Desogestrel is considered very safe, especially because it contains no estrogen. This means serious complications are significantly rarer compared to combined oral contraceptives (COCs).

However, like all hormonal contraceptives, Desogestrel can still be associated with certain rare but important adverse effects. If you’ve reviewed the warning signs and desogestrel is still suitable for you, Lovima 75mcg can be ordered online after a quick suitability check. This article explains these risks, how they occur, how rare they are, and the warning signs that require medical attention.

Table of Contents

Blood Clots (VTE – Venous Thromboembolism)

Is Desogestrel Associated With Blood Clots?

The risk of blood clots with Desogestrel is extremely low and significantly lower than with estrogen-containing pills.

Why the Risk Is Low

Desogestrel contains no estrogen
Progestin-only pills do not significantly increase clotting factors

Clinical Evidence

Studies show:

No meaningful increase in VTE risk in healthy users
Desogestrel remains safer than COCs even in higher-risk groups

When a Slight Risk May Exist

Extra caution may be needed in women with:

Previous DVT or PE
Known thrombophilia (e.g. Factor V Leiden)
Strong family history of clotting disorders

Specialist advice may be appropriate.

Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots

DVT (Leg Clot) Symptoms

Pain or swelling in one leg
Warmth or redness
Calf or thigh tenderness

Pulmonary Embolism (Lung Clot) Symptoms

Sudden shortness of breath
Sharp chest pain
Coughing blood
Rapid heartbeat

Seek urgent medical help if these occur.

Liver-Related Complications

Desogestrel is metabolised in the liver and may pose risks in women with active or severe liver disease.

Possible Liver-Related Issues (Rare)

Worsening of existing liver disease
Reduced drug clearance
Very rare benign liver tumours

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Severe liver disease
Liver tumours
Recovery from acute hepatitis

Symptoms Suggesting Liver Problems

Upper right abdominal pain
Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
Dark urine
Pale stools
Persistent nausea
Unexplained itching

Key Clinical Note

Desogestrel does not usually cause liver problems in healthy women. Risk is mainly present with pre-existing liver disease.

Ectopic Pregnancy Risk

Can Desogestrel Cause Ectopic Pregnancy?

Desogestrel reduces overall pregnancy risk, including ectopic pregnancy, by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.

However, if pregnancy does occur, the relative chance of it being ectopic is slightly higher.

Why This Can Happen

Progestins may slow fallopian tube movement
Rare conceptions may implant outside the uterus

Important Clarification

Total ectopic pregnancy numbers are lower in Desogestrel users than in non-users
A higher proportion of pregnancies occurring on POPs may be ectopic

Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy (Urgent)

Sharp one-sided abdominal pain
Shoulder-tip pain
Dizziness or fainting
Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Severe lower abdominal cramps

Immediate medical assessment is required if pregnancy is suspected.

Severe Allergic Reactions (Extremely Rare)

Possible reactions include:

Severe skin rash
Facial or throat swelling
Breathing difficulty
Anaphylaxis

Seek emergency help if these occur.

Effect of Enzyme-Inducing Medications (Indirect Serious Risk)

Certain medications can significantly reduce Desogestrel effectiveness, increasing pregnancy and ectopic risk.

Enzyme-Inducing Drugs Include

Carbamazepine
Phenytoin
Rifampicin or rifabutin
Barbiturates
St John’s Wort
Some antiretrovirals

Clinical Importance

Backup contraception is required
Alternative methods may be recommended

Rare but Notable Serious Effects

Cholestatic Jaundice

Very rare and mainly linked to estrogen-containing methods, but listed as a precaution.

Severe Depression

Rare but serious. Seek urgent help if experiencing:

Persistent low mood
Suicidal thoughts
Severe anxiety
Loss of interest in daily activities

Severe Acne Flare

Uncommon but possible in hormonally sensitive individuals.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Serious Adverse Effects?

Extra caution is needed if you have:

Severe liver disease
Active breast cancer
History of ectopic pregnancy
Known clotting disorders
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Use of strong enzyme-inducing drugs

Even in many of these cases, Desogestrel is still safer than estrogen-containing contraception.

Summary of Serious Adverse Effects

Very Rare Risks

Blood clots (far lower than COCs)
Liver complications (usually with pre-existing disease)
Severe depression
Severe acne
Allergic reactions

Important but Rare Pregnancy-Related Risk

Ectopic pregnancy if pregnancy occurs

Highest-Risk Groups

Severe liver disease
Active breast cancer
Use of strong enzyme-inducing medications

Clinical Summary

Serious adverse effects with Desogestrel are extremely rare. Compared to combined pills, Desogestrel has a much lower clot risk, fewer severe complications, and is safer for high-risk populations.

Most women can use Desogestrel safely with minimal risk. For eligible patients who want an oestrogen-free POP, Hana 75mcg (Desogestrel) Tablets – 28 tablets is available with discreet delivery following an online consultation.