Herz is a combined oral contraceptive containing desogestrel, a third-generation progestin, paired with a low dose of ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms). The two hormones work together to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus so sperm cannot pass through easily, and alter the uterine lining to make it less suitable for implantation.

Desogestrel is a newer progestin than second-generation options like levonorgestrel, with higher progesterone-receptor selectivity and lower androgenic activity. This means acne and oily-skin side effects linked to androgenic activity tend to be less common than with some older formulas.

Herz is an affordable option for anyone who wants a desogestrel plus low-dose-estrogen formula — the same combination used in several original-brand combined pills. It also suits first-time combined-pill users, since doctors are very familiar with this formula and it has a long track record of safety data.

Herz suits women of reproductive age who want a low-estrogen combined hormonal contraceptive and prefer a single continuous 28-tablet regimen without counting a separate pill-free week. It is especially helpful for anyone who has often forgotten to restart a 21+7 pack, since taking a tablet every single day is easier to turn into a habit than remembering separate break and restart dates.

Herz can also suit anyone who previously used a higher-estrogen pill and noticed clear side effects such as nausea or breast tenderness, since 20 micrograms of estrogen is considered a low dose that tends to be better tolerated.

Because Herz only comes in a 28-tablet box, anyone who wants the option of a 21-tablet pack can consider Minny, which has the exact same active ingredients but offers both 21 and 28-tablet packs.

Take one Herz tablet daily at the same time, following the arrows printed on the pack. Once all 28 tablets are finished, start the next box the very next day — there is no gap and no break, unlike a 21+7 regimen that requires a 7-day pause before the next pack.

Starting the first pack on day one of your period gives immediate protection. Starting on any other day requires backup contraception, such as condoms, for at least 7 days.

Because Herz has no break at all, taking it at the exact same time every day matters even more than with a 21+7 formula — setting a phone reminder and pairing it with a daily habit, such as brushing your teeth, helps keep it consistent.

Common side effects in the first 2-3 months include mild nausea, headache, breast tenderness, mood changes, and light spotting between packs, which usually settle as the body adjusts.

Rare but serious side effects that need urgent medical attention include one-sided leg pain and swelling, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or an unusually severe headache — possible signs of a blood clot.

If mild side effects have not improved after 3 cycles, or are seriously disrupting daily life, go back to a pharmacist to discuss switching to a formula that suits your body better.

Do not use if you have a history of blood clots in veins or arteries, heart disease, migraine with aura, breast cancer, severe liver impairment, or if you are pregnant.

Consult a pharmacist before use if you smoke and are over 35, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or are breastfeeding, since these factors raise the risk of serious side effects.

Before major surgery or a period of prolonged immobility (such as a leg in a cast), tell your doctor you are taking Herz, since it may need to be paused temporarily to reduce blood-clot risk during recovery.

Compare Herz's hormone formula with other combined pills sold in the store:

• Mercilon (desogestrel) — the original brand using the exact same formula as Herz, priced higher as the original-brand version
• Yaz (drospirenone) — uses a different progestin in a 24+4 regimen, targeted at reducing PMS symptoms and acne alongside contraception

Quick summary: for an affordable desogestrel formula, choose either Herz or Mercilon (same active ingredients); for extra help with acne and PMS, choose Yaz instead.

Certain medicines can reduce Herz's effectiveness, including some anti-seizure drugs, the antibiotic rifampicin, and St John's Wort. Use backup contraception if you need any of these while taking Herz.

Common antibiotics such as amoxicillin do not significantly reduce Herz's effectiveness, but severe vomiting or diarrhoea from an illness can reduce absorption enough that backup contraception is needed.

Always tell your pharmacist you are taking Herz before starting any new medicine or supplement.

Starting Herz on the first day of your period gives immediate contraceptive protection. Starting on any other day of the cycle requires 7 days plus backup contraception before the pill reaches full effectiveness.

Order online at Intimo Life for nationwide delivery in Thailand within 1-3 business days. Packaging is discreet and does not display the product name on the parcel.