Dienogest

Dienogest is an orally-active semisynthetic, steroidal progestogen (or progestin). It is available for use as an oral contraceptive in combination with ethinylestradiol. It has antiandrogenic activity and as a result can improve androgenic symptoms. It is a non-ethinylated progestin which is structurally related to testosterone. Dienogest given in isolation is available for the treatment of endometriosis under the trade name Visanne.

History

Dienogest was synthesised in 1979 in Jena, Germany under the leadership of Prof. Kurt Ponsold, was initially referred to as STS 557. It was found that its potency was 10 times that of levonorgestrel. The first product on the market to contain dienogest as a contraceptive pill Valette in 1995 made by Jenapharm. It has been little used outside of Germany.

Indications

Contraception

Dienogest is used primarily as a contraceptive in combination with ethinylestradiol. It is given as a tablet containing 2 mg of dienogest and 30 μg of ethinylestradiol. Dienogest is also available in a quadriphasic oral contraceptive pill combined with estradiol valerate, marketed as Natazia in the United States and Qlaira in some European countries and Russia. This formulation is also approved for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.