A new progestagen for oral contraception.
Desogestrel (13-ethyl-11-methylene-18, 19-dinor-17alpha-pregn-4-en-20-yn-17-ol) is a new potent progestagen suitable for incorporation into combined oral contraceptives (OC)s.  2 products have thus far been developed, 1 containing 150 mcg desogestrel plus 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol (EE)/tablet (Marvelon) and the other a normophasic product containing 50 mcg EE (7 tablets) followed by 125 mcg desogestrel plus 50 mcg EE (15 tablets).  No tablet failures were reported in large-scale multicenter trials.  Clinical studies, confirmed by receptor studies, showed that desogestrel lacks androgenicity in the dosages used.  Also, studies on lipid metabolism revealed that desogestrel does not abolish EE-induced rises in HDL cholesterol.  Since low levels of HDL cholesterol have been associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease, this can be regarded as a favorable aspect of desogestrel.  In view of increasing demands for safer OCs, it can be concluded that preference should be given to OCs containing this progestogen.
De Jager
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D001695:Biology; D003267:Contraception; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D005193:Family Planning Services; D008055:Lipids; D008660:Metabolism; D010827:Physiology; D013256:Steroids
D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D008055:Lipids; D013256:Steroids
Biology; Contraception; Contraceptive Agents; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Contraceptive Agents, Progestin; Family Planning; Lipid Metabolic Effects; Lipids; Metabolic Effects; Physiology; Steroid Metabolic Effects