Hana Contraceptive Pill - 28 Tablets

Hana is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill you have to take every day. It’s also known as the mini pill and is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. Hana contains 75mcg of desogestrel, a synthetic version of progestogen, which works like the natural progesterone your body already produces. Unlike the combined contraceptive pill, Hana doesn't contain oestrogen. This means it can be a good option for people who can't or don't want to take oestrogen.

What is it used for?

Hana is used to prevent pregnancy. However, it can also be used to treat painful or heavy periods.

How does the Hana Contraceptive Pill work?

Hana’s main job is to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg every month). However, it also thickens the mucus at the entrance to the womb (cervix), making it much harder for sperm to get through. Finally, Hana thins the womb lining, so an egg is less likely to attach to it.

How long does it take to work?

If you take Hana on the first day of your period, you’re protected from pregnancy straight away. If you take Hana on days two to five of your period, you'll need to use extra contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days. Speak to a doctor or one of our pharmacists about when to start taking your pill. They will be able to advise you based on your current contraceptive method and where you are in your cycle.

How to use the Hana Contraceptive Pill

As mentioned, Hana is less effective if you don’t take it correctly, so it's important to get into a good routine.

1. Take one tablet at the same time every day, without a break between packs and without waiting for a bleed. Choose a convenient time that works for you and try to link it to something you already do at the same time every day, like when you wake up or brush your teeth.
2. Swallow the tablet whole with water. You can take it with or without food.

Each Hana pack contains 28 tablets with the days of the week printed on it. When you start a new pack, take the tablet labelled with the correct day to make sure you don’t miss a day.

Hana Contraceptive Pill side effects

Side effects of Hana may include:

• altered mood or depression
• headaches
• nausea
• acne
• decreased sex drive (libido)
• irregular or no periods
• breast pain
• increased body weight

When to seek medical help

People taking hormonal contraceptive pills do have a slightly increased risk of blood clots, although these are rare. Seek emergency medical help if you notice symptoms including:

• swelling
• redness or pain in the leg
• chest pain
• breathlessness
• coughing up blood

Warnings

Do not use this product if:

• you are allergic to any of the ingredients you have cancer that's affected by sex-steroid hormones (e.g. breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer)
• you have a blood clot in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• you have, or have had, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) or severe liver disease, or if blood tests show your liver hasn't returned to normal
• you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding between your periods, or if you keep bleeding after sex
• you're pregnant or think you might be pregnant

Each tablet contains lactose to help hold the pill together and keep it stable. If you have an intolerance to lactose, speak to your doctor or one of our pharmacists for advice.

Storage information

Store Hana below 25°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Alternatives to the Hana Contraceptive Pill

Hana isn’t the only mini pill available. There are plenty of other options, including:

• Cerazette
• Cerelle
• desogestrel
• Zelleta

Frequently asked questions about the Hana Contraceptive Pill

Do you still have periods on Hana?

Some people do and some people don’t. Most people find their periods become lighter or more irregular, and some stop having them altogether. However, in the first few months it’s common to experience some spotting or bleeding between periods.

Is Hana the same as desogestrel?

Desogestrel is the main active ingredient in Hana, making them effectively the same thing. Hana is simply the brand name of the medication desogestrel.

How effective is Hana?

When used correctly, Hana is over 99% effective. Although, in practice, most people don’t use Hana 100% correctly. For example, they might forget to take it or take it later than they were supposed to. In this case, effectiveness is slightly lower at 91%. To make sure the pill is as effective as possible, take it at the same time every day.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you're less than 12 hours late, take your missed pill straight away and carry on with the rest of your pack as normal. You're still protected against pregnancy. If you're more than 12 hours late, take your missed pill straight away. However, you’ll need to use additional contraception, like condoms, for the next seven days.

Is Hana the same as Cerelle?

The only difference between Hana and Cerelle is the brand name. They both contain the same active ingredient, desogestrel. So, if you need to switch from one to the other, there’s no need to worry. You can carry on taking your pill in exactly the same way.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet. MHRA. [Accessed 27th April 2026].

• How Well Contraception Works at Preventing Pregnancy. (2024). NHS. [Accessed 27th April 2026].

• What is the progestogen-only pill?. (2024). NHS. [Accessed 27th April 2026].

• Progestogen-only pill (mini pill). (2026). NHS Inform. [Accessed 27th April 2026].