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:
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.
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