Brand names: Apri™Cesia™Cyclessa® TriphasicDesogen®Kariva™MircetteMircette™Ortho-Cept™Reclipsen™Solia™Velivet™
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol Oral tablet, Inert Oral tablet (below)
- Ethinyl Estradiol; Desogestrel tablets
- Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol Oral tablet, Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol Oral tablet, Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol Oral tablet, Inert Oral tablet
- Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol Oral tablet, Ethinyl Estradiol Oral tablet, Inert Oral tablet
- Español:
- Desogestrel; Etinil-Estradiol Tableta oral, Tableta inerte oral
- Tabletas de etinil-estradiol; desogestrel
- Etinil-Estradiol; Desogestrel Tableta oral, Etinil-Estradiol; Desogestrel Tableta oral, Etinil-Estradiol; Desogestrel Tableta oral, Tableta inerte oral
- Desogestrel; Etinil-Estradiol Tableta oral, Etinil-Estradiol Tableta oral, Tableta inerte oral
Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol Oral tablet, Inert Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
ETHINYL ESTRADIOL; DESOGESTREL (ETH in il es tra DYE ole; des oh JES trel) is an oral contraceptive. The products combine two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They are used to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:
•abnormal vaginal bleeding
•blood vessel disease or blood clots
•breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
•diabetes
•gallbladder disease
•heart disease or recent heart attack
•high blood pressure
•high cholesterol
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•migraine headaches
•stroke
•systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
•tobacco smoker
•an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. To reduce nausea, this medicine may be taken with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.
A patient information sheet will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What may interact with this medicine?
•acetaminophen
•antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin, and possibly penicillins or tetracyclines
•aprepitant
•ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
•atorvastatin
•barbiturate medicines, such as phenobarbital
•bosentan
•carbamazepine
•caffeine
•clofibrate
•cyclosporine
•dantrolene
•doxercalciferol
•felbamate
•grapefruit juice
•hydrocortisone
•medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
•medicines for diabetes, including pioglitazone
•mineral oil
•modafinil
•mycophenolate
•nefazodone
•oxcarbazepine
•phenytoin
•prednisolone
•ritonavir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
•rosuvastatin
•selegiline
•soy isoflavones supplements
•St. John's wort
•tamoxifen or raloxifene
•theophylline
•thyroid hormones
•topiramate
•warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medicine.
Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take these tablets.
If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.
If you are taking this medicine for hormone related problems, it may take several cycles of use to see improvement in your condition.
Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking birth control pills, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.
This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.
In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medicines you are taking.
If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine before the surgery. Consult your health care professional for advice.
This medicine does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•breast tissue changes or discharge
•changes in vision
•chest pain
•confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
•dark urine
•general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
•light-colored stools
•nausea, vomiting
•pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
•right upper belly pain
•severe headaches
•shortness of breath
•sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
•trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
•unusual vaginal bleeding
•yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•back pain
•breast tenderness
•depressed mood or mood swings
•hair loss
•increased hunger or thirst
•increased urination
•fluid retention and swelling
•stomach cramps or bloating
•symptoms of vaginal infection like itching, irritation or unusual discharge
•unusually weak or tired
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 2/26/2004 8:35:00 AM
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
