What are desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets?
Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets are a generic form of birth control that can help prevent pregnancy. Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol contains two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and desogestrel (progestin), which prevent the release of an egg during ovulation. If an egg isn’t released, it can't be fertilized by sperm. These hormones also thicken the mucus around the cervix, which helps keep sperm from fertilizing an egg.
Oral contraceptives like Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol may be prescribed by your doctor for many reasons other than pregnancy prevention. Aside from birth control, Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol’s benefits include:
- Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
- Decreased risk of ovarian cysts
- Help fighting acne
- Lighter, shorter, and more regular periods
- Reduced menstrual cramps
It is important to note that while combination birth control pills offer significant benefits, they will not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Talk to your doctor about your health history and any medication you are currently taking before you start taking a combination birth control pill.
How do Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets work?
Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets contain two female hormones: estrogen and progestin. When released into the body, these hormones prevent ovulation (the process in which the ovaries release an egg) and change cervical mucus. Both of these measures help prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg, making pregnancy highly unlikely. When taken correctly, these oral contraceptives are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Combination pills are usually taken once a day for 21 days, with a placebo pill taken over seven days during your monthly period. Some forms of birth control (such as Mircette) are biphasic. This means the prescription provides one ratio of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol for the first half of the pill cycle and another ratio of hormones for the second half of the cycle. This may reduce the risk of breakthrough bleeding and spotting.
It is important to take oral birth control pills regularly to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body. If you stop taking Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol, your fertility will return to normal almost immediately.
What are the most common side effects of Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets?
While there are some common side effects associated with Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol, it is important to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe that its ability to prevent unwanted pregnancy outweighs any adverse effects it may cause.
There are, however, some common side effects you may experience while taking Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol. According to the National Institutes of Health, these may include:
- Nausea, Vomiting, Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating)
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Spotting
- Change in menstrual flow
- Amenorrhea, Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment
- Edema
- Melasma which may persist
- Breast changes: tenderness, enlargement, secretion, Change in weight (increase or decrease)
- Change in cervical erosion and secretion
- Diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum
- Cholestatic jaundice
- Migraine
- Allergic reaction, including rash, urticaria, and angioedema
- Mental depression
- Reduced tolerance to carbohydrates
- Vaginal candidiasis
- Change in corneal curvature (steepening)
- Intolerance to contact lenses
If these side effects do not decrease with continued use, talk to your doctor about whether or not Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets are the right form of birth control for you.
In addition, before starting birth control, inform your doctor about your health history and any medication you may be taking. Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets may interact with other medications, causing adverse side effects. It may also increase your risk of certain conditions including blood clots and heart problems, especially in women who smoke.
How long does it take for Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol to work?
If you take your first dose as directed - within 5 days of your period - Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets will begin to prevent ovulation and pregnancy almost immediately.
If you start taking Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets at any other time during your cycle, it will take 7 days before Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets are fully effective.
Do not discontinue your use of Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets without talking to your doctor first. Combination birth control pills are only effective if taken every day at about the same time. If you stop using Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol, your fertility will return to normal, and you may experience some adverse side effects from the sudden hormone changes in your body.
Can I get Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets online?
Yep! You can get a birth control prescription sent to your local pharmacy, often with same-day pick up. The types of available Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets are:
desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 0.15 mg-0.03 mg
- Generic Desogen, Ortho-Cept, Apri, Emoquette, Ortho-Cept, Reclipsen, Cyred, Enskyce, Isibloom
desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Biphasic 0.15 mg-0.02 mg/e.estrad 0.01 mg
- Generic Mircette, Azurette, Kariva, Kimidess, Pimtrea, Viorele
Please note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.