Desogestrel Tablet Dosage Guide in Pakistan

The complete guide to taking Desogestrel Tablet correctly — dosage, timing, missed dose rules, and when to start. The 12-hour window rule is critical for effectiveness.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-07-09

Dosage Guide

Quick Answer

The dose of Desogestrel Tablet is 1 tablet (75mcg) taken orally once daily at the same time each day, with a strict 12-hour window. Take it continuously without a break between packs. If you miss a dose and it has been over 12 hours since the scheduled time, use additional contraception for the next 48 hours. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

Dose at a Glance

Adult Dose

1 tablet (75mcg) once daily

Once daily at the same time every day (12-hour window)

Max: 1 tablet per day; no gap between packs

Child Dose (Women of reproductive age only)

Not applicable

Missed Dose

If you are less than 12 hours late taking the tablet, take it as soon as you remember. Contraceptive protection is maintained. If you are more than 12 hours late, take the tablet as soon as you remember, but use additional contraception (e.g. condoms) for the next 48 hours.

Overdose

Accidental overdose with Desogestrel Tablet has not been reported to cause serious harmful effects. Nausea, vomiting, or irregular vaginal spotting may occur. If a large accidental overdose is taken, contact a doctor.

Desogestrel Tablet Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

Desogestrel Tablet (75mcg) is a progestogen-only contraceptive. The 12-hour timing window is the most important rule to remember.

Adult Dose (Baalgon ke liye)

Dose: 1 tablet (75mcg) once daily
Timing: The same time every day — choose a consistent time and stick to it
12-hour window: You can take the tablet up to 12 hours after your usual time and still maintain protection. If more than 12 hours late, use additional contraception for 48 hours.
No pill-free interval — take tablets continuously, starting the next pack immediately after the last.

Starting Dose: 1 tablet (75mcg) once daily

Usual Dose: 1 tablet (75mcg) once daily, continuously

Max Dose: 1 tablet per day; do not exceed

How to Take (Kaise lena hai)

Step 1: Take 1 tablet at the same time every day. Step 2: Swallow the tablet whole with water — do not crush or chew. Step 3: Can be taken with or without food. Step 4: When one pack finishes, start the next pack immediately the following day — no gap.

When to Start Desogestrel for the First Time (Pehli baar kab lena shuru karein)

Starting on Day 1–5 of period: immediate contraceptive protection; no additional contraception needed.
Starting on Day 6 or later of period: use additional contraception (e.g. condoms) for the first 48 hours.
Starting after childbirth: typically from 6 weeks postpartum — consult your doctor.
Switching from a combined pill: start desogestrel the day after your last active combined pill.

Best Time to Take (Kab lena chahiye)

Choose a fixed daily time that you will remember — for example, with breakfast, or at bedtime. A phone reminder is helpful. The key is consistency: the same time every day.

With Food or Empty Stomach (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Desogestrel Tablet can be taken with or without food. Food does not significantly affect absorption.

Missed Dose — IMPORTANT (Dose chhoot jaye to kya karein)

Less than 12 hours late: Take the tablet now. Contraceptive protection is maintained. Continue the next tablet at the usual time.
More than 12 hours late: Take the tablet now. Use additional contraception (e.g. condoms) for the next 48 hours. If you had unprotected sex in the past 5 days, consult your doctor — emergency contraception may be needed.
Vomiting within 4 hours of taking the tablet: This may mean the tablet was not absorbed. Follow the missed dose rules above and use additional contraception for 48 hours.

Overdose (Zyada Dose)

Accidental overdose with Desogestrel Tablet has not been reported to cause serious harmful effects. Nausea, vomiting, or irregular bleeding may occur. If a large accidental overdose is taken, contact a doctor for advice.

Dose Summary Table

Patient	Dose	Notes
Women of reproductive age	1 tablet (75mcg) once daily	Same time daily; continuous (no break)
Breastfeeding women	1 tablet (75mcg) once daily	From 6 weeks postpartum
Children / under 18	Not applicable	Not for pre-pubertal girls

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. Always confirm the dose and starting schedule with your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct dose of Desogestrel Tablet?

1 tablet (75mcg) taken orally once daily at the same time each day. There is no pill-free interval — take tablets continuously, starting the next pack immediately after finishing the previous one.

What is the 12-hour window for Desogestrel Tablet?

The 12-hour window means you can take the tablet up to 12 hours later than your usual time and still maintain contraceptive protection. If you take it more than 12 hours late, contraceptive protection may be reduced — use additional contraception for the next 48 hours.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Desogestrel Tablet?

If less than 12 hours have passed since your usual time, take the missed tablet immediately. If more than 12 hours have passed, take the missed tablet and use additional contraception (e.g. condoms) for the next 48 hours. If you had unprotected sex during this period, consult your doctor.

When should I start Desogestrel Tablet for the first time?

For first-time use, start Desogestrel on day 1 to 5 of your menstrual period — this gives immediate contraceptive protection. If you start on day 6 or later, use additional contraception for the first 48 hours. For postpartum use, typically start from 6 weeks after delivery. Always follow your doctor's advice on when to start.

Can Desogestrel Tablet be taken continuously without a break?

Yes. Desogestrel Tablet is taken continuously — take one tablet every day without a break between packs. Unlike combined pills, there is no 7-day pill-free interval.

Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Desogestrel Tablet.

Other hormonal contraceptives & progestogens

Sibling medicines in the Hormonal Contraceptives & Progestogens class.

All in class →

Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.