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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Hana Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Cerazette
About Hana
Hana is a progestogen-only mini pill containing desogestrel as its active ingredient. It is used to provide protection against pregnancy. It does not contain an oestrogen as would combined contraceptive pills.
Hana works by stopping the release of an egg each month from the ovaries, preventing ovulation during the menstrual cycle. It also makes cervical mucus thicker, making it more difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix, and makes the lining of the womb thinner, so fertilised eggs are less likely to implant in the uterus wall.
NowPatient offers the Hana birth control pills for the prevention of pregnancy only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Hana
- For the prevention of pregnancy
- There is no evidence that the Hana pill causes weight gain
- Hana has some common side effects which include headache and migraine
- It can be dangerous if you take Hana with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
- Hana will not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through unprotected sex
Who is Hana not suitable for?
Hana may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Hana if you:
- Are allergic to the active ingredient desogestrel or the inactive ingredients such as lactose
- Have ever had a blood clot in the leg or lungs
- Have a family history of heart attacks or stroke
- Have ever had angina or transient ischaemic attack
- Suffer from migraines with aura
- Have a liver disease, liver tumours or any other liver problems
- Have kidney disease
- Have ever had breast cancer or cancer of the cervix, vagina or uterus
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have suffered from jaundice, pemphigoid gestationis (a rash involving blisters of the hands and feet), or pruritus while pregnant
- Have a family history of breast cancer
- Have pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Have diabetes
- Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Have haemolytic uraemic syndrome, high blood cholesterol, or sickle cell anaemia
- Have epilepsy
- Have systemic lupus erythematosus
How and where to get Hana?
You can buy Hana safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with one of our prescribers for a contraceptive, you can discuss if Hana is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Hana for contraception
The Hana blister pack contains 28 film coated tablets. Each tablet contains 75 micrograms of desogestrel.
Information about how to take Hana for contraception
Take 1 Hana tablet each day, at the same time every day. Start a new pack of Hana tablets immediately after completing the previous pack. Take your first tablet in order of the day of the week and follow the directions printed on the pack.
If you forget to take a Hana tablet, take the missed pill as soon as you are able to do so, if it has been less than 12 hours. If you do not take the missed pill within 12 hours of the normal time, you will not be protected against pregnancy. You will need to use an extra form of additional contraception such as a condom for the next 48 hours. Read the patient information leaflet or speak to your healthcare provider for further medical advice.
What happens if you take too much Hana?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Hana and you experience any of the following side effects.
What are the side effects of Hana?
Side effects of Hana are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Breast tenderness
- Breast pain
- Weight changes
- Breakthrough bleeding between periods
- Mood changes
- Headache and migraine
- Nausea, stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal thrush
- High blood pressure
- Hair loss
Serious side effects include:
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Cervical cancer
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about taking Hana at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal remedies and Hana. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other medications such as:
- Epilepsy treatments – phenytoin or carbamazepine
- Rifampicin
- HIV medicines – ritonavir
- Hepatitis C medicines – telaprevir or boceprevir
- Antifungal medicines – ketoconazole or griseofulvin
- St John’s Wort
- Medicines for high blood pressure, chest pain or irregular heartbeats – diltiazem or verapamil
Why might Hana not work for contraception?
Hana may not work for you and common reasons may be:
- Missed pills
- Taking other medicines that interfere with Hana
- Hana not being absorbed due to vomiting and diarrhoea
Can Hana taken for contraception be taken long term?
Using medication like Hana is safe, provided your doctor has approved it. You should speak to your doctor when deciding to stay on hormonal contraception long term.
Is there a herbal Hana?
No. Herbal Hana does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Hana?
Women can take Hana for contraception, but should speak to a doctor if considering taking Hana while breast-feeding (Hana has not been seen to affect breast milk).
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Hana?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Hana.
Alternatives to Hana
Alternative methods of contraception include:
- Implants
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Oral birth control pills (combined oral contraceptive pill and progestogen only pill)
- Vaginal rings
- Barrier method – condoms, diaphragms
- Tubal ligation and vasectomy
- Emergency contraception
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Hana
What is Hana?
Hana is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill containing desogestrel 75 micrograms. It is the first oral contraceptive pill available over the counter without a prescription in the UK. Hana was reclassified from prescription-only to pharmacy (P) medicine in 2021. It works by consistently suppressing ovulation and has a 12-hour dosing window, making it more forgiving than traditional POPs. Hana is manufactured by HRA Pharma.
How does Hana work?
Hana contains desogestrel 75 mcg, which works primarily by inhibiting ovulation in virtually all cycles — unlike traditional POPs (norethisterone and levonorgestrel), which mainly thicken cervical mucus. Desogestrel also thickens cervical mucus and thins the endometrium as secondary mechanisms. The consistent suppression of ovulation makes desogestrel POPs more reliable and allows a 12-hour late-pill window instead of just 3 hours.
Can I buy Hana without a prescription?
Yes, Hana is available without a prescription from pharmacies across the UK. A pharmacist will conduct a brief consultation to check your suitability, including your medical history and any medications you take. This makes Hana one of the most accessible contraceptive options in the UK. You can also obtain Hana on NHS prescription if you prefer.
How do I take Hana?
Take one tablet daily at approximately the same time each day, continuously without any break between packs. Start the next pack immediately after finishing the current one. Hana has a 12-hour window — if you are less than 12 hours late, contraceptive protection is maintained. If starting for the first time, begin on day 1 of your period for immediate protection, or use condoms for the first 2 days if starting at any other time.
What if I miss a Hana pill?
If you are less than 12 hours late: take the pill immediately — no additional precaution is needed. If you are more than 12 hours late: take the missed pill as soon as you remember, continue taking pills as normal, and use condoms for the next 2 days. If you had unprotected sex during the late period, consider emergency contraception. If you vomit within 3–4 hours of taking Hana, take another pill immediately.
What are the common side effects of Hana?
Common side effects include irregular bleeding patterns (which usually settle after the first few months), headaches, mood changes, acne, breast tenderness, and nausea. Some women experience no periods at all (amenorrhoea), which is not harmful. Decreased libido and weight changes are uncommon. Hana does not increase the risk of blood clots (VTE).
Will Hana affect my periods?
Yes, changes in bleeding patterns are the most common effect of Hana. Your periods may become irregular, more frequent, lighter, or stop altogether. Some women experience prolonged spotting, particularly in the first 3–6 months. These changes are not harmful and often settle with continued use. If bleeding patterns are unacceptable, discuss alternatives with your pharmacist or prescriber.
Is Hana the same as Cerazette?
Hana and Cerazette contain the same active ingredient (desogestrel 75 mcg) and are clinically equivalent. The key difference is availability: Hana can be purchased over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription, while Cerazette is prescription-only. They have the same effectiveness, side effects, and 12-hour dosing window.
Can I take Hana while breastfeeding?
Yes, Hana is safe during breastfeeding. Desogestrel does not affect milk supply or quality. Small amounts pass into breast milk but are not considered harmful to the infant. It can be started from day 21 postpartum.
How much does Hana cost?
Hana typically costs between £7 and £10 for a one-month supply from UK pharmacies. If you get a prescription (from your GP or online), you can obtain it at the standard NHS prescription charge or free if exempt from charges. NowPatient can prescribe Hana online with home delivery if you prefer.
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