Desogestrel: Indications, How to Take & Side Effects

Desogestrel is a hormone used in oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. It is typically prescribed for people who are breastfeeding or for those who cannot use contraceptives that contain estrogen.

Known as the “mini pill” because it contains only progestin, desogestrel is available under brand names such as Cerazette and Cerelle in the UK, as well as in a generic version containing 75 mcg of desogestrel.

Each pack contains 28 tablets that should be taken daily, with no break between packs. This medication should only be used under the guidance of a gynecologist or general practitioner.

Indications for use

Desogestrel is an oral contraceptive primarily used to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.

It is especially recommended for people who are breastfeeding or who cannot use estrogen-based contraceptives, since it contains only progestin.

How to take

Each desogestrel pack contains 28 tablets. Take one tablet every day with water, at the same time each day, following the order of arrows shown on the pack.

When you finish one pack, start the next pack the following day without taking a break. The tablet should be swallowed whole and should not be split or chewed.

It is recommended to start taking desogestrel on the first day of your period. It can also be started between the 2nd and 5th day of your menstrual cycle, but in this case, another form of contraception, such as condoms, should be used for the first seven days.

Switching methods

When switching to desogestrel, the start time may vary depending on the previous contraceptive method. If you were using an estrogen-containing contraceptive, such as a combined pill, vaginal ring, or patch, it is best to start desogestrel right after taking the last active pill or removing the ring or patch, without needing any additional contraception.

If the switch is made at another time, it may be necessary to use condoms for the first seven days.

Missed pill

If you forget to take a dose of desogestrel, follow these recommendations to maintain contraceptive protection:

• If the delay is less than 12 hours, take the missed pill as soon as you remember. The contraceptive effect is not reduced;

• If the delay is more than 12 hours, take the missed pill as soon as possible and use an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms, for the next seven days;

• If the delay occurs in the first week of a new pack, you must use additional protection because the risk of pregnancy is higher if you had unprotected sex. In this case, take a pregnancy test 21 days after the last unprotected intercourse.

If a pill is missed after the first week of the first pack, follow the same guidance based on how long the delay was.

Side effects

The most common side effects of desogestrel include irregular bleeding, acne, mood changes, breast tenderness, nausea, and mild weight gain.

Less common side effects include headaches, hair loss, missed periods, vaginal infections, and ovarian cysts.

Does desogestrel cause weight gain?

Weight gain is one of the most commonly reported effects of desogestrel use.

However, there is no scientific evidence that desogestrel causes significant weight gain, and this effect can vary from person to person.

Can desogestrel stop your period?

Yes, desogestrel can stop menstrual periods in some women.

After two to three months of continuous use, periods may become lighter, and some women may stop menstruating completely.

Contraindications to use

Desogestrel should not be used in the following situations:

• Allergy to any ingredient in the formula;

• Severe liver problems or a recent history of liver disease;

• Current or suspected breast cancer, or hormone-sensitive cancer;

• History of thrombosis (blood clots);

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding;

• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.

A gynecologist should also evaluate the use of desogestrel in people with kidney disease or those taking medications that may reduce its effectiveness, such as certain anticonvulsants.

Desogestrel in the USA

In the USA, all desogestrel-containing contraceptives are combined oral contraceptives (containing both desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol). Examples include Apri, Desogen, and Kariva.

For people seeking progestin-only pills (POPs) in the USA, the available options use different active ingredients, such as:

• Norethindrone 0.35 mg (e.g., Micronor, Camila, Errin, Norlyda, Heather)

• Drospirenone 4 mg (e.g., Slynd)

These are the only progestin-only oral contraceptives currently approved by the FDA.