Desogestrel

Indications
Desogestrel indicated in prevention of pregnancy or oral contraception.

Therapeutic Class
Oral Contraceptive preparations

Pharmacology
Desogestrel is a progestogen structurally related to levonorgestrel that has been shown to reliably inhibit ovulation.

Dosage & Administration
When used alone: 75 mcg daily when used alone.
For monophasic combined oral contraceptives: Typically, 150 mcg daily;.
For triphasic combined oral contraceptives: 50-150 mcg daily.

Interaction
Reduced efficacy with enzyme-inducing drugs; aminoglutethimide. May inhibit ciclosporin metabolism.

Contraindications
Desogestrel is contraindicated in the following conditions: Known or suspected pregnancy; Active venous thromboembolic disorder; Presence or history of severe hepatic disease as long as liver function values have not returned to normal; Known or suspected sex-steroid sensitive malignancies; Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding; Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Side Effects
Common- Irregular bleeding, amenorrhoea, headache, weight gain, breast pain, nausea, acne, mood changes, decreased libido. Less common- Vaginitis, dysmenorrhea, vomiting, alopecia, fatigue, difficulty wearing contact lenses. Rare- Rash, urticaria, erythema nodosum.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Incase of known or suspected Desogestrel is contraindicated. Desogestrel does not influence the production or the quality (protein, lactose, or fat concentrations) of breast milk. From clinical trial it has been seen that it has no effect on the development and growth of a nursing infant.

Precautions & Warnings
Heart disease, sex-steroid dependent cancer, past ectopic pregnancy, malabsorption syndromes, functional ovarian cysts, active liver disease, recurrent cholestatic jaundice, history of jaundice in pregnancy, history of CV or renal impairment, DM, asthma, epilepsy, migraine, depression and thromboembolism; lactation.

Overdose Effects
There have been no reports of serious deleterious effects from overdose. Symptoms that may occur in this case are nausea, vomiting and, in young girls, slight vaginal bleeding. There are no antidotes and further treatment should be symptomatic.

Storage Conditions
Store below 25° C in a cool, dry place. Keep away from light & out of reach of children.