Ethinyl Estradiol + Desogestrel (0.03 mg)

Ethinyl Estradiol + Desogestrel (0.03 mg) is a combined oral contraceptive pill. Each tablet contains a small amount of two different female hormones: desogestrel (a progestogen) and ethinylestradiol (an estrogen) (0.03 mg/0.15 mg).

This pill helps prevent pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary. Secondary mechanisms include changes in the cervical mucus (which increase the difficulty of sperm penetration) and changes in the endometrium (which reduce the likelihood of implantation).

• Contraception: Used as a combined oral contraceptive pill for prevention of pregnancy.

Oral Contraceptive preparations

Combined Oral Contraceptive

This pill contains two active ingredients: Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol. Ethinylestradiol is a synthetic version of oestrogen and Desogestrel is a synthetic form of progesterone. If taken according to instructions, the egg cells are prevented from maturing to the point where they can be fertilized.

Ethinyl Estradiol + Desogestrel prevents ovulation by suppressing pituitary gonadotropin secretion. It also causes changes in cervical mucus and endometrium for contraceptive action.

Adult Dose:

• 1 active tablet daily for 21 days, then 7 days tablet-free break.
• Take at the same time every day.

Take 1 tablet at the same time every day. Follow the directions on the pack for 21 days, then 7 days break. Swallow each pill whole with water if necessary. Do not chew.

If less than 12 hours late: Take as soon as remembered; effectiveness maintained. If more than 12 hours late: Effectiveness may be reduced; follow instructions based on which week of the pack.

Common Side Effects:

• Breast tenderness and pain
• Headache
• Changes in sexual drive
• Depressive moods
• Contact lens intolerance
• Nausea, vomiting
• Changes in vaginal secretion
• Skin reactions
• Fluid retention
• Changes in body weight

Precautions:

• Smoking increases risk, especially over 35 years of age.
• Inform doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight, migraine, epilepsy, liver/gallbladder disease.
• Risk of thrombosis: rare but possible; inform doctor if symptoms occur.
• Small increase in breast cancer reported; have regular examinations.

Contraindications:

• History of venous thrombosis (DVT, PE) or thrombophlebitis
• Heart attack or stroke
• Angina pectoris
• Severe diabetes with blood vessel damage
• Very high blood pressure
• Migraine with aura
• Severe liver disease or liver tumor
• Breast or genital organ cancer
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Pregnancy

Drug Interactions:

• Epilepsy medicines (primidone, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate): May reduce pill effectiveness.
• TB medicines (rifampicin): Reduces pill effectiveness.
• Certain antibiotics (penicillins, tetracyclines): May reduce effectiveness.
• St. John's Wort (herbal remedy): Reduces pill effectiveness.

Food Interactions: May be taken with or without food. Caution with alcohol.

Use in Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant, test and consult your doctor.

Use in Lactation: Not recommended during breastfeeding; use alternative contraception.

Pediatric Use: Not indicated before menarche.

Geriatric Use: For women aged 15-69 years (except smokers and tobacco users).

Renal Impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver disease; contraindicated in severe liver disease.

Overdose: Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding. No specific antidote; symptomatic treatment.

Storage: Store at 2-25 degree C in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Ethinyl Estradiol + Desogestrel (0.03 mg)