From the Guidelines
Desogestrel 150mcg is not the standard dosage for contraceptive use, the typical dosage is 75mcg per day. The effectiveness of desogestrel as a contraceptive is well-established, with a perfect use effectiveness of 99% and typical use effectiveness of 91-94% [@1@].
Key Points to Consider
- The standard dosage of desogestrel for contraceptive use is 75mcg per day, taken at the same time each day [@1@].
- Desogestrel works primarily by inhibiting ovulation in about 97% of cycles, while also thickening cervical mucus and thinning the endometrial lining [@1@].
- Common side effects of desogestrel include irregular bleeding, headaches, mood changes, and breast tenderness, though these often improve after 2-3 months of use [@1@].
- Desogestrel is suitable for women who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives, including those who are breastfeeding (can start 21 days postpartum), smokers over 35, and those with certain medical conditions like hypertension or migraine with aura [@1@].
Important Considerations for Use
- If a pill is missed by more than 12 hours, additional contraception should be used for the next 7 days [@1@].
- The pill provides immediate protection if started on the first day of menstruation; if started at other times, additional contraception is needed for 7 days [@1@]. It's essential to note that the provided evidence [@1@] does not specifically mention a 150mcg dosage of desogestrel, and the standard recommended dosage is 75mcg per day.
Summary of Effectiveness
From the FDA Drug Label
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, maximum contraceptive effectiveness, desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ethinyl estradiol tablets must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours.
The dosage of 150mcg desogestrel is not explicitly mentioned in the provided text as the effective dosage per day for contraception.
- Key points:
- The drug label does not provide information on the effectiveness of 150mcg desogestrel per day.
- The label emphasizes the importance of taking the tablets exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours to achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness.
- No conclusion can be drawn about the effectiveness of 150mcg desogestrel per day based on the provided information 1.
From the Research
Desogestrel as a Contraceptive
- Desogestrel is a potent progestogen with low androgenic properties, making it an effective contraceptive with minimal side effects 2.
- The clinical efficacy of desogestrel is comparable to other progestogens, with a low incidence of side effects and complications 2.
- Desogestrel is commonly used in various formulations for hormonal contraception, including combinations with ethinyl estradiol, progestin-only pills, and subdermal implants 3.
Effective Dosage and Usage
- A study on an oral contraceptive containing 150 micrograms desogestrel and 30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol reported high contraceptive efficacy, with no method failures and excellent cycle control 4.
- Desogestrel is rapidly metabolized to etonogestrel, which is the active molecule in the body, making it suitable for use in hormonal contraception 5.
- The contraceptive efficacy and tolerability of desogestrel formulations, including mono/multiphasic EE/DSG COCs, DSG POP, EE/ETN vaginal ring, and ETN implant, are reassuring, permitting long-term use 5.
Safety and Tolerability
- Desogestrel is generally well tolerated, but its use is associated with a doubled risk of venous thromboembolism compared to second-generation progestins 3.
- The use of desogestrel may not be the best choice for hormone replacement therapy due to the potential higher risk of breast cancer compared to progesterone or dydrogesterone 3.
- Progestin-only implants and injections, including those containing desogestrel, are safe for use in the postpartum period, during breastfeeding, and immediately after abortion, with few contraindications 6.