Method
The progestin-only pill (POP) in the Philippines
Quick answer
A progestin-only pill has no estrogen, so it suits breastfeeding mothers, smokers over 35 and people with migraine with aura. In the Philippines the brands are Daphne and Exluton (lynestrenol, a 3-hour window) and Cerazette (desogestrel, a 12-hour window). You take one every day with no break. Prices start at ₱161 a pack, and POPs are also free at health centers, subject to supply.
Key facts
- How effective
- 93% in typical use, 99.7% with perfect use [src]
- How you take it
- One every day, no break, one pack a month
- Hormones
- Progestin only, no estrogen
- Breastfeeding
- OK [src]
- Price
- From ₱161 a pack; free at health centers, subject to supply [src]
- Prescription
- Prescription required in the PH
How the progestin-only pill works
POPs, sometimes called the mini-pill, mainly thicken the mucus at the cervix so sperm cannot get through, and some also stop ovulation [src]. Because there is no estrogen, they avoid the clot risk linked to estrogen, so they suit many people who cannot take a combined pill (A pill with estrogen and a progestin, like Trust, Lady or Yaz.) [src]. They do not protect against STIs.
Daphne, Exluton and Cerazette
| Brand | Generic | Late window | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daphne | lynestrenol 500 mcg | 3 hours | ₱161 |
| Exluton | lynestrenol 500 mcg | 3 hours | ₱218.50 |
| Cerazette | desogestrel 75 mcg | 12 hours | ₱642 |
Prices checked October 2026 at Watsons, Rose Pharmacy and the Find My Method SRP list [src] [src] [src]. All need a prescription.
Daphne and Exluton have exactly the same formula, so Daphne is the cheaper way to get the same pill. See all same-formula brands. Cerazette costs more but gives you a wider time window.
The 3-hour vs 12-hour window
This is the most important thing to know about POPs. You take one at the same time every day. With lynestrenol pills (Daphne, Exluton), a pill counts as late if you are more than 3 hours past your usual time. With desogestrel (Cerazette), you have 12 hours [src].
If you are late
Take one as soon as you remember, keep taking one a day at your usual time, and use condoms or avoid sex for the next 2 days. Some desogestrel leaflets say 7 days; follow the longer advice [src]. If you had sex in the last 5 days, talk to a doctor today. The Missed Pill Helper walks you through it. If unsure, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
A daily phone alarm or the pill tracker makes the 3-hour window much easier.
Starting a pack
WHO says you can start within 5 days of your period starting with no backup. At other times, if you are reasonably sure you are not pregnant, use condoms for the first 2 days [src]. More in starting the pill.
POPs and breastfeeding
POPs are the usual pill choice while breastfeeding because they do not affect milk supply [src]. The NHS advises waiting until 6 weeks after birth before starting a combined pill if you are breastfeeding [src], while WHO's criteria allow progestin-only pills earlier [src]. Ask your doctor or health center when to start. Moms on Reddit share their experience with Daphne while breastfeeding [src]. See birth control while breastfeeding.
Getting a progestin-only pill
- Free: barangay health centers and RHUs stock progestin-only pills, subject to supply [src].
- With a prescription: from an OB-GYN or general doctor, in person or online, then buy at a licensed pharmacy. See how to get a prescription.
- Price check: compare brands on the price page.
Side effects: bleeding first
Irregular bleeding is the most common effect: spotting (Light bleeding between periods. Common in the first months on a pill.), bleeding at odd times, or no bleeding at all [src]. It often settles after the first few months. Breastfeeding mothers often have no periods anyway. Other effects can include headaches, breast tenderness and mood changes. Give it about 3 months, track it in the side effect tracker, and talk to your doctor if it bothers you. See spotting on the pill.
Stopping and fertility
You can stop at any time. Fertility returns quickly, with no lasting delay [src]. If you do not want to get pregnant, start another method straight away.
Progestin-only pill vs the combined pill
| Method | Typical use | Perfect use | How often | Hormones | Breastfeeding | Free at health centers | Price range (PH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progestin-only pill | 93% | 99.7% | Every day | Progestin only | OK | Yes, subject to supply | ₱161 to ₱642 |
| Combined pill | 93% | 99.7% | Every day | Estrogen + progestin | Not in the first weeks | Yes, subject to supply | ₱53.25 to ₱1,437.50 |
| Implant | 99.9% | 99.9% | Every 3 to 10 years | Progestin only | OK | Yes, subject to supply | ₱200 to ₱10,500 |
| Injectable (DMPA) | 96% | 99.8% | Every 3 months | Progestin only | OK | Yes, subject to supply | ₱99 to ₱900 |
Pregnancies per 100 women in the first year of use. Source: WHO Family Planning Handbook comparison table (Trussell data, also used in the CDC effectiveness chart). [src]
Both pills have similar effectiveness in the figures above. The combined pill gives more predictable bleeding and can help acne; the POP is the safer pill for people who cannot take estrogen. If remembering a pill at the same time every day is hard, the implant uses a similar hormone and lasts 3 years.
Three legal routes
Where to get it
Progestin-only pills need a prescription in the Philippines, or you can get them free at a health center. Pick the route that suits you. For adults 18 and over.
Free at a health center
Barangay health centers, RHUs, DOH hospitals and Likhaan. Subject to supply.
See an OB-GYN in person
Clinic visit, prescription in hand. Bring it to any licensed pharmacy.
Online consult
A licensed doctor by video or chat. From ₱700 on some platforms.
Online consult options
For adults 18 and over. Fees are set by each provider and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Pwede ba ang Daphne sa nagpapadede?
Oo. Ang progestin-only pills tulad ng Daphne ay karaniwang pinipili habang nagpapadede dahil walang estrogen. Kumonsulta sa doktor o health center kung kailan magsisimula pagkatapos manganak.
What happens if I take my POP late?
If you are more than 3 hours late with Daphne or Exluton, or more than 12 hours late with Cerazette, WHO says take one as soon as you remember, keep taking one a day, and use condoms for the next 2 days. Some desogestrel leaflets say 7 days, so follow the longer advice. If unsure, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Is there a break week with progestin-only pills?
No. Every pill in the pack is active. When you finish a pack, start the next one the next day.
Daphne vs Exluton: what is the difference?
They have the same active ingredient and dose (lynestrenol 500 mcg). Daphne is usually cheaper, from ₱161 compared with ₱218.50 for Exluton.
Do I need a prescription for Daphne?
Yes. All birth control pills, including progestin-only pills, are prescription medicines in the Philippines. You can get them free at a health center or with a prescription from a doctor in person or online.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.
Sources
- Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Managing missed pills (Family Planning Handbook), WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, World Health Organization
- Combined pill: who can and cannot take it, NHS
- Progestin-only pill in the Philippines, Find My Method
- Oral contraceptives category, Watsons PH
- Prescription Pharmacy: Contraceptive Agents, Rose Pharmacy
- DOH reminds public family planning services are free at public hospitals, Daily Tribune, 12 Jul 2025
- When will fertility return after using hormonal contraception?, Patient.info
- Daphne pills review, r/nanayconfessions