Desogestrel

Desogestrel is a progestogen structurally related to levonorgestrel that has been shown to reliably inhibit ovulation. Most minipills work primarily by preventing the sperm cells from entering the womb but do not always prevent the egg cell from ripening, which is the primary action of combined pills. This pill is distinct from other mini-pills in having a dose that in most cases is high enough to prevent the egg cell from ripening, providing high contraceptive efficacy.

• Contraception (progestogen-only pill)

Desogestrel is a progestogen structurally related to levonorgestrel that has been shown to reliably inhibit ovulation. Most minipills work primarily by preventing the sperm cells from entering the womb but do not always prevent the egg cell from ripening, which is the primary action of combined pills. This pill is distinct from other mini-pills in having a dose that in most cases is high enough to prevent the egg cell from ripening, providing high contraceptive efficacy.

Desogestrel prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to block sperm penetration, and alters the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy.

Adult: 75 mcg once daily (at the same time, continuously without a break). Available in 28-day strips.

Take at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break. When a strip is empty, start a new pack on the next day without interruption.

>12 hours late: Take the tablet as soon as you remember (may mean taking 2 tablets in one day). Use additional contraception (condom) for the next 7 days.
<12 hours late: Take the tablet as soon as you remember; contraceptive efficacy is maintained.

Common: Irregular bleeding, amenorrhoea, headache, weight gain, breast pain, nausea, acne, mood changes, decreased libido.
Other: Vaginitis, dysmenorrhoea, ovarian cysts, vomiting, alopecia, fatigue.

Highly effective for preventing pregnancy (>99%). Suitable for smokers, women over 35, and breastfeeding mothers. May cause irregular, lighter, or absent periods. Caution in history of thromboembolism, liver disease, diabetes.

Pregnancy; undiagnosed vaginal bleeding; severe arterial disease; liver adenoma; porphyria; history of breast cancer.

Enzyme-inducing drugs (hydantoins, barbiturates, primidone, carbamazepine, rifampicin, oxcarbazepine, rifabutin, felbamate, ritonavir, griseofulvin, St John's Wort): May reduce contraceptive efficacy.
Medical charcoal: May reduce absorption of etonogestrel.

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Desogestrel. Please consult your doctor.

Desogestrel is highly unsafe during pregnancy. Studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

Desogestrel is safe during breastfeeding. It does not affect the production or quality of breast milk. Small amounts of the metabolite etonogestrel are excreted with the milk.

Limited experience of use in children and adolescents.

No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.

Renal impairment: Limited information available on the use of Desogestrel in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Hepatic impairment: Use with caution. Not recommended in severe and active liver disease.

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, and in young girls, slight vaginal bleeding. No serious deleterious effects have been reported.

Store below 30°C.

Desogestrel