Desogen
Generic Name:
Oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel
Brand Names:
Desogen
Desogen Description:
Desogen is the trade name for a birth control pill (oral contraceptive) marketed by Organon USA Inc. Desogen is an oral contraceptive that consists of 21 white tablets containing .03mg of ethinyl estradiol and .15mg of desogestrel. The medication prevents ovulation and causes changes in the cervical and uterine lining to prevent pregnancy.
Desogen Uses:
Desogen is used to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation and causing a change in cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter into the uterus. Changes in the endometrium also take place to make implantation more difficult should an egg become fertilized.
Some doctors may use Desogen to treat the symptoms of PMS or help control cramps in patients.
Desogen Interactions:
There are certain drugs that may make birth control pills less effective. Certain drugs can also increase the chances of breakthrough bleeding. These drugs include:
- Barbituates, such as Phenobarbital
- Carbamazepine
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
- St. John’s Wort
- Topiramate
- Certain antibiotics
If you are prescribed any of these drugs, you may need to use additional contraception in order to prevent pregnancy. You will also need to report that you are taking birth control pills any time that lab tests need to be conducted.
Desogen Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Doctors advise patients taking oral contraceptives to take the medication at the same time every day. Each package of Desogen is printed with the days of the week, starting with Sunday as many women chose to begin taking the contraceptive medication on a Sunday. The first tablet should be taken the Sunday following the end of a woman’s menstrual period.
It is possible to get pregnant on the first cycle of taking Desogen and additional protection during sexual intercourse is advised until the end of the next menstrual cycle to ensure that blood serum levels are high enough for the contraceptive to be effective.
Missing a Dose
Missing a pill in the pill pack provided to patients using Desogen may result in pregnancy. The patient information sheet accompanied by the medication will provide detailed information as to what to do should a pill be missed.
If one active pill is missed, take two pills the following day when you remember. If two active pills are missed in a row during the first two weeks of the pill pack, take two pills per day for two days in a row, then one pill per day through the end of the pill pack. Back up birth control should also be used.
A doctor should be contacted with any questions about missed dosages of Desogen.
Overdosing
In the case of an overdose, a patient may experience withdrawal bleeding and nausea and should seek medical attention immediately.
Desogen FDA Approval:
December 10, 1992
Desogen Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There is a Black Box warning informing women of the dangers of smoking while using Desogen. In general, cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious side effects from oral contraceptives, including heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes. This risk is higher for women over 35-years-old and heavy smokers (15 or more cigarettes per day). If you take oral contraceptives, you should not smoke.
Other Warnings
Abrupt Discontinuation
In the case of abrupt discontinuation of Desogen, there may not be any adverse effects. For those taking Desogen for menstrual cramps or for other PMS symptoms, the symptoms will likely return. There are some cases in which abrupt discontinuation is needed, especially in instances of spotting, breakthrough bleeding, and amenorrhea.
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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