Desogestrel
Description
Desogestrel is a contraceptive pill containing Desogestrel. It is used to prevent pregnancy in women. This medicine works by preventing the fertilization of the egg.
Desogestrel may cause some side effects like nausea, abdominal pain, weight gain, irregular or missed periods, slight bleeding between periods, breast pain, changes in mood, etc. Consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Desogestrel should be taken every day for 21 days starting from the first day of your menstrual cycle (first day of bleeding). Then a gap of seven days should be maintained after which the medicine should be continued again. Take this medicine at the same time every day to ensure compliance (making sure you do not miss a dose).
Desogestrel is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. It is also not recommended for use if you have thromboembolic (blood clotting) disorders, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorder (conditions related to the heart, brain, and blood vessels), severe liver problems, oestrogen-dependent tumours, and undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Inform your doctor if you have any other medical condition or taking any other medication. before taking this medicine.
Desogestrel is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not clinically established.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Desogestrel
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Acne
- Rash
- Breast pain
- Missed or irregular menstrual periods
- Weight gain
Uses of Desogestrel
What is it prescribed for?
- Contraception
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Desogestrel to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Desogestrel remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Desogestrel.
- Usage in pregnancy?Use of Desogestrel is not recommended if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Contact your doctor if you suspect pregnancy while being treated with this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Desogestrel may pass into the breastmilk in small amounts. Use this medicine while breastfeeding only upon your doctor's recommendation.
Allergy
Desogestrel is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience rashes, hives (painful eruptions that sting), itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, etc.
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
Desogestrel is not recommended for use if you experience episodes of abnormal bleeding from the vagina, as this medicine may worsen your condition.
Severe liver impairment
Desogestrel is not recommended for use if you have severe liver problems due to the increased risk of worsening of your condition.
Active venous thromboembolic disorder
Desogestrel is not recommended for use if you have an active venous thromboembolic disorder (also known as VTE, or blood clots in your veins), or arterial thromboembolic disorder (also known as ATE, or blood clots in your arteries). This medicine may worsen your condition.
Oestrogen-dependent tumour
Desogestrel is not recommended for use if you have or have had cancer that is attributed to abnormal levels of the hormone oestrogen in your body such as breast cancer.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Use of Desogestrel is not recommended if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Contact your doctor if you suspect pregnancy while being treated with this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Desogestrel may pass into the breastmilk in small amounts. Use this medicine while breastfeeding only upon your doctor's recommendation.
General warnings
Breast cancer
Desogestrel should be used with caution due to the increased risk of breast cancer.
Diabetes mellitus
Desogestrel should be used with caution if you have diabetes (high blood sugar levels) as this medication may cause further alteration in blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly while you are taking this medicine.
Use in children
Desogestrel is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 years of age due to the lack of sufficient safety and efficacy data.
Mood changes and depression
Desogestrel should be used with caution as it may cause mood changes and depression. Consult your doctor if you experience changes in mood and behaviour or depressive symptoms.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Desogestrel, contact your doctor immediately for further instructions. The instructions may vary based on the day the dose is missed. You may also require additional means of contraception as a backup if you miss a dose. The possibility of pregnancy should be considered at the first missed period and the medicine should be discontinued upon confirmation of pregnancy.
Overdose
Never take more than the recommended dose of Desogestrel. Contact your doctor if you suspect an overdose of this medicine.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Carbamazepine
Rifampicin
Cyclosporine
Disease interactions
Hepatic neoplasms
Desogestrel is not recommended for use if you have a history of liver tumours, as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor may recommend replacement with a suitable alternative based on your clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Desogestrel with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Take this medicine at the same time every day to ensure compliance. Follow all the instructions mentioned on the prescription label/package insert.
Do not take Desogestrel in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor, as it may increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any undesirable effects like swelling in your limbs, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headaches, or jaundice (yellowing colouring of the skin or whites of the eyes).
Avoid smoking or consuming grapefruit juice while taking Desogestrel.
Your doctor may recommend frequent monitoring of your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and body weight for the duration you are taking this medicine.
Make sure to use alternative methods of contraception like condoms when engaging in sexual activity as Desogestrel does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Keep out of reach of children and pets. Ensure the proper disposal of expired or unused medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Desogestrel works by preventing the fertilization of the egg.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Contraceptives, Progestins
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2022. Zelleta 75 micrograms Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: [Accessed 12 July 2022].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2022. Desogestrel. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 12 July 2022].
Information on this page was last updated on 7 Sep 2022
Disclaimer
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