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Desogestrel (Progestogen Only Pill) 💊
💊 Desogestrel is a progestogen-only pill used for contraception. It mainly thickens cervical mucus and thins the endometrium, but unlike older POPs, desogestrel also reliably inhibits ovulation ✅. Always check the BNF for the latest guidance.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- 🧬 Progestogen → thickens cervical mucus → blocks sperm entry.
- 📉 Alters endometrium → less suitable for implantation.
- 🚫 Suppresses ovulation (in most cycles, unlike older POPs).
📋 Indications / Dose
- 👩 Contraception in women of childbearing potential.
- 💊 Dose: 75 micrograms once daily, at the same time each day.
- ➡️ Start on day 1 of cycle; taken continuously (no pill-free break).
- ⏰ >12-hour delay = “missed pill” → reduced contraceptive cover.
🔗 Interactions
- See BNF for full list (notably enzyme-inducing drugs ⚠️).
⚠️ Cautions
- History of thromboembolism 🩸
- Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, migraine
🚫 Contraindications
- Acute porphyria
- Breast cancer 🎗️
- Severe arterial disease
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding 🚨
💊 Side Effects
- Irregular bleeding / amenorrhoea
- Breast tenderness, headaches 🤕
- Mood changes, acne
- Rare: thromboembolic events ⚠️
💡 Clinical Pearl:
POP “missed pill” window = 12 hours ⏰.
If >12 h late, advise immediate pill + barrier contraception for 48 h.
(COC window = 24 h).
📚 Case Example
👩 A 25-year-old woman on desogestrel 75 mcg presents after missing her pill by 15 hours. ➡️ Advice: Take pill immediately, continue regular dosing, and use condoms for 48 h. She is reassured that if she had been <12 h late, no extra precautions would be needed. ✅
🔗 References
- BNF: Desogestrel
- Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) Guidelines
- Patient.info – Progestogen-Only Contraceptive Pill
📅 Revisions
- Last updated: Check BNF for latest dosing and safety guidance.
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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