Gedarel 20

"A low-dose, combined contraceptive pill that’s highly effective in preventing pregnancy. The pill contains a lower dose of ethinylestradiol (oestrogen). This lower level of hormone than the regular combined pill reduces your risk of getting side effects. You’ll need an annual blood pressure and BMI check to take it."

What is Gedarel 20?

Gedarel 20/150 is a contraceptive pill that contains lower levels of oestrogen than the regular combined pill. It's 99% effective when taken correctly.

How does it work?

The Geradel birth control pill contains two hormones, ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and desogestrel (progesterone). Together they help to:

• Stop your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation).
• Thicken the mucus in your cervix to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
• Thin the lining of the womb, so an egg is less likely to implant itself.

How to use Gedarel 20

Most women choose to take one daily Gedarel combined pill for 21 days, with a 4 or 7 day break before they start the next pack. You’re likely to have a withdrawal bleed during this break. However, there are other ways to take Gedarel 20.

1. Continuous use is taking one Gedarel pill daily without a break.
2. Tricycling is where you take a daily pill for 9 weeks without a break (three packs of pills). After these 9 weeks you take a 4 or 7 day break, then start the cycle again.
3. Flexible extended use means taking one pill daily for at least 21 days. If you experience heavier bleeds and would rather have a shorter bleed window, you can take a 4-day break instead of 7. On day 5 start taking the pill daily again, and continue for at least 21 days without another break.

Our clinicians will ensure you know the best way to take Gedarel 20.

Effectiveness

If you take it correctly, Gedarel 20 is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. When not taken exactly as directed, it can lead to pregnancy for around 9 out of 100 women. So it’s important to follow advice and instructions.

If you’re vomiting or have severe diarrhoea while taking this pill, you may not be protected against pregnancy. If you can have sex, use condoms along with continuing to take the pill as usual. If the vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, follow the same steps as you would for a missed pill.

Important: you should only start taking Gedarel 20 if you’re certain you aren’t pregnant.

Side effects of Gedarel 20

When taking a low-dose combined pill like Gedarel 20, some women experience more irregular bleeding. It usually settles down in a few months. And as with all medications, some women may experience side effects when taking Gedarel 20. These include headaches, feeling sick, sore breasts, or mood swings.

This pill carries a slightly higher risk of blood clots than others. In rare cases some women will develop them.

For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Gedarel 20 patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, including blood clots, you can contact us in your Patient Record.

• How long does Gedarel 20 take to work?

  If you start taking Gedarel 20 on days 1-5 of your period, this should give you immediate protection against pregnancy.

  However, if you start Gedarel 20 after day one and you have a short or irregular menstrual cycle, you’ll need to use extra contraception like condoms for 7 days if you have sex. Your clinician can advise on this.

• Does Gedarel 20 stop periods?

  It’s possible to delay your period if you take 2 packets of Gedarel 20 back-to-back. Our clinicians can advise on delaying your period using contraceptive pills.

• Does Gedarel 20 prevent STIs?

  Gedarel 20 won’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia or HIV. Only condoms can help with this.

• Who can take Gedarel 20?

  You shouldn’t use Gedarel 20 if you have any of the conditions listed below. Talk to a clincian about your other birth control options and don’t use Gedarel 20 if:

  • You have, or have ever had, a blood clot in a blood vessel of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), your lungs (pulmonary embolus, PE) or other organs.
  • You have a blood clotting disorder.
  • You have, or have ever had, a heart attack or stroke.
  • You have very high blood pressure. 

  There are other instances where the pill is not suitable, and our clinicians can advise on this during your online consultation.

• Can I take Gedarel 20 while breastfeeding?

  If you’re breastfeeding, we advise against taking combined contraceptive pills like Gedarel 20 for 6 weeks after giving birth, as they can reduce milk supply and may also put you at greater risk of blood clots.

• What if I miss my Gedarel 20 pill?

  If you miss one pill at any point in your pack or start a new pack 1 day late, you’re still protected from pregnancy.

  Here’s what to do:

  • Take the missed pill as soon as possible, even if it means taking 2 pills on the same day.
  • Continue taking the remaining pills at your regular schedule.
  • If you normally have a pill-free break, stick to your usual timing. 

  If you’ve missed two or more pills (over 48 hours late), your contraceptive protection may be reduced.

  Follow these steps:

  • Take the most recent missed pill right away, even if it means taking 2 pills in one day.
  • Skip any other earlier missed pills.
  • Use additional contraception, like condoms, for the next 7 days.
  • Continue with your pack as normal.
  • You may need emergency contraception if you have had unprotected sex after missing pills.

  When you finish the pack after missing pills:

  • If there are 7+ pills left in your pack: Finish the pack as usual and take your 7-day pill-free break as planned.
  • If fewer than 7 pills are left in your pack: Skip the pill-free break and start a new pack immediately. 

  You may need emergency contraception if:

  • You’ve had unprotected sex after missing pills.
  • You had unprotected sex in the 7 days before the missed pills.

  Our clinicians can prescribe emergency contraception, if it’s safe to do so.

  For full details of correct use and what to do if you miss a pill, please see the Gedarel 20 patient information leaflet. If you need more advice you can contact us in your Patient Record.

• Where can I buy Gedarel 20?

  As this pill is prescription only you’ll need to be approved by a clinician before you can buy the treatment, even if you’re using an online service.

  We can prescribe Gedarel 20 for you online, for discreet home delivery or to pick up from your nearest Well pharmacy. To make sure it’s safe for you, we'll ask you a few questions including your height, weight and blood pressure.

  Start an online consultation. It’s completely confidential and only takes a few minutes.

• Gedarel 20 pill warnings

  Combined contraceptives can raise your blood pressure, which could be dangerous. So, it’s important to check your blood pressure before starting the treatment, then once a year after that. 

  As part of your consultation, we’ll ask you if you’ve had your blood pressure checked recently, or checked it yourself at home using a blood pressure monitor. This information is required before we can prescribe combined contraceptives like Gedarel 20.

  Gedarel 20 won’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia or HIV. Only condoms can help with this.

• Gedarel 20 and drug interactions

  You should be able to take Gedarel 20 alongside other medications. So that our clinicians can prescribe it safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.

• Alternative Gedarel 20 contraception

  A low-dose pill like Gedarel 20 is just one of a wide range of contraceptives we can advise you on and prescribe. These include NuvaRing, Evra Patch, the contraceptive injection, combined pills and progestogen only pills.

  See our full contraception range here.

  You can also get long-acting contraceptives through your GP or family planning clinic. These include the coil, implants, and contraceptive injections.