ethinylestradiol + gestodene at a glance
Medicine class
Combined hormonal contraceptive pill
Main licensed use
Oral contraception
Protection from infections
Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections; condoms provide STI protection.
Pack types
Products may contain active and placebo tablets or active tablets only.
What is ethinylestradiol + gestodene used for?
Licensed uses include:
Oral contraception.
Recognised gynaecological indications for oestrogen–progestogen combinations; individual conditions are not named in the selected product information.
How does ethinylestradiol + gestodene work?
It suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to make sperm passage more difficult and alters the endometrium so it is less receptive to implantation.
ethinylestradiol + gestodene preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 micrograms + 75 micrograms, 30 micrograms + 75 micrograms, 75 micrograms + 20 micrograms, 75 micrograms + 30 micrograms
How to take ethinylestradiol + gestodene
Swallow tablets in the order shown on the pack and follow its leaflet carefully. Water may be used if needed, and there are no special food or drink instructions. Femodene ED contains active and placebo tablets, while Akizza contains active tablets only.
Check the pack type before starting or switching products.
Vomiting or severe diarrhoea can reduce absorption; follow the product-specific instructions and seek advice if it continues.
Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how packs are used.
ethinylestradiol + gestodene side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Headache
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Depressed or altered mood
- Breakthrough bleeding or bleeding changes
- Weight increase reported during clinical studies
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a venous or arterial blood clot, including pulmonary embolism, heart attack or stroke
- Severe allergic reaction or angioedema
- Severe depression or suicidal thoughts
- Severe liver symptoms, including upper-abdominal pain or jaundice
ethinylestradiol + gestodene in pregnancy
This combination is not indicated during pregnancy and should be stopped if pregnancy is confirmed. Available evidence does not show that inadvertent exposure in early pregnancy causes birth defects, and extra fetal monitoring is not usually required solely because of that exposure.
ethinylestradiol + gestodene while breastfeeding
Oestrogen-containing contraception can reduce milk production and alter milk composition, particularly early after birth. Discuss suitability with a clinician; another contraceptive method may be preferable.
ethinylestradiol + gestodene interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products because interactions can reduce contraceptive reliability or alter other medicine concentrations.
Enzyme-inducing antiseizure medicines, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, oxcarbazepine, topiramate and barbiturates
Can increase hormone clearance, causing breakthrough bleeding or contraceptive failure; specialist contraceptive advice is needed.
Rifampicin or griseofulvin
May reduce contraceptive effectiveness through enzyme induction.
Common questions about ethinylestradiol + gestodene
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. It prevents pregnancy but does not prevent STIs, including HIV; condoms are needed for STI protection.
What if I vomit or have diarrhoea?
Absorption and contraceptive reliability may be reduced. Follow the pack instructions and ask a pharmacist whether additional contraception is needed.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.