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Combined oral contraceptive (3rd-generation progestogen)

Ethinylestradiol with desogestrel

Brand names: Marvelon, Mercilon, Gedarel

A combined oral contraceptive pairing ethinylestradiol (an oestrogen) with desogestrel, a third-generation progestogen.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Ovulation is inhibited through suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, supplemented by progestogen-induced thickening of cervical mucus and endometrial changes that impair implantation.

Prescribing in practice

  • Desogestrel-containing pills carry a higher VTE risk than those containing levonorgestrel, norethisterone or norgestimate, so confirm the woman is informed of and accepts this when choosing the product.
  • Screen against UKMEC for thrombotic, cardiovascular, migraine-with-aura and other contraindications before prescribing.
  • Efficacy is reduced by enzyme-inducing drugs and by significant vomiting or diarrhoea; advise on missed-pill rules.

Monitoring

Check blood pressure and reassess VTE and cardiovascular risk at initiation and at regular reviews.

Counselling the patient

  • Be aware this pill carries a slightly higher clot risk than some alternatives.
  • Take at the same time each day and follow missed-pill advice.
  • Seek urgent help for leg swelling, chest pain, breathlessness or sudden severe headache.

Evidence & guidelines

MHRA reviews and UKMEC document the relative VTE risk differences between progestogen generations in combined pills.

Reference: FSRH CHC guideline; UKMEC; MHRA Drug Safety Update; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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