What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Desogen (Desogestrol 0.15mg / Ethinyl Estradiol 0.

Also Known as Desolett, Marvelon

Brand

Desogen (Desogestrol 0.15mg / Ethinyl Estradiol 0.03mg)

Prescription Required

Strength
Qty
(28 Days)

Generic Equivalent - Desogen (Desogestrol 0.15mg / Ethinyl Estradiol 0.

Prescription Required

Strength
Qty
0.15mg/0.03mg (21 Days)
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  • Product Details

    Description

    Desogen® is a birth control pill that combines 0.15 mg of desogestrel (a progestin) and 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) in each active tablet. As a combination oral contraceptive, it works primarily by preventing ovulation and causing changes in the cervical mucus and endometrium, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg and for implantation to occur—effectively helping to prevent pregnancy.

    Fact Table

    Formula

    C22H30O (Desogestrel), C20H24O2 (Ethinylestradiol)

    License

    US FDA

    Bioavailability

    Desogestrel: ~84%, Ethinylestradiol: ~40–45%

    Legal status

    Rx-only

    Chemical Name

    Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol

    Elimination half-life

    Desogestrel: ~30 hours, Ethinylestradiol: ~13–27 hours

    Dosage (Strength)

    0.15 mg desogestrel + 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol per tablet

    Pregnancy

    Contraindicated

    Brands

    Desogen, Apri, Reclipsen, Emoquette

    Protein binding

    Desogestrel: ~99%, Ethinylestradiol: ~98%

    PubChem CID

    Desogestrel: 10084751, Ethinylestradiol: 5991

    MedlinePlus

    a601050

    ChEBI

    Desogestrel: 4463, Ethinylestradiol: 42365

    ATC code

    G03AA09

    DrugBank

    Desogestrel: DB01357, Ethinylestradiol: DB00977

    KEGG

    Desogestrel: D00592, Ethinylestradiol: D00119

    Routes of administration

    Oral

    Directions

    Desogen is administered in a 28-day cycle, consisting of 21 active white tablets followed by 7 inert green tablets. Two initiation methods are commonly used:

    • Sunday Start: Take the first white tablet on the first Sunday after menstruation begins (if menstruation starts on Sunday, take the first tablet that day). Continue taking one white tablet daily for 21 days, followed by one green tablet daily for 7 days.
    • Day 1 Start: Begin with the first white tablet on the first day of menstrual bleeding. Take one white tablet daily for 21 days, then one green tablet daily for 7 days.

    It's crucial to take the tablets at the same time each day. If a dose is missed, refer to the patient information leaflet or consult a healthcare provider for specific instructions.

    Ingredients

    • Active Ingredients: Desogestrel 0.15 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg per active tablet.
    • Inactive Ingredients: Vitamin E, corn starch, povidone, stearic acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and talc.

    Contraindications

    Desogen should not be used in individuals with:

    • History of thrombotic disorders (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
    • Cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease.
    • Known or suspected breast carcinoma or estrogen-dependent neoplasia.
    • Liver tumors or active liver disease.
    • Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.
    • Known or suspected pregnancy.
    • Hypersensitivity to any component of the product.

    Cautions

    • Cardiovascular Risks: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.
    • Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): Use of combination oral contraceptives has been associated with an increased risk of VTE.
    • Hypertension: Monitor blood pressure regularly, as elevations have been reported in users of oral contraceptives.
    • Liver Function: Discontinue use if jaundice or significant liver function impairment occurs.
    • Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.

    Side Effects

    Common side effects may include:

    • Nausea
    • Headache
    • Breast tenderness
    • Weight changes
    • Mood changes

    Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include:

    • Signs of a blood clot (e.g., sudden shortness of breath, severe chest pain, leg swelling).
    • Vision or speech problems.
    • Severe abdominal pain.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

    Product Code : 1657

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