gestodene

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

gestodene exerts its contraceptive action by inhibiting ovulation. It suppresses the release of an egg from the ovaries.  

gestodene is a potent progestin and it replicates the actions of the body’s own progesterone hormone.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

GI disturbances 

Changes in appetite  

Fluid retention 

Oedema 

Acne 

Allergic skin rashes 

Urticaria 

Mental depression 

Breast changes  

Changes in libido  

Hair loss 

Hirsutism  

Fatigue 

Drowsiness or insomnia 

Fever 

Headache 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• gestodene is not to be used during pregnancy. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking gestodene-containing contraceptives, then they should discontinue the drug immediately. 

Caution: 

• Women with uncontrolled high blood pressure should use gestodene-containing contraceptives with caution. 
• Woman has a history of cholestasis, gestodene-containing contraceptives should be used with caution. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

gestodene suppresses ovulation, preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries.  

It thickens cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate the cervix and reach the egg.  

Pharmacodynamics 

gestodene inhibits the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. 

It reduces the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

gestodene is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral intake. 

Distribution 

gestodene is distributed to various tissues. 

Metabolism 

gestodene is metabolized in the liver by various enzymatic processes. 

Elimination and excretion 

gestodene is excreted from the body primarily through urine and feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

gestodene is administered in the form of combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: gestodene 

Why do we use gestodene? 

gestodene is used as a component of combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills. When combined with an estrogen it helps prevent pregnancy. COC pills containing gestodene used to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce menstrual bleeding.