| FIELD OF APPLICATION | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Desogestrel |
| Active Ingredient | Desogestrel |
| US Brand Names | Apri, Averi, Azurette, Bekyree, Caziant, Cesia, Cyred, Emoquette, Enskyce, Isibloom, Juleber, Kalliga, Kariva, Pimtrea, Reclipsen, Simliya, Velivet, Viorele, Volnea |
| Drug Category | Gynecology |
| Drug Class | Prophylactic / preventive therapy, Palliative treatment, Immunosuppressive therapy, Targeted therapy |
| Dosage Forms | Kit, Kit; tablet, Kit; tablet, film coated, Tablet, Tablet, coated, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, film coated |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| FDA Approval Status | FDA Approved (December 1992) |
Desogestrel: Overview
Desogestrel is a synthetic progestin used primarily in Gynecology as an oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. It functions as a Hormone Modulator and is typically prescribed in combination with ethinyl estradiol to provide highly effective reproductive control for women.
What Is Desogestrel & How Does It Work?
Desogestrel acts as a Hormone Modulator within the female reproductive system to prevent conception. Once ingested, this prodrug is converted into its active form called etonogestrel, which binds selectively to progesterone receptors in the body. By modifying messenger RNA synthesis like a transcription factor, Desogestrel stops the ovaries from releasing an egg during the monthly menstrual cycle. It also thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to travel and reach an egg, and changes the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from successfully attaching.
Is Desogestrel FDA Approved?
The United States Food and Drug Administration officially approved Desogestrel in December 1992 for contraceptive use. In the Gynecology setting, physicians widely utilize Desogestrel combined with an estrogen as a reliable method for family planning and reproductive management.
What Is Desogestrel Used For?
- Prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive age.
- Inhibition of ovulation through steady hormonal regulation.
- Alteration of cervical mucus and the uterine lining to deter sperm movement and egg implantation.
Before Taking Desogestrel: Contraindications & Precautions
Medical professionals must evaluate a patient completely before prescribing hormonal contraceptives. Certain cardiovascular and liver conditions make Desogestrel unsafe for some women to use.
Who Should Not Take Desogestrel?
- Women with a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- Individuals who have experienced a heart attack or a stroke.
- Patients with active liver disease, liver tumors, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Desogestrel: Pregnancy & Fertility
Desogestrel must not be used by women who are already pregnant. If pregnancy occurs while taking the pill, Desogestrel should be stopped immediately. Normal fertility typically returns shortly after discontinuing Desogestrel, allowing women to conceive when they are ready.
Tell Your Doctor Before Taking Desogestrel
Inform your healthcare provider if you smoke cigarettes, especially if you are over thirty five years old. Discuss any personal or family history of breast cancer, high blood pressure, or severe migraines. Provide a complete list of all current supplements and medications before starting Desogestrel.
Desogestrel: Dosage & Administration
Desogestrel requires strict adherence to a daily schedule to maintain its contraceptive effectiveness. It is formulated as an oral tablet and is often packaged in a 28 day blister pack to help patients track their daily doses.
Standard Desogestrel Dosing
- One Desogestrel tablet is taken by mouth at the same time every single day.
- The regimen usually includes 21 days of active hormone tablets followed by 7 days of inactive reminder tablets.
- A new pack of Desogestrel must be started immediately after the previous pack is finished to ensure continuous protection.
How Desogestrel Is Administered
- Swallow the Desogestrel tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Desogestrel can be taken with or without food.
- Take Desogestrel at the exact same hour daily to ensure steady hormone levels in the blood.
Desogestrel: Clinical Efficacy & Research
Extensive clinical research demonstrates that Desogestrel, when combined with ethinyl estradiol, is highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Medical consensus indicates a failure rate of less than one percent when Desogestrel is taken perfectly every day. The specific profile of Desogestrel offers a strong contraceptive effect while maintaining low androgenic activity, which helps minimize side effects like acne and unwanted facial hair growth for many patients.
Desogestrel: Side Effects & Safety Profile
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptives like Desogestrel. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. Women who use Desogestrel are strongly advised not to smoke.
While highly effective, Desogestrel carries specific risks that require medical supervision. The safety profile includes both minor daily side effects and rare but serious cardiovascular events.
Common Desogestrel Side Effects
- Nausea and breast tenderness
- Headaches and mild weight changes
- Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
Serious Desogestrel Adverse Events
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Myocardial infarction or stroke
- Significant liver abnormalities or jaundice
Managing Desogestrel Side Effects
Mild nausea can often be prevented by taking Desogestrel with a meal or right before bedtime. If you experience severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or severe leg pain while taking Desogestrel, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Desogestrel: Interactions & What to Avoid
Certain substances can alter how Desogestrel is metabolized in the liver, potentially reducing its ability to prevent pregnancy. Patients must be cautious when mixing Desogestrel with other medical treatments.
Desogestrel: Interactions
- Liver enzyme inducers like rifampin and certain anticonvulsants can decrease the effectiveness of Desogestrel.
- Broad spectrum antibiotics may alter intestinal flora and impact the absorption of Desogestrel.
- Herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort can significantly reduce blood levels of the active hormones in Desogestrel.
Desogestrel: Food & Alcohol
There are no specific dietary restrictions required while taking Desogestrel. Moderate alcohol consumption does not decrease the contraceptive efficacy of Desogestrel.
Desogestrel: Missed Dose, Overdose & Storage
Proper management of missed doses is critical to avoid unintended pregnancy while using Desogestrel. Safe storage ensures the active ingredients in Desogestrel remain stable and effective.
Missed Dose of Desogestrel
If one active Desogestrel pill is missed, take it as soon as remembered and take the next pill at the regular time. If two or more active Desogestrel pills are missed, use a backup birth control method for seven days and consult your prescribing information leaflet.
Desogestrel: Overdose & Emergency
An overdose of Desogestrel may cause severe nausea, vomiting, and sudden withdrawal bleeding. If a massive accidental ingestion of Desogestrel occurs, contact a poison control center or seek medical assistance.
How to Store Desogestrel
Keep the Desogestrel blister packs at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. Leave the Desogestrel pills in their original packaging until it is the exact time to take them.
Desogestrel: Patient Management & Monitoring
Routine healthcare visits are necessary to monitor blood pressure and overall health while using Desogestrel. Gynecologists utilize these visits to ensure Desogestrel remains safe for the patient over time.
Tests Before Starting Desogestrel
- A complete medical history review and a baseline blood pressure measurement.
- A routine physical exam including a clinical breast examination.
Monitoring During Desogestrel Treatment
- Annual blood pressure checks and routine gynecological evaluations.
- Monitoring for changes in mood, liver function, and migraine frequency while taking Desogestrel.
Desogestrel: Do’s and Don’ts
- Do take Desogestrel at the exact same time every day to maximize effectiveness.
- Do use a barrier method like condoms alongside Desogestrel to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes while taking Desogestrel.
- Don’t skip Desogestrel pills even if you do not have sex frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss a dose of Desogestrel?
If you miss a dose of Desogestrel, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day.
Does Desogestrel protect against sexually transmitted infections?
Desogestrel only prevents pregnancy and does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Can Desogestrel cause weight gain?
Some women may experience mild weight fluctuations or water retention while taking Desogestrel, though significant weight gain is uncommon.
Is Desogestrel safe to use while breastfeeding?
Desogestrel combined with estrogen is generally not recommended during the early stages of breastfeeding because it may reduce milk production.
How long does it take for Desogestrel to start working?
If Desogestrel is started on the first day of your period, it works immediately; otherwise, a backup method is needed for the first seven days.
Will Desogestrel affect my future fertility?
Desogestrel does not have a negative impact on long term fertility, and normal ovulation usually resumes shortly after stopping the medication.
Why is smoking dangerous while taking Desogestrel?
Smoking while taking Desogestrel severely increases the risk of developing life threatening blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.
References
The clinical data and prescribing guidelines for this medication are sourced from verified medical databases and regulatory authorities. These resources ensure the safe and effective administration of this contraceptive therapy.
- US Food and Drug Administration Approved Labeling for Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approved Drug Products Database: Drugs@FDA Prescribing Information & Approval History; Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Official Labeling Repository: FDA Approved Labeling Text for Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider at any hospital or any local clinic before starting or stopping any medication.
