeding;
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach ache, nausea and diarrhoea;
• Breast tenderness or soreness;
• Headache;
• Weight gain due to water retention.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.

This contraceptive is not suitable for everyone. The Zoely contraceptive pill should not be used in:

• Women under the age of 18, or men;
• Women who are allergic to the active ingredients or any other ingredient in Zoely (see package leaflet);
• Women with a blood clotting disorder or women who have ever had thrombosis, a heart attack or stroke;
• Women with cancer or a history of cancer or any other disease that affects the organs;
• Women suffering from migraine with aura.

The Zoely contraceptive pill interacts with other medicines. The doctor will have a list of medicines that you should avoid mixing it with. Make sure to mention what other medicines you are taking during the online consultation.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of contraindications, interactions and warnings.

Do not use the Zoely pill if you are pregnant. Although birth control pills are safe to use while breastfeeding, the hormones in these pills can reduce the production of breast milk. If necessary, consult your doctor about using another contraceptive.

Zoely tablets do not interact with alcohol or affect your ability to drive safely.