The risk of pregnancy during the first year of use is 9%. With perfect use the failure rate is less than 1% 1.
There is no robust evidence for decreased efficacy in heavier women. Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) advice is that women over 70kg should be advised to take only one POP each day (traditional or desogestrel).
Desogestrel is first line choice and should be prescribed generically. The drospirenone pill is marketed in the UK but not yet SMC approved - manufacturer submission is awaited.
12 months’ supply of currently marketed desogestrel POP costs the NHS about £10-12 depending on brand and contract purchase costs. BNF price for the new drospirenone POP is £44.10 for 12 months.
Note: noriethisterone POP is marketed as Noriday; levonorgestrel POP is marketed as Norgeston.
