Gedarel is a combined oral contraceptive pill that contains 2 synthetic versions of the female hormones, oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progesterone (desogestrel).

Gedarel is available in two doses:

• standard dose of 30/150 - containing 30 mcg of ethinylestradiol and 150mcg of desogestrel
• low dose of 20/150 - containing 20mcg of ethinylestradiol, and 150mcg of desogestrel

Gedarel 20/150 is more suited if you are concerned about or at risk of oestrogen-related side effects when taking the combined pill because it contains a lower dose of oestrogen.

Gedarel works to stop you becoming pregnant in 3 ways:

1. Stops an egg from being released from the ovaries (ovulation).
2. Thickens the cervical fluid, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
3. Makes the lining of the womb thinner, making it less likely for an egg to implant itself.

How effective is Gedarel?

Gedarel, like other combined pills, is 99% effective against pregnancy when it is used correctly. The actual figure is more likely to be closer to 92% because of factors such as forgetting to take the pill and illness (vomiting and diarrhoea).

A study involving 595 women, of which 274 were assigned to a desogestrel and ethinylestradiol combined pill group (the active ingredients in Gedarel), found it had excellent cycle control and low rates of side effects.

The results also found an improvement in acne, low rates of irregular bleeding and found that blood pressure and body weight remained unchanged.

Gedarel is supplied in strips of 21 pills. Each pill is marked with the day of the week it should be taken on.

To take Gedarel:

1. Choose the pill that relates to the correct day of the week – so, if it is Monday, take the first pill in the blister strip marked ‘Mon’
2. Swallow 1 whole pill at the same time every day for 21 days, with a glass of water, if needed
3. Follow the direction of the arrows, until you have finished all 21 pills
4. Have a 7-day break where you take no pills for 7 days
5. Within a few days, you should have a ‘withdrawal bleed’, similar to a period
6. On the 8th day after taking your last Gedarel pill, start a new strip of Gedarel, even if you are still bleeding

By taking Gedarel in this way, you should start every new strip on the same day of the week and have your withdrawal bleed every 4th week.

You can find full instructions about how to take Gedarel in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.

When to take Gedarel

Gedarel should be taken at the same time each day. Pick a time that is most convenient for you.

Some people find it is easiest to remember to take their pill first thing in the morning or just before going to bed. If you think you might forget to take your pill, it helps to set an alarm on your phone to remind you or to pair it with another activity you do at the same time every day.

You can start taking Gedarel at any time in your menstrual cycle. You will only be protected right away if you start on day 1 of your period, otherwise, you will need to use extra protection like condoms for the first 7 days.

How often to take Gedarel

Gedarel is taken once a day for 21 days followed by a 7-day break where you take no pills for 7 days.

How long do you need to take Gedarel for?

Continue to take Gedarel for as long as you need protection from becoming pregnant. Most people take Gedarel for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break. If you want to delay your period for an upcoming occasion or event, you can take 2 packs back to back without a break.

What should I do if I forget to take Gedarel?

If you forget to take your Gedarel pill and it is:

• less than 12 hours late: Take your missed pill as soon as you remember, this may mean that you will take 2 pills in the same day. Continue taking your scheduled pills as normal. Your protection against pregnancy is not reduced.
• more than 12 hours late: You may not be protected against pregnancy. If you have had unprotected sex, you may need to use emergency contraception.

If you have forgotten 1 tablet in week 1:

• Take the missed pill as soon as you remember even if this means that you will take 2 pills in 1 day. Continue taking your pills as normal and use extra precautions, such as condoms, for 7 days.

If you have forgotten 1 pill in week 2:

• Take the missed pill as soon as you remember even if this means that you will take 2 pills in 1 day. Continue taking your pills as normal. You will still be protected against pregnancy and will not need to use extra contraception.

If you have forgotten 1 tablet in week 3, you can either

• Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if this means that you will take 2 pills in 1 day. Continue taking your pills as normal. Then. instead of having a 7-day break, start your new strip straight away.
• Stop taking the current strip and go straight to your 7-day break but make a note of the day you forgot your tablet. If you want to start the new strip on your usual day, make the pill-free break less than 7 days.

Whichever option you choose, you will still remain protected against pregnancy.

Gedarel is a prescription-only medication, so you will need approval from a doctor to obtain it. You can request Gedarel online from reputable companies such as Superdrug Online Doctor or it may be available from the NHS.

Can I buy Gedarel online?

Yes, you can request Gedarel quickly and easily from Superdrug Online Doctor. It is very important to purchase any form of medication from reliable and trusted services that are regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

Can I buy Gedarel over the counter?

No, Gedarel is available on prescription only, so you cannot buy it over the counter. Hana is a mini pill which is available over-the-counter in pharmacies.

Can I get Gedarel on the NHS?

You may be able to obtain Gedarel on the NHS but you will need to consult your doctor first to discuss your contraception options.

As with all medication, there is a risk of side effects when you take Gedarel, but not everyone will experience them.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• feeling sick (nausea)
• abdominal pain
• acne
• weight gain
• painful periods
• dizziness
• headaches
• absence of periods
• mood swings or feeling depressed
• painful or sore breasts

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• being sick (vomiting)
• high blood pressure
• upset stomach
• impaired hearing
• fluid retention
• migraine
• loss of interest in sex
• enlarged breasts
• itchy skin rash
• diarrhoea

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people):

• low tolerance for contact lenses
• skin disorders
• weight loss
• fever
• skin disease associated with joint pain
• skin disease associated with solid raised spots on the skin or fluid-filled blisters
• breast or vaginal discharge

You can find a full list of potential Gedarel side effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

How long do Gedarel side effects last for?

Mild side effects should clear up on their own within the first few weeks or months after starting Gedarel as your body gets used to the hormonal changes taking place.

If you experience side effects that are too uncomfortable or you are concerned in any way you should contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for advice.

What to do if you get Gedarel side effects?

If your side effects are mild or you can manage them, you do not need to do anything. You can use over-the-counter medications to treat them if necessary, such as paracetamol, to manage pain and headaches.

If your side effects are difficult to tolerate or manage or they last for more than 3 months, you should contact your doctor or nurse. They may recommend trying alternative contraception that has fewer side effects.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects listed or are significantly affected by effects that are not listed, you should call 999 or go directly to A&E.

Signs of an allergic reaction:

• swollen face, tongue, or throat
• difficulty swallowing
• hives
• difficulty breathing

Blood clot symptoms:

• swelling in one leg
• sudden unexplained breathlessness
• vision loss
• chest pain
• severe pain in your stomach

Gedarel may not be suitable for everyone.

Do NOT use Gedarel if you have:

• ever had a blood clot in your leg, lungs, or any other organs
• a blood clotting disorder
• to have an operation or are going to be off your feet for a long time
• ever had a heart attack or stroke
• (or have ever) had angina pectoris or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) also known as a mini-stroke or other related symptoms
• any diseases that may increase your risk of a clot in the arteries, such as severe diabetes with blood vessel damage, very high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high triglycerides, or a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia
• ever experienced a type of migraine called ‘migraine with aura’
• ever had pancreatitis
• ever had liver disease and your liver function is still not normal
• ever had liver tumours
• ever had, or if you are suspected to have breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs
• any unexplained bleeding from the vagina
• endometrial hyperplasia a condition characterised by overgrowth of the lining of the uterus

You must not use Gedarel if you are:

• pregnant, or think you might be
• allergic to ethinylestradiol or desogestrel, or any of the other ingredients of this medication

You should let your doctor know if you are taking any over-the-counter, herbal, or prescribed medications as they can affect how Gedarel works.

Gedarel and breastfeeding

You should not use Gedarel if you are breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding and require a contraceptive pill you should consult your doctor to discuss suitable and safe options.

Can Gedarel make you gain weight?

Weight gain is listed as a common Gedarel side effect, however, there is no evidence that the combined contraceptive pill makes you gain weight. One study found that women taking a combined pill containing the same hormones as Gedarel did not cause fluctuations in weight.

Can I use Gedarel to delay my period?

It is possible to use Gedarel to delay your period for a special occasion by taking 2 strips back to back without a 7-day break. However, Gedarel should not be used solely for this purpose. If you are looking to delay your period, explore our period delay medications.

Can Gedarel clear acne?

The hormones in Gedarel could help clear acne. However, Gedarel could also make your acne worse at first. If you are worried about the appearance of acne, there are acne medications available that can help.