C₂₂ H₃₀ O

Desogestrel is a progestogen with a structure similar to levonorgestrel that is used as a contraceptive, alone or associated with an estrogen such as ethinyl estradiol. It is metabolized in the body to etonogestrel. Daily oral administration.

It is excreted in breast milk in clinically insignificant amounts ^{(Bjarnadóttir 2001)}, with no harmful effects on breastfed infants from treated mother reported, except for two cases of transient gynecomastia ^{(Bjarnadóttir 2001)} and a case of scrotal hypertrichosis in a 4-month-old infant whose mother had also received treatment with another progestogen during pregnancy. ^{(Janus 2013)}

Desogestrel does not change the quantity or composition of milk, nor the growth and development of children followed up to 2.5 years. ^{(Dutta 2013, Bjarnadóttir 2001)}

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

During lactation progestin-only contraceptives are preferable to those combined with estrogen and, in this case, those with a lower dose of estrogen. ^{(CDC 2016, WHO/OMS 2015, Altshuler 2015, Berens 2015, CLM 2012, Moretti 2000)}

For the first 4-6 weeks postpartum, non-hormonal methods are the first choice, followed by IUDs and progestogen implants. ^{(Berens 2015, Mwalwanda 2013, Rowe 2013, CLM 2012)}

See below the information of this related product:

• Ethinylestradiol + Desogestrel (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)