Cerazette funding welcomed

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa is pleased with PHARMAC’s decision to fund the progestogen-only pill desogestrel (Cerazette). 

Medical director Dr Beth Messenger says Cerazette is a contraceptive pill with a multitude of potential uses, making it an attractive option for many people. While it has been available in New Zealand for some time, it has not been funded by PHARMAC so has only been available to people able to afford the cost. 

“Subsidising Cerazette will offer many women the opportunity to try this pill which was previously out of reach. Not only is it a highly effective contraceptive, it can also help manage other reproductive health challenges. As a clinician, this is a great option to have in my prescribing tool kit,” Dr Messenger says.

Cerazette will be funded for anyone who needs it from 1 April 2025. 

What do we know about Cerazette? 

• Cerazette is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill. 
• Cerazette is an option for people who cannot or prefer not to take pills containing oestrogen. 
• It helps prevents pregnancy when taken within a 12-hour window each day. This is a wider window than other funded progestogen-only pills, which is three hours.
• Cerazette works primarily by suppressing ovulation. This means it works more like combined hormonal contraceptives – but without the risk of oestrogen. 
• Cerazette is taken continuously – this means that many people taking it will stop having a menstrual period at all. This can be a benefit for people who have painful or troublesome periods.