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Dienogest (United States: Not available): Drug information

Dienogest (United States: Not available): Drug information
(For additional information see "Dienogest (United States: Not available): Patient drug information")

For abbreviations, symbols, and age group definitions used in Lexicomp (show table)
Brand Names: Canada
  • ASPEN-Dienogest;
  • JAMP Dienogest;
  • Visanne
Pharmacologic Category
  • Antiandrogen; Progestin
Dosing: Adult
Endometriosis

Endometriosis: Oral: 2 mg once daily. Dosing may begin on any day of the menstrual cycle.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Adult

No dosage adjustment necessary.

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment: Adult

Mild to moderate impairment: No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied); dienogest undergoes hepatic metabolism and therefore systemic exposure may be increased.

Severe impairment: Use is contraindicated in patients with a history of or current severe hepatic disease.

Dosing: Pediatric
Endometriosis

Endometriosis: Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Females (postmenarche): Oral: 2 mg once daily; has been studied for up to 12 months of therapy.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Pediatric

No dosage adjustment necessary.

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment: Pediatric

Mild to moderate impairment: There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer's labeling; dienogest undergoes hepatic metabolism and therefore systemic exposure may be increased.

Severe impairment: Use is contraindicated in patients with a history of or current severe hepatic disease.

Generic Equivalent Available: US

Yes

Dosage Forms: Canada

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, Oral:

Visanne: 2 mg

Generic: 2 mg

Product Availability

Not available in the US

Administration: Adult

Oral: Administer preferably at the same time each day with liquid and without regard to meals. Tablets should be taken continuously regardless of any vaginal bleeding. If vomiting and/or diarrhea occur within 3 to 4 hours of administration, repeat dose.

Administration: Pediatric

Oral: Administer preferably at the same time each day with liquid and without regard to meals. Tablets should be taken continuously regardless of any vaginal bleeding. If vomiting and/or diarrhea occur within 3 to 4 hours of administration, repeat dose.

Use: Labeled Indications

Note: Not approved in the US

Endometriosis: Management of pelvic pain associated with endometriosis

Limitations of use: Not for use prior to menarche or post menopause.

Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Visanne may be confused with Vyvanse

Other safety concerns:

ALERT: Canadian Boxed Warning: Health Canada-approved labeling includes a boxed warning. See Warnings/Precautions section for a concise summary of this information. For verbatim wording of the boxed warning, consult the product labeling.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Headache (7%), depression (3%), disturbed sleep (2%), irritability (1%), migraine (1%), nervousness (1%)

Dermatologic: Acne vulgaris (2%), alopecia (1%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Breast changes (discomfort: 5%), weight gain (4%), ovarian cyst (3%), decreased libido (2%)

Gastrointestinal: Nausea (4%), abdominal pain (2%)

Genitourinary: Vaginal hemorrhage (1%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness (2%)

<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Abdominal distress, anemia, anxiety, back pain, breast induration, constipation, decreased glucose tolerance, dermatitis, diarrhea, disturbance in attention, dysautonomia, edema, feeling of heaviness (extremities), fibrocystic breast disease, flatulence, genital discharge, GI inflammation, hot flash, increased appetite, limb pain, lump in breast, mood changes, muscle spasm, onychoclasis, ostealgia, palpitations, pelvic pain, pruritus, skin pigmentation, skin photosensitivity, tinnitus, urinary tract infection, vulvovaginal candidiasis, vomiting, vulvar dryness, xeroderma, xerophthalmia

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to dienogest or any component of the formulation; undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding; active venous thromboembolic disorder; history of or current arterial and cardiovascular disease (eg, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident); diabetes mellitus with vascular involvement; history of or current severe hepatic disease where liver function tests remain abnormal; history of or current hepatic neoplasia (benign or malignant); known or suspected sex-hormone-dependent malignancy; ocular lesions due to ophthalmic vascular disease, such as partial or complete vision loss or defect in visual fields; current or history of migraine with focal aura; breastfeeding; known or suspected pregnancy.

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Bleeding: Use is associated with irregular menstrual bleeding (eg, amenorrhea, infrequent or frequent bleeding, prolonged bleeding) and may be aggravated in some patients (eg, those with fibroids). Bleeding patterns generally show a reduced intensity over time. If bleeding irregularities continue with prolonged use, appropriate diagnostic measures should be taken to rule out endometrial pathology (eg, endometrial sampling, pelvic ultrasound). Consider discontinuation of therapy with prolonged heavy bleeding. Pretreatment menstrual bleeding patterns return within 2 months of therapy discontinuation.

• Bone mineral density loss: Dienogest has been associated with plateauing and loss of bone mineral density (BMD) which may not be completely reversible; BMD loss may be greater with prolonged use of dienogest and the effects may be of greater concern during adolescence and periods of bone accretion. It is not known if use of dienogest during adolescence will decrease peak bone mass and increase the risk of osteoporosis. A mean decrease in BMD in the lumbar spine of 1.2% has been observed in patients 12 to <18 years of age after 12 months of therapy; BMD increased towards pretreatment levels within 6 months of therapy discontinuation. Risks/benefits of therapy in adolescents should be evaluated prior to initiating therapy and regularly during therapy. BMD monitoring should be considered in adolescents as clinically appropriate. In a small study of adult patients, a reduction in mean BMD was not observed 6 months after initiating therapy though long-term data are not available. Risk assessment should also be performed in patients of any age at increased risk of osteoporosis.

• Chloasma: May occur occasionally; patients with a history of chloasma should avoid sun or ultraviolet radiation exposure during therapy.

• Cholestatic jaundice: Patients with a prior history of cholestatic jaundice during pregnancy or due to the use of sex steroids should discontinue use of dienogest if cholestatic jaundice reoccurs during therapy.

• Hepatic tumors: Rare cases of benign and malignant hepatic tumors have been reported with use.

• Ovarian cysts: Persistent ovarian cysts which are often asymptomatic may occur during therapy.

• Pruritus: Patients with a prior history of pruritus during pregnancy or due to use of sex steroids should discontinue dienogest therapy if pruritus reoccurs during therapy.

• Thromboembolic disorders: Use with caution in patients with risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE), including personal or family history of VTE, obesity, prolonged immobilization, major surgery, or major trauma. Discontinue use if an arterial or venous thrombotic event occurs.

Disease-related concerns:

• Breast cancer: In patients at risk for breast cancer due to family history or susceptibility genes (BRCA1, BRCA2), it is unclear if combination hormonal contraceptives increase the risk for breast cancer and there are insufficient data specific to progestin-only contraceptives. However, breast cancer is a hormonal-sensitive tumor and the prognosis for patients with a current or recent history of breast cancer may be worse with hormonal contraceptive use (CDC [Curtis 2016]; SGO/ASRM [Chen 2019]). Although this formulation of dienogest is not used as a contraceptive, warnings associated with progestin-only therapies are applicable.

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (eg, hypertension, older age, smoking). The risk of stroke may be increased in patients with hypertension. Discontinue if clinically significant hypertension develops during therapy.

• Depression: Use with caution in patients with depression; discontinue use with onset of clinically relevant depression or with aggravation of pre-existing depression.

• Diabetes: May impair glucose tolerance; use caution in patients with diabetes or a history of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Special populations:

• Smoking: The risk of cardiovascular side effects and the risk of BMD decline is increased in patients who smoke cigarettes. Patients should be advised not to smoke.

• Surgical patients: Whenever possible, use should be discontinued at least 4 weeks prior to and through 2 weeks following major surgery or other surgeries known to have an increased risk of thromboembolism or during periods of prolonged immobilization.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: Not intended for use as a contraceptive. However, warnings associated with progestin-only therapies are applicable

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of CYP3A4 (major); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential

Drug Interactions

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.

Antidiabetic Agents: Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Aprepitant: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Advise patients to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method during coadministration with aprepitant, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing aprepitant to ensure contraceptive reliability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Asparaginase Products: Hormonal Contraceptives may enhance the thrombogenic effect of Asparaginase Products. Management: Consider discontinuing hormonal contraceptives and using an alternative contraceptive method in patients treated with asparaginase products. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Asunaprevir: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Use of a high-dose oral contraceptive (at least 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol combined with norethindrone) is recommended when combined with asunaprevir. Consider an additional barrier method when other forms of contraception are used with asunaprevir. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Atazanavir: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, atazanavir/ritonavir may decrease concentrations of estrogens. Atazanavir may increase the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, atazanavir alone may increase concentrations of estrogens and atazanavir alone or boosted may increase concentrations of progestins. Management: Dose adjustment of hormonal contraceptives or use of alternative or additional nonhormonal contraceptive may be needed when combined with atazanavir. See full interact monograph for details. Atazanavir/cobicistat with drospirenone is contraindicated. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Brigatinib: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Use a non-hormonal contraceptive during brigatinib use and for at least 4 months after the last brigatinib dose. Males with partners of reproductive potential should use contraception during treatment with brigatinib and for 3 months after brigatinib use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Carfilzomib: Hormonal Contraceptives may enhance the thrombogenic effect of Carfilzomib. Management: Consider alternative, non-hormonal methods of contraception in patients requiring therapy with carfilzomib, especially patients using carfilzomib in combination with dexamethasone, lenalidomide plus dexamethasone, or daratumumab plus dexamethasone. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Cladribine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: In females of reproductive potential using systemically acting hormonal contraceptives, add a barrier method during cladribine dosing and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose in each treatment course Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Clofazimine: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cobicistat: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, cobicistat may decrease serum concentrations of estrogens. Cobicistat may increase the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, cobicistat may increase serum concentrations of progestins. Management: Use alternative or additional nonhormonal forms of contraception when estrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives are combined with cobicistat. Progestin-only contraceptives can be used without back up, but monitor for progestin toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate): May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Advise patients to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method during coadministration, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing a moderate CYP3A4 inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Advise patients to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method during coadministration, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing a strong CYP3A4 inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CYP3A4 Inducers (Weak): May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Advise patients to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method during coadministration, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing a weak CYP3A4 inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May increase the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Deferasirox: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inducers). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Efavirenz: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Use a back-up method during coadministration, and to continue back-up contraception for 12 weeks after stopping efavirenz to ensure contraceptive reliability. Injected depot medroxyprogesterone acetate does not appear to participate in this interaction. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Elagolix: Hormonal Contraceptives may diminish the therapeutic effect of Elagolix. Specifically, estrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives may diminish the therapeutic effects of elagolix. Elagolix may increase the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, concentrations of ethinyl estradiol may be increased with elagolix therapy. Elagolix may decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, concentrations of progestins may be decreased with elagolix therapy. Management: Use an alternative, nonhormonal contraceptive during treatment with elagolix and for at least 28 days following discontinuation of elagolix treatment. Use of elagolix 200 mg twice daily with an estrogen-containing hormonal contraceptive is not recommended Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Elexacaftor, Tezacaftor, and Ivacaftor: Hormonal Contraceptives may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Elexacaftor, Tezacaftor, and Ivacaftor. Specifically, the risk for rash may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Encorafenib: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Risk X: Avoid combination

Erdafitinib: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inducers). Risk X: Avoid combination

Etravirine: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, progestin concentrations may decrease. Etravirine may increase the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, estrogen concentrations may increase. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Exenatide: Hormonal Contraceptives may diminish the therapeutic effect of Exenatide. Exenatide may decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Administer oral hormonal contraceptives at least one hour prior to exenatide. Monitor blood glucose more frequently when patients treated with exenatide initiate therapy with a hormonal contraceptive. Increases in exenatide doses may be needed. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Felbamate: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Advise patients to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method during coadministration, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing felbamate to ensure contraceptive reliability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Fexinidazole: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk X: Avoid combination

Flibanserin: Hormonal Contraceptives may increase the serum concentration of Flibanserin. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Fosaprepitant: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Advise patients to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method during coadministration with fosaprepitant, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing fosaprepitant to ensure contraceptive reliability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Fusidic Acid (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk X: Avoid combination

Griseofulvin: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Advise patients to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method during coadministration, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing griseofulvin to ensure contraceptive reliability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Inhibiting Therapies: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inducers). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ivosidenib: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Consider alternative methods of contraception (ie, non-hormonal) in patients receiving ivosidenib. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Ixazomib: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. More specifically, use of ixazomib with dexamethasone may decrease the serum concentrations of hormonal contraceptives. Management: Patients of reproductive potential should use a non-hormonal contraceptive method during treatment with ixazomib and for at least 90 days after the last ixazomib dose. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

LamoTRIgine: May decrease the serum concentration of Progestins (Contraceptive). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Lixisenatide: Hormonal Contraceptives may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lixisenatide. Lixisenatide may decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Administer oral hormonal contraceptives 1 hour before or at least 11 hours after administration of lixisenatide. Additionally, monitor blood glucose more frequently when patients treated with lixisenatide initiate therapy with a hormonal contraceptive. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Mavacamten: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Advise patients to use an alternative contraceptive that is not sensitive to CYP3A4 induction or a back-up method during coadministration, and to continue back-up contraception for 4 months after stopping mavacamten to ensure contraceptive reliability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

MetyraPONE: Progestins may diminish the diagnostic effect of MetyraPONE. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of the metyrapone test in patients taking progestins. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

MiFEPRIStone: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Nonhormonal contraception should be used during, and for 4 weeks following, mifepristone treatment for hyperglycemia due to Cushing syndrome. If used for pregnancy termination, hormonal contraceptives can be used after pregnancy expulsion is confirmed. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Mobocertinib: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Risk X: Avoid combination

Mycophenolate: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Patients of childbearing potential who are taking hormonal contraceptives should use an additional form of barrier contraception during treatment with mycophenolate and for 6 weeks after mycophenolate discontinuation. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir may decrease concentrations of estrogens. Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir may increase the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir may increase concentrations of progestins. Management: Use additional nonhormonal forms of contraception (back-up method) when estrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives are combined with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Progestin-only contraceptives can be used without back-up, but monitor for progestin toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Octreotide: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Women should use an alternative non-hormonal method of contraception or a back-up method when octreotide is combined with hormonal contraceptives. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Olutasidenib: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inducers). Management: Avoid use of olutasidenib with sensitive or narrow therapeutic index CYP3A4 substrates when possible. If concurrent use with olutasidenib is unavoidable, monitor closely for evidence of decreased concentrations of the CYP3A4 substrates. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

OXcarbazepine: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Advise patients to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method during coadministration, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing oxcarbazepine to ensure contraceptive reliability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Perampanel: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Patients should use an alternative, nonhormonal-based form of contraception during the concurrent use of perampanel and for 1 month after discontinuing perampanel. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Pexidartinib: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Risk X: Avoid combination

Pitolisant: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Patients using hormonal contraception should be advised to use an alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method during treatment with pitolisant and for at least 21 days after discontinuation of pitolisant treatment. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Protease Inhibitors: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, protease inhibitors may decrease concentrations of estrogens. Protease Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Specifically, protease inhibitors may increase concentrations of progestins. Management: Use alternative or additional nonhormonal forms of contraception when estrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives are combined with protease inhibitors. Progestin-only contraceptives can be used without back up, but monitor for progestin toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Sugammadex: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Patients receiving any hormonal contraceptive (oral or non-oral) should use an additional, nonhormonal contraceptive method during and for 7 days following sugammadex treatment. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Taurursodiol: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (Narrow Therapeutic Index/Sensitive with Inducers). Risk X: Avoid combination

Tazemetostat: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Individuals of childbearing potential should use a non-hormonal contraceptive method during treatment with tazemetostat and for 6 months after. Males with partners of childbearing potential should use contraception during treatment and for 3 months after. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Patients taking hormonal contraceptives should use an additional, non-hormonal contraceptive or reliable barrier method during treatment with tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol buccal spray. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Thalidomide: Hormonal Contraceptives may enhance the thrombogenic effect of Thalidomide. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Tirzepatide: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Patients using oral hormonal contraceptives should switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception, for 4 weeks after initiation of tirzepatide and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation of tirzepatide. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Topiramate: May decrease the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Management: Advise patients to use an alternative method of contraception or a back-up method during coadministration, and to continue back-up contraception for 28 days after discontinuing topiramate to ensure contraceptive reliability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Tranexamic Acid: Hormonal Contraceptives may enhance the thrombogenic effect of Tranexamic Acid. Risk X: Avoid combination

Ulipristal: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Progestins. Progestins may diminish the therapeutic effect of Ulipristal. Risk X: Avoid combination

Vitamin K Antagonists (eg, warfarin): Hormonal Contraceptives may increase the serum concentration of Vitamin K Antagonists. Hormonal Contraceptives may decrease the serum concentration of Vitamin K Antagonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Voriconazole: Hormonal Contraceptives may increase the serum concentration of Voriconazole. Voriconazole may increase the serum concentration of Hormonal Contraceptives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Reproductive Considerations

Pregnancy status should be evaluated prior to use. Nonhormonal contraception (eg, barrier method) should be used if contraception is needed; use of hormonal contraceptives is not recommended during dienogest therapy. Ovulation is often inhibited during therapy; however, this product is not intended for use as a contraceptive. Normal menstruation usually returns within 2 months of therapy discontinuation.

Pregnancy Considerations

Use is contraindicated during pregnancy. Based on limited data, inadvertent exposure in pregnancy has not shown adverse effects to the fetus.

Breastfeeding Considerations

It is not known if dienogest is present in breast milk.

Use is contraindicated in breastfeeding patients. The risk of thromboembolism may be increased immediately postpartum.

Dietary Considerations

Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.

Monitoring Parameters

Evaluate pregnancy status prior to initiating therapy; adequate diagnostic measures, including endometrial sampling, if indicated, should be performed to rule out malignancy in all cases of undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding; bone mineral density (prior to therapy in patients at risk for osteoporosis and as clinically indicated in adolescents); BP; depression; endometrial-related pain.

Mechanism of Action

Dienogest is a steroid with antiandrogen properties that lacks androgen, mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid activity. Exhibits strong progestogenic effects although it binds uterine progesterone receptors with an affinity much lower (about one-tenth) than that of progesterone. Decreases estradiol production and thus suppresses estradiol's trophic effects on eutopic and ectopic endometrium. Inhibits cellular proliferation via direct antiproliferative, immunologic, and antiangiogenic effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid and almost complete

Distribution: Vd: 40 L

Protein binding: ~90% nonspecifically to albumin

Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP3A4 to inactive metabolites

Bioavailability: ~91%

Half-life elimination: ~9 to 10 hours

Time to peak: ~1.5 hours

Excretion: Urine (primarily as inactive metabolites)

Brand Names: International
  • Desire (AR);
  • Dinagest (JP);
  • Dinuve (HR);
  • Omorose (TW);
  • Visabelle (GB);
  • VisaBelle (IL);
  • Visanette (CY);
  • Visanne (AE, AR, AT, AU, BH, CH, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EG, FI, FR, HK, HR, ID, IS, JO, KR, KW, LB, MT, MY, NL, NO, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, SA, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, TW, ZW);
  • Visannette (BE, CR, DO, EE, ES, GT, HN, LT, LU, LV, MX, NI, PA, SV);
  • Zafrilla (HR)


For country code abbreviations (show table)
  1. Chen LM, Blank SV, Burton E, Glass K, Penick E, Woodard T. Reproductive and hormonal considerations in women at increased risk for hereditary gynecologic cancers: Society of Gynecologic Oncology and American Society for Reproductive Medicine Evidence-Based Review. Fertil Steril. 2019;112(6):1034-1042. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.07.1349 [PubMed 31606136]
  2. Curtis KM, Tepper NK, Jatlaoui TC, et al. U.S. medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, 2016. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2016;65(3):1-103. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr6503a1 [PubMed 27467196]
  3. Strowitzki T, Faustmann T, Gerlinger C, Seitz C. Dienogest in the treatment of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain: a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2010;151(2):193-198. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2010.04.002 [PubMed 20444534]
  4. Strowitzki T, Marr J, Gerlinger C, Faustmann T, Seitz C. Dienogest is as effective as leuprolide acetate in treating the painful symptoms of endometriosis: a 24-week, randomized, multicentre, open-label trial. Hum Reprod. 2010;25(3):633-641. doi:10.1093/humrep/dep469 [PubMed 20089522]
  5. Visanne (dienogest) [product monograph]. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada: Bayer Inc; February 2016.
Topic 17068 Version 206.0