Clinical and metabolic features of desogestrel: A new oral contraceptive preparation

Abstract

Desogestrel is a highly selective gonane progestin. A monophasic formulation containing 150 of μg desogestrel and 30 μg of ethinyl estradiol has recently been approved as an oral contraceptive OC in the United States. Although desogestrel-containing formulations are new to the United States, they have been the most widely prescribed OCs in Europe for almost 10 years. An extensive literature demonstrates that desogestrel-containing preparations are safe effective and well tolerated by most women. In light of desogestrel's high selectivity, low affinity for androgen receptors, and lack of interference with the increase in sex hormone-binding globulin desogestrel-containing OCs may be particularly appropriate for women with androgen-induced skin disorders because of their high selectivity. Several European studies havefound significant improvement or almost complete resolution of previously existing acne. Deso estrel provides excellent cycle control no major impact on weight, minimal or no adverse effects on blood pressure, statistically significant increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol usually unchanged or reduced and little effect on glucose tolerance or insulin resistance. Desogestrel is a highly selective gonane progestin. A monophasic formulation containing 150 of μg desogestrel and 30 μg of ethinyl estradiol has recently been approved as an oral contraceptive OC in the United States. Although desogestrel-containing formulations are new to the United States, they have been the most widely prescribed OCs in Europe for almost 10 years. An extensive literature demonstrates that desogestrel-containing preparations are safe effective and well tolerated by most women. In light of desogestrel's high selectivity, low affinity for androgen receptors, and lack of interference with the increase in sex hormone-binding globulin desogestrel-containing OCs may be particularly appropriate for women with androgen-induced skin disorders because of their high selectivity. Several European studies havefound significant improvement or almost complete resolution of previously existing acne. Deso estrel provides excellent cycle control no major impact on weight, minimal or no adverse effects on blood pressure, statistically significant increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol usually unchanged or reduced and little effect on glucose tolerance or insulin resistance.