Desorex

What is Desorex?

Desorex is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill that contains the hormone desogestrel. It’s an alternative to the combined pill, which also contains oestogen. Not everyone can use the combined pill due to health factors like migraines with aura or having high blood pressure. For women who can’t use the combined pill, a progesterone only pill or ‘mini pill’ like Desorex is often a safer and more suitable option.

You should take the Desorex mini pill daily around the same time for maximum protection. If you miss taking your pill at the usual time, you have a leeway of about 12 hours to take your tablet and still get its full protection.

How effective is Desorex?

Although the Desorex mini pill is an effective oral hormonal contraception, it works best when used correctly.^[1] Desorex desogestrel is over 99% effective if you take it exactly right, so it’s one of the most dependable forms of contraception.

However, like other contraceptives, how well Desorex works is affected by human error. In other words: forgetting to take your pill. ‘Typical use’ of the progestogen only pill (so missing the occasional pill) reduces its efficacy at preventing unplanned pregnancy to around 91%. The more pills you miss, the more your protection is likely to be affected.

If you miss your pill or are worried that you haven’t used Desorex the right way, let one of our clinicians know as soon as you can.

Is Desorex safe?

Yes, especially for women with oestrogen sensitivity. For women who are over 35 or smoke, Desorex has a lower risk of side effects than combined pills.

What’s more, this mini pill is safer for breastfeeding mothers or women who are susceptible to blood clotting. It is also a good choice if you suffer from hypertension, as progestogen-only pills have no effect on blood pressure, and some studies have suggested it can even lower it.^[2]

Desorex can give some patients side effects. It can also disrupt your menstrual cycle. But before you stop using it, it’s worth knowing that these side effects tend to pass after a few weeks.
If you feel like you’re not adapting well to your new mini pill, get in touch with our team about switching to a contraceptive that’s more suitable for you.

How to take Desorex

Follow these instructions directly for the best results and higher efficacy:

• Settle on the most convenient time of day to take your first Desorex pill.
• If you start taking Desorex on the first day of your period, you’re protected from pregnancy immediately. If you start at any other time in your cycle, you’ll need to use a barrier method (like condoms) or avoid sex for the next seven days.
• Try to take a pill every day at the same time until the 28-day tablet strip is over. (Ensure the interval between the pills is 24 hours for effective use).
• When you finish with your first Desorex pack, continue on the next strip directly the following day without a pill break.
• Desorex allows a 12-hour window period for the contraceptive effects to still work if you forget to take it at your usual time.

When can I start taking Desorex?

You should start your first Desorex tablet on the first day of your period to get immediate protection. If you start on any other days, you need to use a condom or another barrier method of contraception for seven days.

If you’re switching from another combined hormonal contraceptive to Desorex, the latest you can start is on the day following your usual tablet-free, patch-free, ring-free or placebo tablet interval. Barrier methods for the first seven days you take Desorex are also recommended in this instance, too.

What if I miss a Desorex pill?

If you forget to take your mini pill at your usual time, don’t panic. Desorex allows a leeway period of 12 hours, meaning if you take it within this window it will still work just as effectively.

If you’re more than 12 hours late taking your pill:

• Take the late pill as soon as you remember (even if this means taking two pills on the same day).
• Keep taking your remaining pills at the usual time.
• You won’t be protected from pregnancy. Use an extra method of contraception (like condoms) for the next two days (48 hours).
• If you had unprotected sex in the two days before missing your pill, you may need emergency contraception.