Common Use

Desogen contains a combination of female hormones desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, which prevent ovulation. The drug changes the condition of cervical mucus and uterine lining, hampering the movement of sperm cells to the uterus and preventing attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterus. Desogen is used as a contraceptive formulation.

Dosage and Direction

Follow all recommendations from your healthcare provider. Take the first pill:

• On the first day of your period
• Or on the first Sunday after your period starts

First-time users may need additional birth control methods. The 28-day birth control pack includes seven reminder pills for regular cycles. Your period usually begins while taking reminder pills.

If you experience breakthrough bleeding that becomes heavy or continues, contact your doctor. Take each pill at the same time daily. When you finish a pack, start a new one immediately.

During medical tests or surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using Desogen.

Precautions

Take Desogen exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Additional birth control methods (condoms or spermicide) may be needed when starting Desogen.

Hormone intake may increase risks of:

• Blood clots
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Higher risks apply to:

• Patients over 35 years old
• Smokers

Inform your doctor if you have:

• Heart problems or blood pressure issues
• Congestive heart failure or angina
• High cholesterol or depression history
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Diabetes or gallbladder disease
• Varicose veins or tuberculosis
• Uterine fibroid tumors
• History of fibrocystic breast disease

Contraindications

Do not use Desogen if you have:

• Hypersensitivity to medication components
• Thrombophlebitis or blood clot history
• Cerebral vascular or coronary artery disease
• Stroke history or circulation problems
• Heart valve disorder or hypertension
• Diabetes with vascular involvement
• Migraine headaches with focal neurological signs
• Breast, endometrial, or liver carcinoma
• Abnormal genital bleeding of unknown origin
• Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy

Avoid if pregnant or recently gave birth.

Side Effects

Potential side effects include:

• Allergic reactions (hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Sudden numbness or weakness
• Vision problems or headaches
• Confusion or speech/balance issues
• Changes in migraine patterns
• Chest pain or heaviness
• Nausea, vomiting, or sweating
• Swelling in extremities
• Depression or appetite changes
• Dark urine or jaundice

Drug Interactions

The following may interact with Desogen:

• Theophylline (Respbid, Theo-Dur)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Prednisolone (Orapred)
• Seizure medications (Tegretol, Topamax, Dilantin)
• Phenylbutazone
• St. John's wort
• Cyclosporine
• Barbiturate sedatives
• HIV/AIDS medications
• Antibiotics

Always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.

Missed Dose

If you miss one active pill:

• Take two pills when you remember
• Continue regular schedule

If you miss two active pills in first two weeks:

• Take two pills daily for two days
• Use backup contraception for one week

If you miss three or more pills in any week:

• Start a new pack as if beginning treatment
• Use backup contraception for one week

Missed reminder pills can be discarded - continue regular schedule.

Overdose

Seek immediate medical help if overdose is suspected. Symptoms may include:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Nausea or vomiting

Storage

Store Desogen properly:

• At room temperature (68-77°F or 20-25°C)
• Away from moisture, heat, and sunlight
• Not in bathrooms
• Out of children's reach

Disclaimer

This information provides general details about Desogen and does not cover all possible directions, interactions, or precautions. Never use this information for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information and disclaim responsibility for any consequences of its use.