Desogestrel is a progestogen-only pill. It suits many people who cannot take the combined pill — including those who smoke over 35, get migraine with aura, or are breastfeeding — because it contains no oestrogen.
One pill every day with no break between packs. Desogestrel has a 12-hour window, which is more forgiving than the three-hour window of older progestogen-only pills.
Starting on day one to five of your period gives immediate protection. At any other time, use condoms for the first two days.
If you are more than 12 hours late: take the pill as soon as you remember, carry on as normal, and use condoms for the next two days. If you had sex in that time, emergency contraception may be needed — come and speak to us.
Vomiting within two hours, or severe diarrhoea, counts as a missed pill.
Some pharmacies, including ours, can supply desogestrel after a consultation without a prescription. Ask at the counter.
Bleeding changes are the most common reason people stop. Around a fifth have no bleeding, a fifth bleed regularly, and the rest have irregular or unpredictable spotting. It often settles by three to six months — which is worth giving it before deciding.
Other effects: headaches, breast tenderness, acne, mood changes and reduced libido. Most are mild.
Report severe abdominal pain — rarely it can indicate an ectopic pregnancy — or any new breast lump.
Enzyme-inducing medicines including some epilepsy and HIV treatments, rifampicin, and St John’s wort. Ordinary antibiotics do not affect it.
It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections — condoms do.
1 Lyng Lane, West Bromwich B70 7RW · Mon–Fri 8:30am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm · 0121 500 5756
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