Desogen

The active ingredients in Desogen are desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen).

• These hormones prevent pregnancy in several ways:
• Stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary).
• Thickening cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to enter the uterus.

Changing the uterine lining (endometrium) makes it less likely for a fertilized egg to attach.

Together, these actions provide effective birth control when Desogen is taken correctly; one pill every day, at the same time each day, for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 hormone-free days (or placebo pills) during which you may experience a menstrual period.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Desogen. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Desogen:

• Take one tablet by mouth every day at the same time.
• Start your first cycle of Desogen on the first day of your period (or as directed).
• Use an additional method of birth control (spermicide or condom) during the first 7 days of your first pack to prevent pregnancy if you do not start it on the first day of your period.
• If you miss a pill, follow the specific instructions provided in the package insert, as missing doses can increase the risk of pregnancy.
• Vomiting or severe stomach pain may affect absorption.
• Do not skip pills, even if you experience breakthrough bleeding or amenorrhea (missed periods). Consistency is key to maintaining effective oral contraceptive protection.

Some mild or common side effects of Desogen include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Breast tenderness or enlargement.
• Headache.
• Bloating.
• Stomach cramps.
• Weight gain or fluid retention.
• Breakthrough vaginal bleeding or spotting.
• Changes in menstrual cycles or vaginal discharge.
• Mood changes.
• Contact lens intolerance.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Desogen. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of blood clots (thrombosis or thromboembolic events), such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in the legs.
• Sudden severe headache, vision changes, or difficulty speaking (possible stroke).
• Abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea, or loss of appetite (liver problems such as hepatitis or gallbladder disease).
• High blood pressure (hypertension) or symptoms of a heart attack (pain radiating to the arm or jaw and chest pain).
• Breast lumps or signs suggestive of breast cancer.
• Severe allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or swelling of the face or throat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Desogen. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Desogen, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure your provider is aware if you have or have had:

• Blood clots, thrombosis, or thromboembolic disorders.
• Heart disease, coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke.
• High blood pressure or hypertension.
• High cholesterol or hyperlipidemia.
• Liver disease or liver tumors, including hepatitis C or other liver problems.
• Kidney disease.
• Gallbladder disease.
• Breast cancer, or a history of endometrial or cervical cancer.
• Thyroid disorders or diabetes.
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Depression or mood disorders.

Boxed Warning

Smoking, while using hormonal contraceptives like Desogen, causes an increased risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, particularly in women over 35 years of age or in heavy smokers (15 or more cigarettes/day).

Desogen should not be used if you:

• You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
• Have or have had blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack.
• Have liver disease, liver cancer, or active hepatitis.
• Have breast cancer or any cancer that is estrogen- or progestin-sensitive.
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Have certain types of migraines with aura.
• Are allergic to desogestrel, ethinyl estradiol, or any inactive ingredients in Desogen.

When started on the first day of your menstrual period, Desogen provides protection immediately. If started at another time in the cycle, use an additional method of birth control (like a condom or spermicide) for the first 7 consecutive days.

When Desogen is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Antibiotics like rifampin or rifabutin.
• Antivirals for HIV/Hepatitis C, such as ritonavir or boceprevir.
• Antifungal medicines like griseofulvin.
• Anticonvulsants (seizure medications) such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or topiramate.
• St. John’s Wort (herbal supplement).
• Thyroid medications and some cholesterol-lowering drugs.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, which can change plasma concentrations of hormones in Desogen.
• Other hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.

Desogen is available as tablets containing 0.15 mg desogestrel and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol. Each pack contains 21 active pills and 7 placebo pills.

Similar brand names and formulations may include Apri, which contains the same active ingredients and strength.

Store Desogen tablets at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C), away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep the medication in its original blister packaging and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.

Desogen is manufactured by Organon LLC, a global pharmaceutical company known for its women’s health products, including various birth control pills and hormonal contraceptives.

Yes. Generic versions of Desogen are available. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients and have the same pharmacology, safety, and efficacy as the brand-name version but are often more affordable.

If you wish to stop taking Desogen, speak with your healthcare provider first. Stopping suddenly can lead to temporary changes in menstrual cycles, breakthrough bleeding, or amenorrhea. Discuss alternative methods of birth control to prevent unintended pregnancy if you are sexually active.

If you plan to become pregnant, your provider may recommend completing your current pill pack before stopping. Ovulation typically returns within a few weeks after discontinuation.

Desogen should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Desogen, stop taking it immediately and contact your healthcare provider. q

Desogen is generally not recommended while breastfeeding, especially during the first few weeks after delivery, as it can reduce breast milk production and small amounts of hormones may pass into the milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about safer contraceptive options while breastfeeding, such as a progestin-only pill or non-hormonal methods.