Dienogest

The Basics

What is Dienogest?

progestin medication which is used in birth control pills and in the treatment of endometriosis; also used in menopausal hormone therapy and to treat heavy periods

Brand names for Dienogest

Dinagest, Visanne; With Ev: Natazia, Qlaira; With Ee: Valette (Alone)

How Dienogest is classified

Contraceptives, Contraceptives – Oral and Synthetic

Dienogest During Pregnancy

Dienogest 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 Dienogest while pregnant

N/A

Taking Dienogest While Breastfeeding

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

Dienogest is only available in the United States in a combination oral contraceptive product that also contains estradiol valerate. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion holds that nonhormonal methods are preferred during breastfeeding and progestin-only contraceptives 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

Dienogest is only available in the United States in a combination oral contraceptive product that also contains estradiol valerate. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion holds that nonhormonal methods are preferred during breastfeeding and progestin-only contraceptives 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 Dienogest on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Dienogest

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