Desogen

Desogen is used for preventing pregnancy. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Desogen as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Desogen by mouth with or without food.

To achieve maximum effectiveness of Desogen , it must be taken every day (every 24 hours) and at the same time each day.

Remember to take all of the pills in the pack. Do not skip any doses.

Be sure to have an extra full pack of this medication available at all times.

If you miss 1 dose of Desogen , take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at the regular time. This means you may take 2 doses on the same day. You do not need to use a backup method of birth control if you only miss 1 pill. If you miss more than 1 active dose of Desogen , read the extra patient information leaflet that comes with Desogen or contact you doctor for instructions. You must use a backup method of birth control if you miss more than 1 active dose of Desogen . If you are not sure about how to handle missed doses, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms) and talk with your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Desogen.

Desogen is an estrogen/progestin combination. It works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries and thereby preventing pregnancy.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Do NOT use Desogen if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Desogen
• you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• you have blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes; or a history of heart attack, chest pain, or stroke
• you have known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix, or vagina, or have had vaginal bleeding of unknown causes
• you have a liver tumor or active liver disease, or a history of yellowing of the eyes or skin during pregnancy or previous birth control use
• you have headaches with neurological symptoms or will be on bed rest for a long period following surgery

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have high blood pressure; high cholesterol, triglycerides, or calcium levels; have pancreatitis or gallbladder problems; or are obese
• if you have breast nodules, fibrocystic disease of the breast, an abnormal breast x-ray or mammogram, endometriosis or endometrial carcinomas, uterine fibroids, or irregular or scanty menstrual periods
• if you have diabetes, headaches, migraine headaches, epilepsy, or a history of mental depression
• if you are having surgery
• if you are a heavy smoker (15 or more cigarettes per day), especially if you are older than 35 years of age

• Azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole), aprepitant, bosentan, barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), modafinil, nevirapine, penicillins (eg, amoxicillin), rifampin, St. John's wort, tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline), topiramate, and troglitazone because they may decrease the effectiveness of Desogen . Alternative forms of birth control are strongly recommended when taking any of these medicines along with this birth control medicine.
• Beta-blockers (eg, atenolol), selegiline, theophyllines (eg, aminophylline), and troleandomycin because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Desogen
• Lamotrigine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Desogen

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with this product. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Breast tenderness or enlargement; changes in appetite; changes in weight; dizziness; headache; loss of scalp hair; nausea; nervousness; stomach cramps or bloating; vaginal spotting or breakthrough bleeding; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast lumps; calf/leg pain or swelling; changes in vision; chest pain or heaviness in the chest; coughing up blood; difficulty wearing contact lenses; dark urine or light-colored bowel movements; dizziness or fainting; fever; loss of appetite; missed menstrual period; mood/mental changes; numbness of an arm or leg; persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding; severe pain or tenderness in the stomach area; shortness of breath; sleeplessness; slurred speech; sudden severe headache (migraine); sudden shortness of breath; swelling of fingers or ankles; vaginal infection; vomiting; weakness or fatigue; weakness or numbness in the arm or leg; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

If you have any questions about Desogen, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Desogen is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.