Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller MB ChB
(2017, University of Glasgow)
GMC number: 7561464
Information last reviewed 15/02/2021
Zoely is a type of combined contraceptive pill. It contains synthetic versions of two types of hormones which work to prevent pregnancy; estradiol which is structurally identical to the main oestrogen hormone produced by the body and nomegestrol, which is similar to progesterone.
Zoely works by releasing these hormones into the body, which in turn prevent ovulation from occurring each month. They also work to thin the lining of the womb and thicken the cervical mucus, creating an additional barrier against sperm.
Zoely is effective and prevents unwanted pregnancy in around 91% of cases. However, when taken perfectly, with no instances of forgotten pills, vomiting, or taking medications which might interact, Zoely can be over 99% effective.
Zoely will start to work right away if you start taking it on the first day of your period. If you miss the first day of your cycle, you can still start Zoely within days 2–5 of your period, but you will need to use an additional barrier method of contraception for the first 7 days.
Zoely is primarily used to prevent pregnancy, but it may also help to regulate your bleeding and may make it lighter and less painful. This can provide relief for women with endometriosis.
Zoely can be used to delay your period by skipping the yellow placebo pills at the end of your pill pack and beginning a new pack the next day.
If you are switching to Zoely from a different type of the combined pill, wait until you have finished your current pack and begin taking Zoely the day after taking your last active pill. This means you won't have a 7-day break between packs. If you are currently taking the progestogen-only pill, or mini pill, you can stop taking it at any time and start Zoely the next day. You will need to use additional contraception for the next 7 days as you won't be protected against pregnancy right away.
There is a chance that Zoely will not work properly if you vomit within 3–4 hours of taking one of the white active pills as the hormones may not have been absorbed by the body yet. If this happens, take another pill once your stomach settles down. If you are unable to do this within 24 hours of your usual scheduled time, then treat it as a missed pill. If you continue to vomit, your protection will be affected and you will need to use condoms, or another barrier method of contraception, until you have stopped being sick and for 7 days after. If you vomit after taking one of the yellow inactive pills, it does not matter and you can continue as usual as these pills do not contain hormones.
You can get pregnant at any time when you stop taking the pill. It may take some women several months to get pregnant, as your natural menstrual cycle may not return right away. A family planning clinic can advise you on how to come off the pill and prepare for pregnancy so that you can be in optimum health.
If you stop taking Zoely, your periods may return after 2–3 weeks or 1–2 months. The timescale is different for all women, so do not worry if your period doesn't arrive right away.
The white tablets contain the active ingredients nomegestrol and estradiol. The yellow tablets are placebo pills and do not contain any active ingredients.
The other ingredients contained in Zoely are: Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose (E460), crospovidone (E1201), talc (E553b), magnesium stearate (E572) and colloidal anhydrous silica
The white tablets also contain: poly(vinyl alcohol) (E1203), titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 3350 and talc (E553b)
The yellow tablets also contain: poly(vinyl alcohol) (E1203), titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 3350, talc (E553b), iron oxide yellow (E172) and iron oxide black (E172)
Start taking Zoely on the first day of your period. This means you will be protected from pregnancy right away. If you start it later than this, you will need to be sure you are not already pregnant, and use an additional barrier method of contraception for the first 7 days. To switch to Zoely from a different combined contraceptive pill, wait until you reach the end of your current pack and begin taking Zoely the next day. You can swap to Zoely at any time if you are using the progestogen-only pill but you will need to use additional contraception for the first 7 days to ensure you are protected against pregnancy.
Each active pill contains 2.5mg of nomegestrol and 1.5mg estradiol.
If you miss one of the yellow placebo pills, discard it and take the next one as usual. Or if it was the last pill in your pack, begin your pill-free week. Your contraception will not be affected. If you miss an active white pill, the action you should take will depend on where you are in your cycle. It's considered a missed pill if you are 24 hours or later in taking it.
If you take a pill later than usual, but within 24 hours of the usual time, this won't affect your contraception. It is considered a missed pill if it has been more than 24 hours since you were due to take it so if you have taken it within this time frame there is nothing to worry about.
Zoely, like any contraceptive pill, increases the risk of blood clots for all women who take it. This means it is not suitable for women with particular types of medical conditions or medical history. Your doctor will assess whether or not the pill is safe for you to take, including measuring your blood pressure. If you are in good health and do not experience any adverse symptoms then the pill is usually safe to take long term. You will also need to have your blood pressure monitored at least once a year.
To use Zoely for period delay, skip the 4 yellow inactive pills and start on the next pack of pills right away. This will delay your period until you reach the yellow pills in the new pack.
Common side effects include:
Uncommon side effects may include:
Rare side effects include:
You shouldn't use Zoely if any of the following apply to you:
Extra care should be taken if:
There are certain types of medications which can affect Zoely. These include:
Tell your doctor if you are taking any regular medicines.
Zoely is a type of combined pill whereas the mini pill only contains a progestogen as opposed to both an oestrogen and a progestogen. The mini pill may suit women who are unable to take the combined pill as it does not pose the same health risks.
Zoely is a relatively new type of pill and contains similar ingredients to Qlaria, another type of combined contraceptive pill. Dr Felix stocks all available types of the pill within the UK. The mini pill is a good alternative for women who cannot take the combined pill for health reasons. The vaginal ring or patchwork in the same way as the pill, without the need to remember to take it every day. If you would prefer a longer term option, a GP or family planning clinic can administer the injection, implant, hormonal or copper coil.
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