Desogestrel

Information about Desogestrel

Desogestrel Uses

Desogestrel is used for contraception.

How Desogestrel works

Desogestrel is a progestin (female hormone). It works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary or preventing the fertilization of the egg by sperm. It may also work by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) and increasing the thickness of cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy.

Common side effects of Desogestrel

Headache, Nausea1a, Weight gain, Irregular menstrual cycle, Mood changes, Breast pain, Acne
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
18 Feb 2020 | 11:51 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Desogestrel

CerazetteOrganon (India) Ltd
4801 variant(s)
FamyletteMylan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
3991 variant(s)
ZerogenGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2231 variant(s)
FemfolinLupin Ltd
1881 variant(s)

Expert advice for Desogestrel

  • Desogestrel helps prevent pregnancy.
  • It is more than 99% effective, if taken correctly.
  • Take it continuously at the same time everyday with no break between pack of pills.
  • Unlike other combined oral contraceptives, it can also be taken by women who smoke, are over 35 yrs of age or are breastfeeding.
  • If you are more than 12 hours late in taking a pill you will not be protected against pregnancy. Use other contraceptive methods such as condoms for the next two days.
  • If you vomit within 2 hours of taking Desogestrel, take another pill as soon as you feel well.
  • It may stop your periods or make them lighter, irregular or more frequent. Inform your doctor if this bothers you.
  • Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained swelling and pain in your limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, or changes in vision. These could be symptoms of a blood clot in a vein.

Frequently asked questions for Desogestrel

Desogestrel

Q. What is Desogestrel and what is it used for?

Desogestrel is “progesterone-only” oral contraceptive pill. Progesterone only pills contain the hormone progesterone, but do not contain estrogen. It is used to prevent pregnancy.

Q. How and in what dose should I take Desogestrel?

Take this medicine as per your doctor's advice. Take your tablet at about the same time everyday, to ensure consistent levels of medicine in your body.

Q. Should I give a break after finishing my pack of Desogestrel pills?

When you finish a pack, start the next pack straight away without having a break. You may have lighter, normal or no periods while taking Desogestrel. Continue taking Desogestrel without waiting for your next period.

Q. How effective is this pill?

Desogestrel is more than 99% effective when taken correctly. This means fewer than 1 woman in 100 who uses the progestogen-only pill as contraception will get pregnant in 1 year. However, missing pills, vomiting, and diarrhoea can make it less effective.

Q. What if I forget to take Desogestrel?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue the usual dosing schedule. However, if the dose was missed by more than 12 hours, you may not be totally protected against pregnancy. Use a non-hormonal method of contraception such as condoms, at least for the next 7 days, to prevent pregnancy. Frequent missing of doses may lead to unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting (blood stain). Consult your doctor, if this persists.

Q. What if I vomit after taking Desogestrel?

If you vomit within 3-4 hours of taking Desogestrel tablet, then it is considered as a missed dose. So, you should take another dose.

Q. What are the common side effects of taking Desogestrel?

You may experience irregular vaginal bleeding while taking Desogestrel. Other common side effects include headache, nausea (feeling sick), acne, depression (sad mood), and breast pain. Most of them are temporary, if these persist consult with your doctor.

Q. What are the advantages of using Desogestrel (progesterone-only pill) over combined oral contraceptive pills?

The progesterone only pill can also be used by those women who are lactating. With progesterone-only pills, you would stay away from the side effects of estrogen, which are usually associated with combined oral contraceptive pills.

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