desogestrel + ethinylestradiol at a glance
Medicine class
Combined hormonal contraceptive.
Licensed use
Oral contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Important limitation
It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
What is desogestrel + ethinylestradiol used for?
The selected products are licensed for:
Preventing pregnancy through oral contraception.
How does desogestrel + ethinylestradiol work?
Desogestrel is converted to the active progestogen etonogestrel. Together with ethinylestradiol, it suppresses ovulation, makes cervical mucus less penetrable to sperm and alters the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood of pregnancy.
desogestrel + ethinylestradiol preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 micrograms + 150 micrograms, 30 micrograms + 150 micrograms, 150 micrograms + 20 micrograms, 150 micrograms + 30 micrograms
How to take desogestrel + ethinylestradiol
Packs and strengths differ, so follow the leaflet for your exact product. Swallow tablets with a little liquid if needed. Vomiting soon after taking a tablet or severe or prolonged diarrhoea may prevent full absorption; check the leaflet or ask a pharmacist if uncertain.
Check the active ingredients and brand before switching products.
Ask for professional advice before changing how packs are used.
desogestrel + ethinylestradiol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bleeding or spotting between expected withdrawal bleeds, particularly during early use
- Headache
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Mood changes, including depressed mood
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a venous blood clot, such as unexplained one-sided leg pain or swelling, chest pain, breathlessness or coughing blood
- Symptoms of an arterial clot, including sudden weakness, facial droop, speech or sight disturbance, or a severe unusual headache
- Severe allergic reaction or angioedema, especially swelling affecting breathing
- New migraine with neurological symptoms or a substantial change in migraine pattern
- Severe depression or suicidal thoughts
desogestrel + ethinylestradiol in pregnancy
This contraceptive is not indicated during pregnancy and should be stopped if pregnancy is confirmed. Accidental exposure during early pregnancy does not usually harm the baby or require extra fetal monitoring, but contact a healthcare professional if pregnancy is suspected.
desogestrel + ethinylestradiol while breastfeeding
Ethinylestradiol-containing contraception can reduce milk quantity or alter its composition. Product information generally advises against use before weaning, while NHS information allows consideration after the early postpartum period. Discuss suitability and blood-clot risks with a healthcare professional.
desogestrel + ethinylestradiol interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products because interactions can reduce contraceptive reliability or alter another medicine’s effects.
Enzyme-inducing medicines, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, rifampicin, rifabutin, bosentan and some HIV medicines
They can lower hormone exposure and cause breakthrough bleeding or contraceptive failure; alternative or additional contraception may be needed.
St John’s wort
It can reduce contraceptive effectiveness and should not be started without professional advice.
Common questions about desogestrel + ethinylestradiol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. Condoms are needed to reduce transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
What should I do if I miss tablets?
Check the leaflet for your exact product or speak promptly to a pharmacist. Advice varies, and emergency contraception may be needed.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.