Desogestrel
About
Desogestrel is a female hormone called progestin (a form of progesterone) used to prevent unintended pregnancy and hormone therapy. Unintended pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurred either unwanted when no children or no more children were desired. Also, pregnancy is mistimed, such as the pregnancy occurred earlier than desired.
Desogestrel contains 'Desogestrel', which prevents the release of an egg from the ovary (female reproductive cells) or prevents fertilization of an egg by sperm (male reproductive cells). Desogestrel may also change the lining of the uterus to prevent the development of a pregnancy. Desogestrel does not show any effect if you are already pregnant; hence, it does not cause abortion.
Take Desogestrel as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Desogestrel for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. You may experience headaches, weight gain, nausea, mood changes, irregular menstrual cycle, breast pain, and acne. Most of these side effects of Desogestrel do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Try not to stop taking this medicine of your own. Using Desogestrel may increase the risk of blood clots. Make sure that before taking this medicine, you inform your doctor if you have, or have had, breast cancer, unusual bleeding in the vagina, liver disease, or any other health problems. If you are taking any other medicine or are allergic to any medicine, please inform your doctor. Avoid smoking and alcohol to prevent any unpleasant side effects. Please inform your doctor if you have diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure. Immediately contact your doctor if you are pregnant and breastfeeding.
Uses of Desogestrel
Medicinal Benefits
Desogestrel contains 'Desogestrel', a female hormone called progestin (a form of progesterone) used to prevent unintended pregnancy and hormone therapy. It works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary (female reproductive cells) or preventing fertilization of an egg by sperm (male reproductive cells). Desogestrel may also change the lining of the uterus to prevent the development of a pregnancy. Desogestrel does not show any effect if you are already pregnant; hence, it does not cause abortion.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Desogestrel
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Mood changes
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Breast pain
- Acne.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Make sure that before taking this medicine, you inform your doctor if you have, or have had, breast cancer, unusual bleeding in the vagina, liver disease, or any other health problems. If you are taking any other medicine or are allergic to any medicine, please inform your doctor. If you have an allergy to peanuts and soya, talk with your doctor. Avoid smoking and alcohol to prevent any unpleasant side effects. Please inform your doctor if you have diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure. Try not to stop taking this medicine of your own. Using Desogestrel may increase the risk of blood clots. If you have or have had chloasma (yellowish-brown pigmentation patches on the skin, especially on the skin of the face), prevent too much contact with the sun or ultraviolet radiation. It is essential to check your breasts frequently, and you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you feel any swelling in your breasts. Immediately contact your doctor if you are pregnant and breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Desogestrel interacts with anti-epilepsy medicines (primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine), medicines used to treat tuberculosis (rifampicin), medicines used to treat infectious disease (griseofulvin),
Drug-Food Interaction: Desogestrel interacts with St. John's wort (an antidepressant herbal supplement).
Drug-Disease Interaction: Desogestrel should be taken with caution in people who have a bleeding problem, liver or kidney disease, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure, or increase calcium in breast cancer.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol is not known to cause any unpleasant side effects if taken along with Desogestrel. But avoid alcohol consumption while taking Desogestrel.
Pregnancy
unsafeDo not use Desogestrel if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionAlthough it does not produce harmful effects, a small amount of Desogestrel passe into milk. Therefore, consult with your doctor before using Desogestrel.
Driving
safe if prescribedDesogestrel has no known effect on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionDesogestrel to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionDesogestrel to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeNo clinical data on efficacy and safety are available in children below 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Quitting smoking and not drinking alcohol is the best strategy to lower the risk of any complications.
- Avoid chronic stress and physical exercise like running, as it might increase vaginal bleeding.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily, and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
- Take a pregnancy test about a week after you take Desogestrel.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive, soybean, canola, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.
Special Advise
- Take Desogestrel preferably within 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding after taking this medicine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Unintended pregnancy is a condition of pregnancy that occurs either unwanted when no children or no more children are desired. Also, pregnancy is mistimed, such as the pregnancy occurred earlier than desired. Most unintended pregnancies result from not using contraception or from using contraceptives inconsistently or incorrectly.
FAQs
Desogestrel does not affect fertility. If you have been taking the Desogestrel, your chances of getting pregnant within a year are about the same as any other couple.
Yes, Desogestrel can be taken every day. This medicine is prescribed once daily. Please take it in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor.
When you complete a pack, begin the next pack without having a break. You may have lighter, normal, or no periods while taking Desogestrel. Continue taking Desogestrel without waiting for your next period.
Take this Desogestrel as per your doctor's instruction. Take your tablet at about the same time every day to ensure constant levels of Desogestrel in your body.
If you vomit within 3-4 hours of taking a Desogestrel tablet, it is considered a missed dose. Therefore, you should take another dose.
