Introduction
Desolon is a combination of two medicines used for contraception (to prevent pregnancy) and in the treatment of irregular periods. It helps to prevent release of the egg and its fertilization by the sperm. It may also help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Desolon can be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time to get the most benefit. It should be taken as your doctor's advice. You should have to start taking the pill on the day one of your menstrual cycle and continue taking it for whole month and start with new pack once the pack get finished. If you experience vomiting with in 4 hours of dose intake, take another tablet. You body may take 7 days to get adjust with medicine, hence use condom during first week to avoid pregnancy. In case you missed your dose and you are late by 12 hours in taking the missed dose, in that case must use a condom while intercourse for a period of 2 days.
Nausea, headache, breast pain, and weight gain are some commonly seen side effects of this medicine. If these bother you, or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. You might experience spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods or missed periods. Consult with your doctor if this occurs frequently or persists longer. Inform your doctor if you notice swelling and pain in your limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain or changes in vision, as it may be a sign of blood clot.
Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you smoke and are over 35, or if you have ever had a heart attack or have cancer of uterus/cervix, or vagina. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Do not take the medicine if you are pregnant already or breastfeeding. You might be asked for regular check-up of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar level while on treatment.
Side effects of Desolon
Common
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Irregular uterine bleeding
- Weight gain
- Breast pain
How to use Desolon
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Desolon may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Desolon works
Desolon is an oral contraceptive pill. It works by preventing the release of egg (ovulation) and affecting sperm movement in the womb to prevent its union with the egg. It also changes the lining of the womb and renders it unsuitable for pregnancy.
Indication
Oral contraception
Adult Dose
Oral
Oral contraception
Adult: Dosing instruction may vary according to the brand.
For 21-day pack: Start dose on 1st day of menstrual cycle. 1 tablet daily for 21 days followed by 7 pill-free days. Start a new pack on the 8th day after the last tablet is taken.
For 28-day pack: Start dose on 1st day of menstrual cycle. 1 tablet daily without interruption. Dose should be taken at the same time everyday.
Contraindication
History of or current thrombophlebitis or venous thromboembolic disorders; active or recent (within 1 yr) arterial thromboembolic disease e.g. stroke, MI; cerebral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease with complications. Severe hypertension; DM with vascular involvement; severe headache with focal neurological symptoms. Known or suspected breast carcinoma, endometrial cancer, oestrogen-dependent neoplasms. Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding; hepatic dysfunction or tumor. Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy, jaundice with prior combined hormonal contraceptive use. Major surgery with prolonged immobilisation. Pregnancy.
Mode of Action
Desogestrel is a progestogen that is structurally related to levonorgestrel while ethinylestradiol is a synthetic oestrogen. Used together, they inhibit ovulation by a negative feedback mechanism on the hypothalamus, which alters the normal FSH and LH secretion pattern by the anterior pituitary. It inhibits the follicular phase FSH and midcycle surge of gonadotropins. It also causes changes in the cervical mucus, making it unsuitable for sperm penetration. It may also alter tubal transport of the ova through the fallopian tubes. Progestational agents may also alter sperm fertility.
Precaution
May increase risk of breast cancer, glucose intolerance and thromboembolism. May affect serum levels of triglyceride and lipoprotein. Caution when used in patients with familial defects of lipoprotein metabolism. Discontinue treatment if papilledema or retinal vascular lesions are observed on eye examination. Patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease. Patients with depression or history of migraine. Renal impairment. Increased cardiovascular risk in smoking women especially those >35 yr. Treatment should be stopped for 4 wk prior to and for 2 wk after surgery associated with increased risk of thromboembolism or during periods of prolonged immbolisation.
Lactation: enters breast milk/not recommended (AAP Committee states "compatible with nursing")
Side Effect
Arterial/venous thromboembolism,Edema,Hypertension,MI,Cerebral hemorrhage,Headache,Migraine,Chloasma,Melasma,Breast swelling/tenderness,Menstrual cramps,Emotional lability,Abdominal pains,Appetite changes,Nausea,Weight changes,Application site rxn (if transdermal preparation),Gallbladder disease,Hepatic adenomas,Optic neuritis,Vaginal candidiasis
Interaction
Serum levels may be increased when used with paracetamol, ascorbic acid, atorvastatin. Serum levels may be reduced by aprepitant, griseofulvin, modafinil, troglitazone, rifampicin, topiramate, nevirapine, amprenavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir and ritonavir. May affect the efficacy of coumarin derivatives.
Concurrent use with aminoglutethimide, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenobarbital, phenytoin or topiramate may lead to decrease in contraceptive effectiveness. May reduce the clearance of alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam. May increase the clearance of lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, clofibric acid, morphine, salicylic acid. May inhibit the metabolism of theophylline, ciclosporin and prednisolone. May decrease the serum levels of lamotrigine. May increase serum levels of selegiline and TCAs e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.