Gedarel Tablets (20 & 30)

Whats is Gedarel and what is it used for?

Gedarel is an oral contraceptive. When used correctly, it will provide near 100% protection against pregnancy. Its two active ingredients, desogestrel and ethinylestradiol, prevent ovulation from occurring during the menstrual cycle.

Gedarel is a monophasic combined pill, meaning each pill contains the same dose of desogestrel and ethinylestradiol. Gedarel contains a lower dose compared to most other versions of the Pill, so it may be appropriate for you if you are particularly susceptible to side effects.

If you have been prescribed Gedarel, repeat supplies can be purchased online from The Independent Pharmacy, following a simple medical questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order on the same working day – if they deem that Gedarel is suitable for you, your order will be with you as soon as the next working day. Gedarel is available in strengths of 20mcg & 30mcg, you should always use the same strength that your doctor has prescribed you.

There are 21 Gedarel pills in a strip. Once you have finished a strip, you will stop taking the pill for seven days. During this time you will have a normal bleed. Once seven days have passed, begin your next cycle of treatment.

How does Gedarel work?

Pregnancy occurs when an egg released from the ovaries is fertilised by sperm. In a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries release one egg each month – this is the process of ovulation. This process is controlled by the female sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen. Gedarel contains two synthetic hormones, desogestrel and ethinylestradiol, which imitate these two natural hormones. They control the levels of each hormone in such a way that prevents an egg from being released. The Pill also makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, by thickening the fluid that is in the cervix.

During a regular menstrual cycle, the endometrium (the wall of the uterus) builds up in preparation for a fertilised egg. Gedarel reduces the extent of this buildup, making it less likely that a fertilised egg will develop into an embryo. As a further result, periods become lighter.

Gedarel may also reduce acne, and protect against conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease. It will not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Alternatives to Gedarel

At The Independent Pharmacy, we offer a wide range of contraceptives including combined pills, progesterone-only pills, and patches. For details of other available contraceptives, take a look at our Contraception Advice page.

Non-Medicinal Contraception Alternatives

Female Condoms - Not only do they prevent pregnancy they also prevent STIs. There is currently only one brand available in the UK, called Femidom. Shown to be 95% effective.

Male Condoms - Prevent pregnancy and also prevent STIs. Shown to be 98% effective.

Sources

• Gedarel Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.hpra.ie/img/upload...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill/
• https://patient.info/medicine/combined-hormonal-contraceptives#nav-4

Gedarel warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Gedarel is unsuitable for you if you have:

• An allergy to any of the ingredients of Gedarel
• A history of breast cancer, or cancer of the uterus or ovary
• Ever had a blood clot
• A blood clotting disorder
• A history of heart attack or stroke
• Angina pectoris
• Very high blood pressure
• High levels of lipids in the blood
• Impaired liver function
• Pancreatitis
• Severe migraines
• Endometrial hyperplasia.

You may be advised not to take Gedarel if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Crohn’s disease or chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• Kidney failure
• Sickle-cell anaemia
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Pancreatitis
• An inflammation of veins under the skin
• Varicose veins
• Diabetes
• Severe depression
• Gall bladder disease
• Epilepsy
• Sydenham’s chorea (a movement disorder)
• Porphyria
• Migraines
• Herpes gestationis (a rash associated with pregnancy)
• Chloasma
• Hereditary angioedema.

Do not use Gedarel if you have breast cancer, or if you have had it before. Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase your chance of developing breast cancer. Once you have stopped using the Pill for at least 10 years, your risk levels will come back down. Women who are elderly and/or overweight are more vulnerable to breast cancer. Take care using Gedarel if a close relative has suffered from breast cancer before. Check your breasts and nipples regularly for any changes or lumps. If you notice anything abnormal, visit your doctor as soon as you can.

You may be more susceptible to blood clots while taking Gedarel, especially during the first year of use. Talk to your GP before having any operation while taking the Pill. You may need to stop using Gedarel in advance of the operation to avoid the increased risk of a blood clot. You are also at a heightened risk of developing a blood clot if you:

• Smoke
• Are obese
• Have a family history of blood clots
• Do not exercise regularly
• Have had a miscarriage in the past
• Have recently given birth.

Gedarel may increase your chance of developing cervical cancer. For this reason, you should have regular smear tests while taking the Pill.

If you require any blood test, inform your doctor of which medicines you are taking – Gedarel may alter the results of some blood tests.

Gedarel and other medicines

The following medicines may impact the effectiveness of Gedarel:

• Epilepsy medicines (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• HIV medicines (e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir)
• Tuberculosis medicines (e.g. rifampicin)
• Some antibiotics
• Bosentan
• Modafinil
• St John’s wort
• Tizanidine
• Levothyroxine.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Gedarel directions

If possible, begin taking Gedarel on the first day of your period - if you begin taking the Pill in the first five days of your cycle, you will be immediately protected from pregnancy.

There are 21 Gedarel pills in a pack. Take one pill at a similar time each day. Once you have finished a pack, you will stop taking the pill for seven days. During this time you will have a normal bleed. Once seven days have passed, begin your next cycle of treatment.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, even if it is nearly time for your next pill. If you have missed one day, you should still be protected from pregnancy. If you miss multiple days, you are advised to use additional contraception for the following seven days.

Gedarel ingredients

The active ingredients contained in Gedarel 20 are 20mcg ethinylestradiol & 150mcg desogestrel.

The active ingredients contained in Gedarel 30 are 30mcg ethinylestradiol & 150mcg desogestrel.

Gedarel also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Potato starch, stearic acid, all-rac-alpha-tocopherol,, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, silica colloidal anhydrous, povidone K-30, quinolone yellow (E104), hypromellose, macrogol 6000, propylene glycol.

Gedarel side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Gedarel, however, if you do they may include:

• Mood swings
• Irregular or painful periods
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Acne
• Weight gain

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.