Gedarel 20/150

What is Gedarel?

Gedarel is a type of contraceptive known as the combined pill. One of the most popular methods of preventing pregnancy, it contains synthetic versions of the female sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen to stop fertilisation from occurring.

How does Gedarel work?

Gedarel works by preventing ovulation so that the fallopian tubes do not release an egg into the womb in preparation for fertilisation. It does this by releasing the hormones desogestrel (progesterone) and ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) into the womb. Aside from this, Gedarel also thickens the mucus surrounding the entrance to the womb to reduce the chance of sperm being able to enter through the vagina and it thins the lining of the womb to prevent an egg from being able to attach itself to the wall. 

How effective is Gedarel?

When used correctly, Gedarel is 99% effective. Forgetting to take it, being prescribed antibiotics and suffering from vomiting and diarrhea can all impact the effectiveness of the pill. 

Gedarel for non-contraceptive purposes

The pill has some benefits outside of preventing unwanted pregnancies. It can help improve acne, reduce PMS and period pain and create a lighter, more regular menstrual cycle. 

Active ingredients

The active ingredients contained in Gedarel are ethinylestradiol and desogestrel.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients contained in Gedarel are: potato starch; stearic acid; all-rac-alpha-tocopherol; lactose monohydrate; magnesium stearate; silica colloidal anhydrous; povidone K 30.

How to start Gedarel

Ideally you should start taking Gedarel on the first day of your period where you'll immediately be protected from unwanted pregnancy. You can start taking it at any time in your cycle but anytime after the fifth day you'll need to use condoms, or another form of contraception, for the first seven days. 

When does Gedarel start to work?

If you start taking Gedarel on days 1-5 of your period it will start to work right away. If you begin a pack on any other day in your cycle then you will need to use additional contraceptive methods such as condoms or a diaphragm for the first seven days. 

How to take Gedarel

Choose a time of the day that's convenient for you to take the pill. You should take it daily at the same time each day until you reach the end of the pack. Wait seven days until you begin the next pack, during this time you will have your period. 

What should I do if I took a pill too late?

If it's been less than 12 hours since you were due to take your pill then you do not need to worry. Take your pill as soon as you remember and continue with the rest of your pack. If it has been more than 12 hours then follow the steps above for what to do if you've missed a pill. 

What should I do if I missed a pill?

If it has been more than twelve hours since you were due to take your pill then your protection may be affected. Take your missed pill as soon as you remember and continue with the rest of your pack at the usual daily time, even if this does mean you need to take more than one pill in the same day. You should also use additional contraception for the next seven days to ensure you are protected against pregnancy.

Gedarel side effects

There are a number of side effects associated with taking the combined pill. It increases your risk of experiencing a blood clot so you should always take the time to learn what the signs are in case this should occur. 

Common side effects include: 

• Breakthrough bleeding and spotting
• Nausea 
• Headaches 
• Depression 
• Mood changes
• Nervousness 
• Acne
• Dizziness 
• Abdominal pain 
• PMS 
• Weight gain 
• Breast pain or tenderness 

Less common side effects include: 

• Fluid retention 
• Lack of sex drive 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• High blood pressure 
• Rash 
• Migraines 
• Impaired hearing 
• Breast Enlargement 

Rare side effects include: 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Eye irritation when using contact lenses 
• Skin disorders 
• Vaginal discharge 
• Breast discharge
• Weight loss 
• Blood clots: 
• In the lungs, leg or foot
• Heart attack 
• Stroke 
• A mini-stroke   

Contraindications

Gedarel is not suitable for women who: 

• Have ever had a blood clot in the legs or lungs
• Have a medical condition which affects blood clotting
• Are off their feet for long periods of time
• Need an operation 
• Have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• Have ever had angina pectoris 
• Have severe diabetes which damaged blood vessels
• Have very high blood pressure 
• Have high cholesterol 
• Have hyperhomocysteinaemia
• Have ever experienced a migraine with aura 
• Have ever had pancreatitis 
• Have ever experienced liver problems 
• Have, or may have, breast cancer or cancer in the genitals 
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding 
• May be pregnant 
• Have endometrial hyperplasia
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients in Gedarel 

Drug interactions

Certain drugs can interact with Gedarel, reducing its effectiveness. These are: 

• Antibiotics 
• Medications to treat epilepsy
• HIV treatments 
• Hepatitis treatments 
• Tuberculosis treatments 

Always inform your doctor that you are taking Gedarel before being prescribed with additional medicines and let your doctor know about any current medication you are taking before starting the pill. 

Gedarel and alcohol

Alcohol does not have an effect on Gedarel. 

Gedarel 20 vs Gedarel 30

Gedarel 30 contains a standard dose of oestrogen hormones whereas Gedarel 20 has a lower 20mg dose. This may be preferable for women who are sensitive to oestrogen and are prone to experiencing side effects. 

Gedarel vs the mini pill

The mini pill differs from Gedarel as it only contains progesterone hormones. It's suitable for women who are unable to take the combined pill and produces less side effects. There is less flexibility with the mini pill however. It must be taken within specific time frames and you cannot use it to control your period. It's estimated that the realistic efficiency rate of the mini pill is 84%. 

Alternatives to Gedarel

There are many different types of the combined pill available. Marvelon is similar to Gedarel and other popular brands include Microgynon 30, Rigevidon and Cilest. Cerazette and Cerelle are two examples of the progesterone only, or mini pill. There are other longer term contraceptives available which include the IUD (copper coil), IUS (Mirena coil), contraceptive implant, injection and the patch. Condoms are the only method of contraception which protect against sexually transmitted infections. 

Switching contraceptive pill

If you are switching to Gedarel from a different type of contraceptive pill then you should begin Gedarel once you finish your current pack, skipping the seven day break. If you are taking the progesterone only pill then take your first Gedarel pill on the day your period begins. Not every type of contraceptive pill will suit all women so you may find that you need to try a few different varieties before finding the right one. 

Are Gedarel and Marvelon the same?

Gedarel and Marvelon are the same. They both contain 30mg of ethinylestradiol and 150mg of desogestrel. 

Can you use Gedarel for period delay?

Gedarel can be used for period delay by running two packs together rather than having the usual seven day break in between pill packs. This will delay your period for an additional 21 days.

If I have vomited, will Gedarel still work?

If you vomit less than four hours after taking Gedarel then it may not have been absorbed by the body. In this case, take another pill right away and continue with the rest of your pack as normal. This means your cycle will be one day shorter than usual. If you continue to be sick then keep taking your daily pill and use additional contraception for seven days after you feel better to ensure you are protected from pregnancy. 

When can I get pregnant after taking Gedarel?

It is possible to get pregnant as soon as you stop taking Gedarel. It will usually take a few months for your cycle to return to normal and some women may try for six months before they get pregnant. It's different for everyone so have patience in your body and focus on staying healthy during this time. 

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS > Combined Contraceptive Pill