HomeHealthDesogestrel: indications and adverse reactions

Desogestrel: indications and adverse reactions

August 13, 2019

The desogestrel It is a progestogen used for contraceptive purposes. The natural progestogen hormone is progesterone, which is secreted by the corpus luteum in the second phase of the menstrual cycle and by the placenta in pregnancy. The testicle and adrenal cortex also secrete small amounts of progesterone.

But what indications and adverse reactions does desogestrel have? We tell you in the following lines.

Desogestrel Indications

Therapeutic indication of desogestrel is the contraception. There are two main types of oral contraceptives:

  • Combinations of an estrogen with a progestin: the combined pill.
  • Progestin hormonal contraception alone: progestin-only pill.

At present, Most oral contraceptive formulations use the isolated progestogen or desogestrel at a dose of 75 micrograms.

The desogestrel it should be taken daily and without interruption. The tablets should be taken every day at approximately the same time, so that the interval between two tablets is always 24 hours.

The first tablet will be taken on the first day of menstruation. Subsequently, one tablet is taken daily continuously, regardless of bleeding. A new blister will start directly the day after the end of the previous one.

What is your mecanism of action?

Its mechanism of action is exerted primarily on the cervical mucus, which becomes inhospitable for sperm. However, it does not always prevent the ovum from maturing, which is the main action of the combined pills.

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Also, unlike the combined pill, Desogestrel can be used by women who do not tolerate estrogen and women who are breastfeeding.

Possible side effects of desogestrel

Like all medicines, desogestrel may produce some side effects:

One of the most frequent adverse effects that can occur is irregular vaginal bleeding. It may be a slight spotting, which does not even require the use of a compress, or more intense bleeding, which resembles poor menstruation and requires the use of sanitary protection.

It may also happen that bleeding never appears. Irregular bleeding is not a sign that the contraceptive protection of desogestrel decreases, but, if the bleeding is severe or prolonged, consult your doctor.

They qualify as frequent side effects due to desogestrel those that have been described in 1 in 10 women:

  • Mood swings or depressed mood.
  • Decreased sexual or libido desire.
  • Headacheto.
  • Sickness.
  • Acne.
  • Breast pain
  • Irregular menstruation or absence of menstruationn.
  • Weight gain.

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Uncommon side effects., are those that affect less than 1 in 100 women:

  • Vaginal infections.
  • Discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
  • Vomiting.
  • Hair loss
  • Menstrual pain.
  • Cysts in the ovary.
  • Fatigue.

Have been described rare cases of skin problems that have affected less than 1 in 1000 women, such as:

  • Eruption.
  • Urticaria.
  • Erythema on the skin.

In addition to these adverse effects, breast discharge may appear and very rarely cases of ectopic pregnancy have been described, that is, a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterine cavity.

Contraindications

Always follow your gynecologist's instructions and keep in mind that you should not take desogestrel if:

  • You have suffered active venous thromboembolic disorder.
  • If there is a history of serious liver disorders.
  • If there is undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
  • You have hypersensitivity to the active substance of desogestrel or to any of its excipients.

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Catherine A. Johnson