Desogestrel

Desogestrel is used by adult women to prevent pregnancy. It contains desogestrel, a synthetic form of the female sex hormone progesterone, which is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly.

Desogestrel works by preventing the ripening of the egg in the female body. This differentiates Desogestrel from other progestogen-only pills, which focus more on preventing sperm from reaching and fertilising eggs, as opposed to preventing eggs from maturing.

Desogestrel is immediately effective if taken from the first day of the menstrual cycle continuously with no breaks between packs. If Desogestrel is started at any other time during the menstrual cycle, it is recommended to use a barrier contraceptive method, such as condoms, for the first seven days of taking Desogestrel. This can help maximise the chance of preventing pregnancy.

Take one Desogestrel pill per day at the same time each day. Each pack contains 28 tablets, and a new pack should be started immediately after finishing the previous one without any breaks. This continuous intake maximises the effectiveness of Desogestrel at preventing pregnancy.

Desogestrel is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if taken correctly (refer to the patient information leaflet for directions for use). Desogestrel may be more effective at preventing pregnancy than other progestogen-only pills due to its unique mechanism of action, which prevents eggs from ripening in the female body. The effectiveness of Desogestrel may be reduced if doses are missed.

Desogestrel is suitable for adult women, especially for those who may not be able to take synthetic oestrogen. However, Desogestrel should not be taken by individuals who have had certain types of cancer, severe liver disease, or thrombosis, or those who are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Desogestrel is also suitable for breastfeeding mothers. 

Desogestrel is the generic version of Cerazette and Cerelle. All three brands of contraceptive pills are medically identical, as they all contain the same active ingredient, desogestrel, which is a synthetic form of progesterone.

If you forget to take a dose of Desogestrel, and it has been more than 12 hours since the missed dose, continue taking the pill as normal at your usual time. Use barrier contraception (such as condoms) for the next 7 days since the missed dose to help prevent pregnancy. If it has been less than 12 hours since the missed dose, you may not need to use barrier contraception in addition to taking Desogestrel, as the medication is likely to remain effective as if a dose was not missed.

Desogestrel does not stop periods and is not a period delay treatment, but it can alter menstrual bleeding patterns. Some users may experience infrequent or no bleeding at all, while others may experience irregular bleeding. The time at which this occurs can vary from person to person.

Weight gain may cause weight gain in some women, depending on individual physiological responses to the hormone. Please consult your doctor or GP if you experience weight gain while taking Desogestrel.

You can buy Desogestrel from Pharmica after completing a free online consultation to determine treatment suitability.