Gedarel 20/150

Gedarel 20/150 tablets

Gedarel 20/150 is a low-dose combined contraceptive pill that contains two hormones: desogestrel (150 micrograms) and ethinylestradiol (20 micrograms). When taken the right way, it's over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It's a go-to option for people who want reliable and flexible contraception with a lower dose of estrogen, which can mean fewer side effects for some people.

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How to take Gedarel 20

Most people take 1 pill every day for 21 days and then take a break for 4 or 7 days. During this break, you might have a withdrawal bleed, which is kind of like a period but not exactly the same.

There are other ways to take Gedarel 20/150 too:

  • Tricycling: Take 1 pill a day for 9 weeks (3 packs in a row), then have a 4 or 7-day break.

Flexible extended use: Take a pill every day for at least 21 days. If you get breakthrough bleeding that then starts to bother you, take a 4-day break, then start again.

What is the effectiveness of Gedarel 20/150?

Gedarel 20/150 is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when you take it as directed. But if you don't take it correctly, you could be one of 9 out of 100 women who could end up pregnant.

If you're feeling sick, like vomiting or having bad diarrhoea, your body might not absorb the pill correctly. Keep taking Gedarel 20, but make sure to use condoms while you're not feeling well. If vomiting happens within 3 hours of taking Gedarel or severe diarrhoea continues for more than 24 hours, treat it as if you’ve missed a pill. 

You can follow the instructions for the missed pill in the leaflet or check in with a healthcare professional for help.

If you keep vomiting or getting diarrhoea, consider alternate forms of contraception.

Just make sure you're not pregnant before you start taking Gedarel 20/150.

How long after taking Gedarel 20 are you protected?

If you start taking Gedarel 20 during days 1 to 5 of your period, you're protected from pregnancy right away, as long as your menstrual cycle is regular.

If you start after day 5 and have a shorter or irregular cycle, you'll need to use condoms for the first 7 days if you have sex. It's always helpful to check in with your clinician to see if you need any extra contraception during that first week.


What are the side effects of Gedarel 20/150?

Lots of people take Gedarel without any problems, but some may notice a few side effects, especially in the first few months while their bodies adjust.

Here are some possible side effects you might experience while taking Gedarel 20/150:

  • Irregular or breakthrough bleeding (this usually settles after a few months)

  • Headaches

  • Nausea or feeling sick

  • Mood changes

  • Breast tenderness

  • Some women may notice weight gain, although for most, this is temporary or minimal

As with all combined pills, Gedarel 20/150 comes with a small risk of blood clots. It may have a slightly higher risk than others, but it's still considered safe for most healthy women.

If you ever feel unsure or if any side effects bother you, just send us a message through your account.

Contraception medicines

Frequently asked questions

It depends on how many pills you've missed and when.

  • Missed by less than 48 hours:

  • Take the missed pill as soon as you remember and continue the rest of the pack as usual. You may need to take two pills in one day, and your contraceptive protection should not be affected.

  • Missed by more than 48 hours:

This can reduce your contraceptive protection. What to do depends on where you are in your pack. Check the patient information leaflet or get in touch with us via your account for tailored advice.

It's not recommended to use a combined pill like Gedarel 20 if you're breastfeeding and your baby is under 6 weeks old. After that, your clinician can help you figure out the safest time to start using it.

Yes, you can delay or skip a period by taking 2 packs of Gedarel 20 back-to-back without the usual 7-day break. This is usually safe for most people, but it's always a good idea to check in with your doctor if you have any questions.

There's no strong evidence that Gedarel 20/150 can cause weight gain. Some people might notice small weight changes due to fluid retention or natural hormonal shifts, but those changes are usually temporary.

You can request a prescription for Gedarel 20 through our online service. As it's a prescription-only medicine, a clinician will need to review your health information first.

You'll need to share:

  • Your height and weight

  • A recent blood pressure reading

Remember: All combined contraceptive pills can slightly increase blood pressure. So you'll need to have this checked before starting and then once a year. If you have a home monitor, you can share those readings with us during your consultation.

  

Eloine, like other combined contraceptives, can raise your blood pressure and this may be dangerous. That’s why your blood pressure should be checked before starting treatment and then annually.

 

Whether you've had a recent blood pressure check perhaps at your GP practice, or measured it yourself with a home monitor, we’ll ask you to include this information as part of your consultation.

How you switch from your current contraception to Gedarel 20 will depend on whether you are on a Progestogen-only pill (POP) or Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC).

  • My current contraception is a POP - You can swap any day from a POP but you must use extra contraception (i.e. a condom) during the first seven days of taking Gedarel 20

  • My current contraception is a COC - You should start Gedarel on the last day after your last active tablet (at the latest on the day following your last tablet-free interval or after your last placebo tablet)

  • I currently use a combined contraceptive vaginal ring or patch - Preferably you should start taking Gedarel on the day of removal, at the latest when the next application would have been due

  • I use a progestogen injection - You may start using Gedarel from the day your next injection may be due. You will have to use further contraception for the first seven days

  • I use an implant or progestogen-releasing IUD - Start taking Gedarel on the day that the implant or IUD is removed. As with POPs or injections, make sure to use extra contraception like a condom for the first seven days you are taking Gedarel

For more information (for example, when to use Gedarel after having a baby), read the patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about changing contraception, speak to your GP or contact us via your account.

Gedarel 20/150 can usually be taken alongside other medications. However, we need to make sure it's safe for you to use. So, you'll need to let us know about any prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and recreational drugs you're currently taking.

Looking for alternatives to Gedarel 20/150? There are plenty of options out there.

Here are some alternative options you might want to explore:

  • Other combined pills

  • Low-dose pills

  • Mini pills (progestogen-only)

  • NuvaRing (vaginal ring)

  • Evra Patch

If you're considering longer-term solutions, you can also explore options like implants, the coil, or contraceptive injections, which you can get from your GP or local sexual health clinic. And remember, condoms are a great choice when it comes to preventing both pregnancy and STIs.