Zoely Tablets

How to use Zoely tablets

In most cases, if you aren’t currently using other hormonal contraception, or you haven’t used it in the past month, then you can begin using Zoey tablets; however, you should always follow advice from your GP, especially if you’re changing from another contraceptive treatment.

• When no hormonal contraceptive has been used in the past month: Start taking Zoely on the first day of your cycle (i.e. the first day of your menstrual bleeding).

• When changing from another combined hormonal contraceptive (combined pill, vaginal ring, or transdermal patch): You can start taking Zoely the day after you have taken the last tablet from your present pill blister (this means no tablet-free break). If you were using a vaginal ring or patch, it’s best to start using Zoely on the day you remove the ring or patch.

• When changing from a progestogen-only pill (mini pill): You can stop taking the mini pill any day and start taking Zoely the next day. However, if you are sexually active during this switch, using a barrier method of contraception for the first 7 days that you are taking Zoely is advised.

• When changing from a progestogen-only injectable or implant: Start using Zoely when your next injection is due or on the day that your implant is removed. If you are having intercourse, make sure you also use a barrier method of contraception for the first 7 days that you are taking Zoely.

• After having a baby: You can start the Zoely pill between 21 and 28 days after having a baby. If you start later than day 28, you should also use a barrier method of contraception during the first 7 days of using Zoely. If you are breastfeeding, always seek professional advice before starting this contraception method.

The Zoely blister pack will contain 28 tablets. 24 white tablets will have active substances (numbers 1-24) and 4 yellow tablets will have inactive substances (numbers 25-28).

Zoely tablets are taken daily:

1. It is important that you start this contraceptive with an active tablet on the first day of your cycle for immediate protection. Follow the sequence as mapped out on the packaging, making sure to use the stickers to help you recognise the days of the week for each tablet.
2. Take your tablets at the same time every day with water.
3. You may experience a period (withdrawal bleeding) during the four days that you use the four yellow inactive tablets. Even if your period has not finished, it is important that you start your next blister pack immediately after the last yellow inactive tablet.

Zoely ingredients

The active substances in Zoely include nomegestrol acetate and estradiol.

What are the side effects of Zoely?

Like all medicines, some patients may experience side effects when taking Zoely — though side effects are typically less common with Zoely compared to some other contraceptive pills.

There is an increased risk of blood clots for those taking Zoely or other combined pills. If you develop a blood clot, it will usually be in the first year of taking the pill. You may be at higher risk of developing a clot if you are overweight, have a family history of blood clots, are over the age of 35, or have recently given birth.

Blood clot symptoms may include:

• Swelling of the leg along with tenderness
• Increased warmth in the affected leg
• Sharp chest pain which may increase with deep breathing
• Painless blurring of vision which can progress to loss of vision
• Retinal vein thrombosis (blood clot in the eye)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Upper body discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, arm, or stomach

Other possible side effects of Zoely include:

• Acne
• Mood changes
• Nausea
• Changes in weight
• Vaginal dryness

If you have any concerns about any of the information listed above, or you experience any side effects not listed here, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Zoely warnings

Do not use Zoely if any of the following applies to you:

• You have (or have ever had) a blood clot in a blood vessel of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), your lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) or other organs.
• You have (or have ever had) angina pectoris (a condition that causes severe chest pain and may be a first sign of a heart attack) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA – temporary stroke symptoms).
• You suffer from high blood pressure.
• You are allergic to estradiol or nomegestrol acetate, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
• You have ever had a heart attack or a stroke.
• You have (or have had) severe liver disease and your liver is not yet working normally.

Can you take Zoely while breastfeeding?

Zoely is not usually recommended for use during breastfeeding. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any contraception or any other medication while breastfeeding.