Desogestrel oral

Therapeutic action

Hormonal contraceptive, progestogen.

Indications

Oral contraception.

Forms and strengths

• 0.075 mg (75 micrograms) tablet.

Dose

• One tablet daily to be taken at the same time each day, on a continuous basis, including during menstruation.
• Contraception may be started at any moment of the cycle if it is reasonably certain the woman is not pregnant, including when switching from another form of contraception.
• Contraception is effective as of the 3rd tablet.
• Use condoms for the first 2 days of the pack if the pill is started more than 5 days after the start of menstruation, more than 28 days postpartum if not breastfeeding, or more than 7 days after an abortion.
• If a pill is missed, take it as soon as possible and continue usual treatment. The missed pill and next scheduled pill can be taken together.
• If the missed pill is more than 12 hours overdue, contraceptive effectiveness is reduced. Use condoms for the following 2 days and use emergency contraception if intercourse occurred in the 5 days before the missed pill.

Duration

If there are no adverse effects, continue as long as this method of contraception is desired.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer to women with breast cancer, severe or recent liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or active thromboembolic disorders.
• May cause amenorrhoea, menstrual disturbances, nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, mood changes, acne, and headache.
• Enzyme-inducing drugs such as rifampicin, rifabutin, efavirenz, nevirapine, lopinavir, ritonavir, phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and griseofulvin reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
• Pregnancy: contraindicated.
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication.