Katya

Katya is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) containing desogestrel 150 micrograms and ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms per tablet. Desogestrel is a third-generation progestogen with relatively low androgenic activity. When taken correctly, Katya is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Contraceptive Mechanism

Katya works through three complementary mechanisms: suppression of ovulation by inhibiting the LH and FSH surges required for egg release, thickening of cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration, and altering the endometrial environment to reduce the likelihood of implantation. These combined effects make it a highly reliable contraceptive method.

Desogestrel as the Progestogen

The use of desogestrel (a third-generation progestogen) in Katya is associated with low androgenic activity, which may benefit women who experience androgen-related side effects (such as acne or increased body hair) with older progestogen-containing pills. However, third-generation progestogens carry a slightly higher risk of venous thromboembolism compared to levonorgestrel-based pills, though the absolute risk remains low in healthy non-smoking women.

How to Take Katya

Katya strips contain 21 active tablets. Take one tablet daily at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days, then have a seven-day tablet-free break. A withdrawal bleed usually occurs during the break. Start the next strip after the seven-day break, whether or not bleeding has stopped.

If starting on day 1 to 5 of your period, you are immediately protected against pregnancy. If starting at any other time, use condoms for the first seven days. If you miss a tablet by more than 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember, continue the pack, and use condoms for the next seven days.

Switching from Another Pill

If switching from another combined oral contraceptive, start Katya the day after finishing your last active tablet, without a pill-free interval.

Each Katya strip contains 21 film-coated tablets, each providing desogestrel 150 mcg and ethinylestradiol 30 mcg. Take one tablet daily for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Store below 25°C, away from moisture and direct light.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea, especially in the first few cycles (taking the tablet with food or at bedtime helps)
• Headache
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Mood changes, including low mood or irritability
• Irregular spotting or breakthrough bleeding in the first few months

These typically settle as the body adjusts over the first two to three cycles.

Serious Risks

All combined oral contraceptives carry a small increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism), stroke, and cardiovascular complications. These risks are low for healthy non-smoking young women but increase significantly with smoking, particularly over the age of 35. Do not take Katya if you smoke and are over 35. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop sudden leg pain or swelling, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a severe headache.

Do not use Katya if you smoke and are aged 35 or over. It is not suitable for women with a history of blood clots, stroke, severe migraine with aura, uncontrolled hypertension, or hormone-sensitive cancers. Blood pressure should be checked before prescribing. Katya does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Contraindicated in women with active thromboembolic disease, migraine with aura, hypertension (>160/100 mmHg), diabetes with vascular complications, severe liver disease, hormone-sensitive cancers, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, and known hypersensitivity to any component.