Desogestrel

The Basics

What is Desogestrel?

Combination birth control pill containing hormones that prevent ovulation.

Brand names for Desogestrel

Apri, Caziant, Cesia, Cyclessa, Desogen, Enskyce, Kariva, Mircette, Ortho-Cept, Reclipsen, Solia, Velivet

How Desogestrel is classified

Contraceptives, Contraceptives – Oral and Synthetic

Desogestrel During Pregnancy

Desogestrel pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Desogestrel while pregnant

Extensive epidemiologic studies have revealed no increased risk of birth defects in women whohave used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy (55–57). Studies also do not suggest ateratogenic effect, particularly in so far as cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects areconcerned (55,56,58,59), when oral contraceptives are taken inadvertently during earlypregnancy.

Taking Desogestrel While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Desogestrel?

Desogestrel is only available in the United States in combination oral contraceptive products containing 150 mcg of desogestrel and 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion holds that nonhormonal methods are preferred during breastfeeding and progestin-only contraceptive are preferred over combined oral contraceptives in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum. For further information, consult the record entitled, Contraceptives, Oral, Combined.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Desogestrel is only available in the United States in combination oral contraceptive products containing 150 mcg of desogestrel and 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion holds that nonhormonal methods are preferred during breastfeeding and progestin-only contraceptive are preferred over combined oral contraceptives in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum. For further information, consult the record entitled, Contraceptives, Oral, Combined.

Possible effects of Desogestrel on milk supply

A nonblinded, nonrandomized study compared oral desogestrel 75 mcg alone daily (n = 42) to an intrauterine device (n = 40) begun 28 to 56 days postpartum for contraception. During the 7-month trial period, 1 woman dropped out of the trial because of diminished lactation compared with none in the IUD group. At the end of the first and fourth treatment cycle, there were no differences in the amount of milk produced between the desogestrel and IUD groups. No differences in triglyceride, protein or lactose content of milk were found at the end of 1, 4, and 7 cycles of therapy.[1]

A nonrandomized study followed 200 women given a desogestrel-only contraceptive 75 mcg daily for 6 months beginning at 6 weeks postpartum and compared them to 200 women who received placebos. No difference was found in the amounts of milk production or infant growth and development between the two groups.[3]

Possible alternatives to Desogestrel

Etonogestrel, Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive, Oral Levonorgestrel, Intrauterine Levonorgestrel, Levonorgestrel Implant, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Norethindrone, Progesterone.