Desogestrel

Desogestrel

Desogestrel is a generic form of the progesterone only contraceptive pill. It is sometimes known by its brand names Cerazette and Norgeston. Unlike combined contraceptive tablets, the Desogestrel pill does not contain oestrogen. It can be taken by women who are sexually active and wish to prevent a pregnancyfrom occurring.

What is Desogestrel?

Desogestrel Pill

• Desogestrel is a progesterone only pill (POP) used for contraception (prevention of a pregnancy
• Desogestrel does not contain oestrogen
• Desogestrel only prevents a pregnancy when it is taken correctly every day
• Desogestrel and other progesterone only pills are sometimes taken by women who cannot take oestrogen containing contraceptives
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

How Does Desogestrel Work?

Progesterone is made naturally within a woman’s body during her menstrual cycle. Desogestrel contains a synthetic version of progesterone. When taken every day, desogestrel prevents a woman from becoming pregnant by thickening the mucus produced at the cervix (the entrance to the womb). This stops any sperm from reaching the egg, preventing fertilisation and the start of a pregnancy.

Desogestrel can also prevent an egg from being ripened and released from the ovary. This, combined with thickened cervical mucus, makes desogestrel a highly effective form of contraception.

How is Desogestrel Taken?

Unlike combined contraceptive pills which often require a pill-free break, desogestrel should be taken every day. There is no break between packs. Simply keep taking the pill each day and start a new pack with no break in between.

You should take desogestrel at the same time every day. If you take a pill late, or forget to take it, you should seek advice to check if you still have contraceptive cover. If you miss a pill, you may be advised to use a barrier method of contraception (such as condoms) or abstain from sex until desogestrel can start working again.

You should swallow the tablet whole, with some water.

What is the correct dosage of Desogestrel?

Desogestrel 75 Microgram

Each Desogestrel tablet contains 75 micrograms of desogestrel.

Desogestrel Dosage

One tablet is taken every day. Each tablet in the strip of pills is labelled with the day of the week to make it easier for you. Follow the arrows on the pack to make sure that you don’t miss a pill.

Are there any side effects to Desogestrel?

Desogestrel Side Effects

Like all medications, desogestrel can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Acne or spots
• Tender breasts
• Weight gain
• Change in mood including depression
• Reduced sex drive.

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

More serious side effects are rare but include:

• Possible increase in the risk of developing breast cancer
• Possible increase in the risk of developing a blood clot in the legs, lungs or elsewhere in the body
• Serious change in mood leading to thoughts of suicide.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

What warnings does Desogestrel come with?

Desogestrel may not be suitable for everyone, including women who:

• Have ever had a blood clot such as a DVT (blood clot in the legs) or PE (blood clot in the lungs)
• Have liver disease or have ever been jaundiced
• Have, or have ever been diagnosed with, breast cancer
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have had an allergic reaction to any medication in the past.

Desogestrel may also not suit women who have diabetes, epilepsy, tuberculosis, high blood pressure or patchy skin changes called chloasma.

Some medications can interact with desogestrel. You may be advised that desogestrel will not suit you if you already take:

• Carbamazepine
• Phenytoin
• Primidone
• Rifampicin
• Efavirenz
• Oxcarbazepine
• Topiramate
• Rifabutin
• Barbiturates
• Bosentan
• Griseofulvin
• St John’s Wort.

This is because many of these medications reduce the efficacy of desogestrel, increasing the risk of an unwanted pregnancy.