desogestrel

Desogestrel is a synthetic progestin (progestogen) used primarily as an oral contraceptive, either alone as a progestogen-only pill ("mini-pill") or in combination with ethinylestradiol as part of combined oral contraceptives. It acts mainly by inhibiting ovulation through suppression of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone release from the pituitary gland. Additional contraceptive effects include thickening cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration and altering the endometrial lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation. Desogestrel is a prodrug, converted in vivo to its active metabolite etonogestrel, which binds with high affinity to progesterone receptors. It has minimal androgenic and glucocorticoid activity compared to earlier-generation progestins[2][5][7]. Besides contraception, it may be used for menopausal symptoms and has been studied for other hormonal indications.

Brand names

CerazetteDesogenMarvelonMircetteOrtho-CeptApriKarivaAzuretteBekyreePimtreaSimliyaVioreleVolnea

Other names

13-Ethylgonane derivative (chemical class)3-ketodesogestrel (active metabolite)