Gedarel Contraceptive Pill

About Gedarel Contraceptive Pill

Gedarel Contraceptive Pill is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) containing ethinylestradiol 20 micrograms and desogestrel 150 micrograms. It is designed to provide reliable, reversible birth control by preventing ovulation and creating changes in cervical mucus and the lining of the womb to reduce the chance of pregnancy.

Gedarel Contraceptive Pill is taken in a structured 21-day tablet cycle followed by a 7-day tablet-free break, during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Gedarel is available in the following pack sizes:

• 3 calendar strips

What Is Gedarel Contraceptive Pill Used For?

Gedarel is used to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping the release of an egg (ovulation), thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and changing the lining of the uterus to make implantation less likely.

Who Is Gedarel Suitable For?

Gedarel is suitable for women who want a reliable, long-term oral contraceptive.

Do not take Gedarel if you:

• Have ever had blood clots (DVT, PE) or clotting disorders
• Have had a heart attack, stroke, or migraine with aura
• Have severe liver disease or liver tumours
• Have hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• Are allergic to ethinylestradiol, desogestrel or any ingredients

Speak to a healthcare professional before use if you:

• Have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Smoke, especially if over 35 years of age
• Have migraines, depression or epilepsy
• Have Crohn’s disease, SLE, haemolytic uraemic syndrome or sickle cell anaemia
• Have recently given birth or are planning surgery

How to Take Gedarel Contraceptive Pill

1. Take one tablet every day at the same time for 21 consecutive days.
2. Follow the arrows on the blister strip to ensure correct order.
3. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
4. After 21 tablets, have a 7-day break with no tablets.
5. Start the next strip on day 8, even if bleeding is still present.

If you are more than 12 hours late taking a tablet, extra contraception (such as condoms) may be required.

Possible Side Effects of Gedarel Contraceptive Pill

Very common:

• Irregular bleeding or spotting

Common:

• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Acne
• Mood changes or depression
• Weight gain

Uncommon:

• Fluid retention
• Migraine
• Rash or urticaria (hives)
• Vomiting or diarrhoea

Rare:

• Skin discolouration (chloasma)
• Breast discharge
• Eye irritation (contact lens intolerance)

Very rare but serious:

• Blood clots in the leg, lungs, heart, brain, eye or abdomen

Warnings and Precautions

• Combined pills slightly increase the risk of blood clots.
• Higher risk if you smoke, are overweight, over age 35, or recently gave birth.
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Do not use alongside certain hepatitis C treatments.
• Contains lactose.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 30°C
• Keep in the original packaging
• Do not use after the expiry date
• Keep out of sight and reach of children