Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol

Desogestrel is a progestogen that is structurally related to levonorgestrel while ethinylestradiol is a synthetic oestrogen. Used together, they inhibit ovulation by a negative feedback mechanism on the hypothalamus, which alters the normal FSH and LH secretion pattern by the anterior pituitary. It inhibits the follicular phase FSH and midcycle surge of gonadotropins. It also causes changes in the cervical mucus, making it unsuitable for sperm penetration.

• Contraception
• Treatment of irregular periods

Desogestrel is a progestogen that is structurally related to levonorgestrel while ethinylestradiol is a synthetic oestrogen. Used together, they inhibit ovulation by a negative feedback mechanism on the hypothalamus, which alters the normal FSH and LH secretion pattern by the anterior pituitary. It also causes changes in the cervical mucus, making it unsuitable for sperm penetration and may alter tubal transport of the ova.

Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to block sperm penetration, and alters the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy.

Adult (21-day pack): Start on Day 1 of menstrual cycle. Take 1 tablet daily for 21 days, followed by 7 pill-free days. Start new pack on Day 8.
Adult (28-day pack): Start on Day 1, take 1 tablet daily without interruption.

Take at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break.

<12 hours late: Take the tablet as soon as you remember; efficacy is maintained.
>12 hours late (Week 1): Take the tablet as soon as you remember (may take 2 in one day), use additional contraception for next 7 days.
>12 hours late (Week 2): Take as soon as you remember; efficacy is maintained.
>12 hours late (Week 3): Take as soon as you remember OR start break; no additional contraception needed.

Common: Nausea, stomach pain, headache, irregular uterine bleeding, weight gain, breast pain.
Other: Diarrhea, fluid retention, migraine, depressed mood, decreased libido, rash.

Risk of thromboembolism; caution in smoking, obesity, age >35; discontinue if signs of blood clot; caution in diabetes, hypertension, liver disease; monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

History of thrombophlebitis or venous thromboembolic disorders; active or recent arterial thromboembolic disease; severe hypertension; diabetes with vascular involvement; breast cancer; endometrial cancer; undiagnosed vaginal bleeding; liver dysfunction or tumor; pregnancy.

Paracetamol, ascorbic acid, atorvastatin: May increase serum levels.
Aprepitant, griseofulvin, modafinil, troglitazone, rifampicin, topiramate, nevirapine, amprenavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir: May decrease serum levels.
Aminoglutethimide, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenobarbital, phenytoin: May decrease contraceptive effectiveness.

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy Category X. Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol is highly unsafe during pregnancy. Studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol is unsafe during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby. Progestin-only contraceptives are preferred in breastfeeding women.

Limited experience of use in children and adolescents.

No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.

Renal impairment: Limited information available on the use in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Hepatic impairment: Use with caution. Not recommended in severe and active liver disease.

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding. No serious harmful effects have been reported.

Store below 30°C.

Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol