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Desogestrel is a generic contraceptive pill, or birth control pill which is used to prevent pregnancy. It is available in other well known brands such as Cerazete. It contains an artificial progestogen hormone that imitates the female sex hormone progesterone. It is a very effective, reversible method of contraception.
Desogestrel works by keeping progesterone levels in the body at a higher steady level. It works in three ways:
When taken correctly Desogestrel has a 99% success rate in preventing pregnancy. This means fewer than 1 person in 100 who uses these progesterone-only pills will get pregnant in one year of use.
Desogestrel pill is an oral tablet that should be swallowed whole. There are 28 tablets in each pack of Desogestrel. One tablet is taken at the same time every day without a break between the blister packs within a 12-hour window.. There is no interval in this treatment cycle – take the first pill of your next pack the day after finishing the first. The tablets are labelled with corresponding days of the week to help you keep track of taking one daily. If the blister pack is not started on the first day of your menstrual cycle, you should use condoms or another barrier method of contraception for seven days to avoid getting pregnant.
If you are not currently using or have not used any hormonal contraception in the past month: wait for your period to start and take your first Desogestrel tablet on day 1 of your period. You will not need to use any barrier contraceptives such as condoms to prevent pregnancy. If you start taking Desogestrel anytime after day 1 of your period you will need to use a barrier method of contraception for 7 days.
If you are switching from a combined pill, vaginal ring or transdermal patch: you can take your first Desogestrel tablet, on the first day after your tablet, ring or patch-free break of your previous contraceptive and use barrier contraception such as condoms for 7 days.
If you are changing from any other progestogen-only-pill: you can switch on any day and you will not need to use additional barrier contraception.
It is important to take the pill as directed to ensure the effectiveness of the pill in preventing pregnancy. If a pill is missed then you have 12 hours to take the dose. Any time after this point will be like starting the course again, and therefore a barrier method of contraception will be required for 7 days to avoid pregnancy if having sex in this period.
If you are less than 12 hours late - take the dose as soon as you remember even if it means taking two pills in a day. You should continue taking your pills as normal and you will not need additional contraception. The protection level remains the same as if you would have taken it on time.
If you are more than 12 hours late taking the pill you may not be protected. Take a pill as soon as you remember and then continue taking your pill at your regular time for the next dose. Continue to take your pill as usual and use additional protection methods such as barrier contraception for 7 days until you are protected by Desogestrel again.
If you have had sex and have missed a pill by more than 12 hours then you should take emergency contraception as soon as possible as there is a chance you will not be protected.
Desogestrel will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections. You need to use condoms for protection against sexually transmitted infections.
If you think you are at risk of being pregnant while taking this contraceptive you should speak to a doctor for advice as soon as possible.
Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Most women, who take mini-pill such as this pill, will experience changes to their periods but most irregular bleeding will resolve within the first few months. It is, however, not uncommon for some women to experience no monthly period for the whole time they are taking any progesterone-only pill.
If you carry on experiencing constant bleeding, spotting or irregular bleeding after the first few months of taking this pill, or you are worried, you should speak to our clinical team.
Common side effects from taking this pill includes:
Uncommon side effects of this pill includes:
Desogestrel may cause some women to develop breakouts or spots due to an increase in oil production in the skin. Some women will find that their skin settles after a few months. If you continue to experience spots or acne or are concerned about any side effects you should discuss this with our clinical team.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may indicate a more serious side effect:
Do not take Desogestrel tablets if you:
You may be advised not to take Desogestrel if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
Please inform our clinical team when completing the online medical assessment.
Do not use Desogestrel if you have breast cancer, or if you have had it before. Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase your chance of developing breast cancer. Take care using Cerazette if a close relative has suffered from breast cancer before. Check your breasts and nipples regularly for any changes or lumps. If you notice anything abnormal, visit your doctor as soon as you can.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:
It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.
For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.
