Desogestrel is a contraceptive.
What is Desogestrel?
Desogestrel is a synthetic form of progesterone. It works by preventing ovulation. It increases the thickness of the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. Finally, it changes the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
How should Desogestrel be taken?
Desogestrel is administered orally and in combination with other active contraceptives.
Side effects associated with Desogestrel
Desogestrel can cause menstrual irregularities such as irregular bleeding or skipped periods. It can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies and slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Among the other possible side effects of desogestrel include the following:
- Mood swings
- Reduced sex drive
- Headache
- Nausea
- Acne
- Sensitivity of the breasts
- Weight gain
- Vomiting
- Vaginal infections
- Hair loss
- Ovarian cysts
- Painful menstruation
- Fatigue
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest or chest pain
- Pain or swelling in the leg
- Pain when breathing or coughing
- Jaundice
- Sharp and sudden abdominal pain
- Pregnancy
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Desogestrel
Before starting treatment with desogestrel, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, or to any other drugs, food (in case of intolerance to galactose) and various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: aprepitant, bosentan, barbiturates, carbamazepine, crizotinib, debrafenib, efavirenz, eslicarbazepine, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, perampanel, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampicin, rifabutin, ritonavir, rufinamide, St. John's wort, topiramate, vemurafenib, griseofulvin, orlistat, cyclosporine, lamotrigine, selegiline, tizanidine or voriconazole
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from vaginal bleeding with no known cause, breast cancer, acute porphyria, lactase deficiency, glucose or galactose malabsorption, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, disorders that increase the risk of thrombosis, lack of antithrombin, factor V Leiden, arterial problems (including angina, stroke, heart attack), high cardiovascular risk (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking), systemic lupus erythematosus, liver or gall bladder disease, jaundice or itching triggered by oral contraceptives, inflammatory bowel disease, migraine or chloasma
- You have a family history of breast cancer
- You are planning on undergoing surgery
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
In the case of vomiting or diarrhea within two hours of taking desogestrel, it is necessary to take another dose. You should also consult with your doctor about other precautions in order to avoid the risk of getting pregnant.
