Desogestrel is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill). This medicine is used to prevent pregnancy.
Take Desogestrel exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist on how to manage your dose if you vomit within 3-4 hours after taking Desogestrel.
If you miss a dose and it is within 12 hours of your usual schedule, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you are more than 12 hours late, take the missed dose as soon as you remember (even if this means taking 2 doses in 1 day) and return to your normal dosing schedule. You may also need to use additional birth control methods, such as condoms, for the next 7 days.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- current blood clotting disorder
- known or suspected sex hormone-sensitive cancers
- severe liver disease
as Desogestrel may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Desogestrel therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of breast cancer
- history of blood clotting disorders e.g. blood clots in your leg veins, blood clots in a lung artery
- history of chloasma gravidarum (brown patches of skin usually on the face or neck during pregnancy)
- liver cancer
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
This medicine does not lower the risk of getting HIV infection or any other sexually transmitted diseases. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid getting these diseases.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests or an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Desogestrel.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of depression and unusual vaginal bleeding may also be needed.
Desogestrel may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, pimple, weight gain, and painful or irregular menstruation.
If you tend to develop chloasma, you should avoid exposure to the sun or UV rays while taking this medicine. Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing and eyewear when going outdoors.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
- shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
- lump in the breast, nipple discharge, breast pain or soreness
- spotting, unusual vaginal bleeding
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, felbamate, topiramate, phenobarbital, lamotrigine
- medicines used to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, efavirenz
- medicines for hepatitis C infection e.g. boceprevir, telaprevir
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole
- diltiazem (medicine for high blood pressure or chest pain)
- bosentan (medicine used to treat high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs)
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Desogestrel.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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