Desmin

Desmin is a combined birth control pill containing desogestrel and ethinylestradiol. The product is available in two strengths: Desmin 20 (low-dose) and Desmin 30 (standard dose).

Desogestrel is a 3rd-generation progestin with good tolerability. The low-dose version contains only 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol, which makes it particularly suitable for women who are sensitive to estrogen.

The risk of blood clots in the veins (venous thromboembolism) is lowest with pills containing levonorgestrel, norgestimate or norethisterone. Pills such as Desmin can carry up to twice as high a risk. An estimated 9 to 12 out of 10,000 women using a desogestrel-containing pill develop such a blood clot over the course of a year. The risk is highest in the first year of use.

Desmin works in three ways:

1. Inhibition of ovulation: The hormones prevent ovulation 2. Cervical mucus: Becomes thicker and less permeable to sperm 3. Endometrium: The lining of the uterus is altered

Its effect requires daily intake.

Desmin is suitable for:

• Women without an increased risk of thrombosis
• Women looking for a low-dose pill
• In cases of estrogen sensitivity (Desmin 20)

Desmin 20:

• 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol + 0.15 mg desogestrel

Desmin 30:

• 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol + 0.15 mg desogestrel

Both: 21 tablets per blister pack

• One tablet daily at the same time
• 21 days of intake, 7-day break
• Withdrawal bleeding during the break

Do not use in cases of:

• Risk of thrombosis
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Liver diseases
• Pregnancy
• Smoking over the age of 35
• A history of migraine with focal neurological symptoms
• Diabetes with blood vessel damage, severe high blood pressure or a severe lipid metabolism disorder
• Current or previous inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) with severely elevated triglycerides
• Current or previous liver tumors (benign or malignant)
• Known or suspected malignant tumors influenced by sex hormones (e.g. of the genital organs or the breast)
• Thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia)
• Vaginal bleeding whose cause has not been clarified
• Hypersensitivity to the active substances or any of the other ingredients
• Concomitant use of hepatitis C medicines containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir

Common: Headache, nausea, breast tenderness, mood swings, depressed mood Rare: Thromboses

If you experience mood swings or depressive symptoms, even shortly after you start taking it, contact your doctor.