Drug Approvals
(British Approved Name, US Adopted Name, rINN)
INNs in other languages (French, Latin, and Spanish): Desogestreeli; Desogestrel; Desogestrelum; Dezogestrel; Org-2969.
13β-Ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-17β-ol.
C22H30O = 310.5.
CAS — 54024-22-5.
ATC — G03AC09.
Pharmacopoeias. In Europe.
European Pharmacopoeia, 6th ed. (Desogestrel). A white or almost white, crystalline powder. Practically insoluble in water freely soluble in dehydrated alcohol and in dichloromethane very soluble in methyl alcohol.
Adverse Effects and Precautions
As for progestogens in general (see Progesterone). See also under Hormonal Contraceptives. When used as a progestogen-only contraceptive, irregular bleeding is more common with desogestrel than with other progestogen-only preparations. Desogestrel is reported to have few androgenic effects, and to have less adverse effect on the serum lipid profile than older 19-nortestosterone derivatives. However, there is some evidence that desogestrel-con-taining combined oral contraceptives are associated with a small increased risk of venous thromboembolism.
Interactions
As for progestogens in general (see Progesterone). See also under Hormonal Contraceptives.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral doses, desogestrel undergoes oxidative transformation in the intestinal mucosa and liver to its active metabolite 3-keto-desogestrel (etonogestrel).
Uses and Administration
Desogestrel is a progestogen (see Progesterone) structurally related to levonorgestrel that is used as a hormonal contraceptive. A typical daily dose of 150 micrograms is used as the pro-gestogenic component of monophasic combined oral contraceptive preparations. Doses of 50 to 150 micrograms daily may be used in triphasic combined preparations. A dose of 75 micrograms daily is used as an oral progestogen-only contraceptive unlike traditional progestogen-only contraceptives, desogestrel is said to reliably inhibit ovulation. Progestogen-only contraceptive efficacy is reduced if a dose of desogestrel is delayed by more than 12 hours.
Contraception
The effects of a progestogen-only contraceptive containing desogestrel have been reported. Oral desogestrel has also been investigated as a male contraceptive, combined with testosterone given by intramuscular injection, subcutaneous implant, or transdermal patch.
Preparations
The United States Pharmacopeia 31, 2008: Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets.
Proprietary Preparations
Argentina: Cerazette
Austria: Cerazette
Belgium: Cerazette
Brazil: Cerazette Kelly
Chile: Arlette Cerazette Nogesta Vanish
Czech Republic: Azalia Cerazette
Denmark: Cerazette
Finland: Cerazette
France: Cerazette
Germany: Cerazette
Greece: Cerazette
Hungary: Cerazette
Indonesia: Cerazette
Israel: Cerazette
Italy: Cerazette
Mexico: Cerazette
The Netherlands: Cerazette
Norway: Cerazette
New Zealand: Cerazette
Philippines: Cerazette
Poland: Cerazette
Portugal: Cerazette
Russia: Cerazette (Haposeira)
Spain: Cerazet
Sweden: Cerazette
Switzerland: Cerazette
UK: Cerazette
Venezuela: Arlette Cerazette.
Multi-ingredient:
Argentina: Marvelon Mercilon
Australia: Marvelon
Austria: Gracial Laurina Liberel Lisetaf Marvelon Mercilon
Belgium: Desorelle Gracial Marvelon Mercilon Ovidol
Brazil: Femina Gestradiol Gracial Malu Mercilon Mercilon Conti Microdiol Minian Novial Primera
Canada: Marvelon Ortho-Cept
Chile: Ciclidon Dal Desoren Gracial Gynostat Marvelon Midalet Miniestrel Neolette
Czech Republic: Gracial Jenettenf Laurina Marvelon Mercilon Novynette Regulon Vilonet
Denmark: Desorelle Gracial Marvelon Mercilon Novynette
Finland: Gracial Marvelon Mercilon
France: Cycleane Mercilon Varnoline
Germany: Biviol Cyclosa Desmin Lamuna Lovelle Marvelon Novial Oviol
Greece: Gracial Laurina Marvelon Mercilon
Hong Kong: Gracial Marvelon Mercilon Novynette
Hungary: Gracial Marvelon Mercilon Novynette Regulon
India: Femilon Novelon
Indonesia: Marvelon Mercilon
Ireland: Marviol Mercilon
Israel: Feminet Mercilon Microdiol
Italy: Dueva Gracial Mercilon Planum Practil Securgin
Malaysia: Marvelon Mercilon Novynette Regulon
Mexico: Marvelon Mercilon Novial
The Netherlands: Gracial Marvelon Mercilon Ovidol
Norway: Marvelon
New Zealand: Marvelon Mercilon Trimiron
Philippines: Gracial Marvelon Mercilon
Poland: Marvelon Mercilon Novynette Regulon
Portugal: Gracial Laurina Marvelon Mercilon Novynette Regulon
Russia: Marvelon Mercilon Novynette Regulon Tri-Merci
South Africa: Marvelon Mercilon
Singapore: Marvelon Mercilon
Spain: Gracial Microdiol Suavuret
Sweden: Desolett Mercilon Trimiron
Switzerland: Gracial Marvelon Mercilon
Thailand: Marvelon Mercilon Oilezz
Turkey: Desolett Myralon
UK: Marvelon Mercilon
USA: Apri Cesia Cyclessa Desogen Kariva Mircette Ortho-Cept Reclipsen Solia Velivet
Venezuela: Ciclidon Marvelon Mercilon Mipil Novial.
Jennifer is a clinical pharmacologist. She helps doctors of all medical specialties choose medications. Jennifer consults about drug dosage, interactions, and side effects.