How do I take Desorex?

You can start the progesterone-only pill at any time in your menstrual cycle, but it’s best to pick a convenient time of day to start your course, as you need to take Desorex at the same time every day to maintain its effectiveness. Desorex may be taken with or without food, but should be swallowed whole and never crushed.

If you’re switching from another form of contraception (such as the implant or combined pill) make sure your pharmacist is aware of this, and that you study the Patient Information Leaflet carefully.

Once you’ve started your course, continue to take your pill at the same time every day until the pack is finished. The days of the week are printed on the blister foil. Arrows are printed on both sides for clear directions and indicate the order in which to take the tablets. Each day corresponds to one tablet.

Every time you start a new strip of Desorex, take a tablet from the top row. For example, if you start on a Wednesday, you must take the tablet from the top row marked (on the back) with WED.

• If you start taking Desorex on the first day of your menstrual cycle it will work straight away, and you’ll be protected against pregnancy without the need for extra contraception.
• If you start your course of Desorex on day 5 of your menstrual cycle or earlier, you’ll be protected from pregnancy straight away. However, if you have a short menstrual cycle (meaning your period occurs every 23 days or less) you’ll need extra contraception until you’ve taken the pill for 2 days.

• Desorex can be started on any day of the menstrual cycle, but if started after the fifth day of the menstrual cycle, additional contraception such as condoms should be used until you’ve taken Desorex for 2 days.

If you miss a desogestrel pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. You should then continue taking the pills as usual. If you miss more than one pill, or if you are unsure what to do, you should consult your GP or pharmacist.

Desorex ingredients

The active ingredient in each Desorex pill is: desogestrel 75 mcg.

The inactive ingredients are: lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone PVP K-30, stearic acid, all-rac-alpha-tocopherol, silica, colloidal anhydrous, Tabcoat TC-White(Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, Polyethylene Glycol, Talc, Titanium Dioxide).

Sources

Desorex Patient Information Leaflet

Desorex side effects

Just like any other medication, Desorex may bring about some unwanted effects to certain individuals. However, these effects typically subside after the first few months of use.

It is highly recommended that you acquaint yourself with all the potential side effects outlined in the Patient Information Leaflet before commencing the use of Desorex tablets.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Mood changes
• Depressed mood
• Decreased sexual drive (libido)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Acne
• Breast pain
• Irregular or no periods
• Weight increase

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Infection of the vagina
• Difficulties in wearing contact lenses
• Vomiting
• Hair loss
• Painful periods
• Ovarian cysts
• Tiredness.

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

Skin conditions such as:

• Rash
• Hives
• Painful blue-red skin lumps (erythema nodosum).

If you experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction while taking Desorex seek immediate medical advice from a doctor or your nearest hospital.

Desorex warnings

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet for full details on the warnings and precautions associated with Desorex tablets. We’ve included some key warnings below:

• Like other hormonal contraceptives, Desorex can increase the risk of blood clots. Seek medical advice immediately if you experience symptoms such as swelling, pain, or tenderness in your legs, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
• Some studies have suggested that the use of a progesterone-only pill like Desorex may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. However, this risk is considered minor and returns to normal within a few years after stopping the pill.
• If you become pregnant while taking Desorex, there is an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy (where the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus). Seek medical advice immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting.
• Women with liver problems should use Desorex with caution, as it can exacerbate existing liver conditions.
• Some medications, including certain antibiotics and herbal remedies, can affect the effectiveness of Desorex. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking.
• Desorex does not provide any kind of protection against sexually transmitted infections or diseases.
• Desorex may not be suitable for women with a history of depression, migraines, or heart problems. Women with diabetes or high cholesterol should also be monitored closely while taking Desorex.

Talk to your doctor, or pharmacist before taking Desorex if:

• You have ever had breast cancer.
• You have liver cancer.
• You have ever had thrombosis.
• You have diabetes.
• You suffer from epilepsy.
• You suffer from tuberculosis.
• You have high blood pressure.
• You have or have had chloasma (yellowish-brown pigmentation patches on the skin particularly of the face); if so, avoid too much exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation.

Does Desorex stop periods?

It’s fairly common for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle while taking desogestrel. Some may experience irregular periods, while others may have lighter or heavier periods. In some cases, periods may stop altogether.

However, Desorex isn’t suitable as a reliable method of stopping your periods. For help with delaying your period, visit our period delay treatment page. If you have any concerns about changes to your menstrual cycle while taking desogestrel, it's recommended that you speak to your doctor.

Does Desorex make you gain weight?

Weight gain isn’t a common side effect of Desorex. However, it's important to note that individual responses to medication can vary, and a minority of people may experience some weight gain while taking Desorex.

If you are concerned about weight gain or any of the other potential side effects of Desorex listed below, it’s best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. They can provide you with more detailed information about the possible effects of Desorex and help you make an informed decision about whether it's the right medication for you.