Zoely is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing nomegestrol acetate (2.5 mg) and estradiol (1.5 mg – a natural oestrogen). It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the lining of the womb to reduce implantation.
Each pack contains 24 white active tablets and 4 yellow inactive (placebo) tablets – 28 tablets in total. When taken correctly, Zoely is a highly reliable form of contraception.
Zoely Tablets
From: £29.99
Description
Directions for Use
- Take one tablet every day at the same time, following the order on the blister.
- Take 24 white active tablets, then 4 yellow inactive tablets.
- Start the next pack the day after finishing the previous pack – no break.
- Your period usually starts during the yellow placebo tablets.
Starting Zoely:
- Start on Day 1 of your period for immediate protection.
- When switching from another combined pill, start the day after the last active tablet.
- When switching from a progestogen-only method, use extra contraception for 7 days.
- After childbirth, start 21–28 days after delivery if not breastfeeding.
Missed tablet (white active tablets):
- Less than 24 hours late: take as soon as remembered and continue as normal.
- 24 hours or more late: protection may be reduced – use extra contraception for 7 days.
- Missing tablets at the beginning or end of the blister carries the highest pregnancy risk.
Vomiting or severe diarrhoea within 3–4 hours may reduce protection — take another tablet and use extra contraception for 7 days.
Missed yellow placebo tablets do not reduce protection.
Side Effects
Serious side effects (seek urgent medical help):
- Blood clots (DVT, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, stroke).
- Sudden chest pain, breathlessness, leg swelling, severe headache, vision or speech problems.
- Severe liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain).
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat).
- Possible signs of breast cancer (new lumps, nipple changes).
Common side effects:
- Acne
- Changes to periods (irregular or absent)
- Headache or migraine
- Nausea
- Breast pain
- Low mood or depression
- Weight gain
Report side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Warnings
Do NOT take Zoely if you:
- Are pregnant.
- Have ever had a blood clot, heart attack, stroke or angina.
- Have a blood-clotting disorder.
- Have migraine with aura.
- Have severe liver disease or liver tumours.
- Have breast or genital cancer.
- Have meningioma or have ever been diagnosed with one.
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Speak to a clinician before use if you:
- Are over 35 and smoke.
- Are overweight (BMI >30).
- Have diabetes, depression, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, lupus, gallbladder, heart or kidney disease.
- Have a personal or family history of blood clots or breast cancer.
- Have recently given birth.
Important information:
- Slightly increases the risk of blood clots and breast/cervical cancer, but reduces the risk of ovarian and womb cancer.
- Does not protect against STIs — condoms are recommended.
- Some medicines (e.g. epilepsy medicines, rifampicin, HIV treatments, St John’s Wort) can reduce effectiveness.
- Contains lactose.
Faqs
How effective is Zoely?
Zoely is a highly reliable contraceptive when taken correctly every day.
Will Zoely affect my periods?
Bleeding often becomes lighter or may stop altogether. Spotting can occur initially.
Can I get pregnant after stopping Zoely?
Yes — fertility returns quickly after stopping.
What should I do if I miss a pill?
If 24 hours or more late, take the last missed tablet immediately and use extra contraception for 7 days.
Can I take Zoely after having a baby?
Yes, from 21–28 days after delivery if not breastfeeding. Zoely is not usually recommended during breastfeeding.
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