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Combined oral contraceptive (3rd-generation progestogen)

Ethinylestradiol with gestodene

Brand names: Femodene, Femodette, Katya

A combined oral contraceptive combining ethinylestradiol with gestodene, 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 suppressed via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, with additional contraceptive effect from cervical mucus thickening and endometrial changes that hinder implantation.

Prescribing in practice

  • Gestodene-containing pills carry a higher VTE risk than levonorgestrel, norethisterone or norgestimate preparations, so ensure the woman is counselled and accepts this risk.
  • Screen against UKMEC for thrombotic, cardiovascular and migraine-with-aura contraindications.
  • Advise on missed-pill rules and reduced efficacy with enzyme inducers or significant gastrointestinal upset.

Monitoring

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

Counselling the patient

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

Evidence & guidelines

MHRA reviews and UKMEC document higher relative VTE risk for third-generation progestogen combined pills.

Reference: FSRH CHC guideline; MHRA Drug Safety Update; UKMEC; 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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