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compositionComposition:DESOGESTREL-0.15MG+ETHINYLESTRADIOL-0.03MG
prescription
Prescription Medicine
info
Desofem Tablet 21's

Desofem Tablet is used for contraception and in the treatment of dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods). It helps prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg from the ovaries, blocking sperm entry, and making the womb lining unsuitable for implantation. Common side effects include headache, weight increase or decrease, acne, abdominal pain, cramps, and depression.

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Written By Lakshmithulasi Yarragunta , PharmD (PB)
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

DESOGESTREL-0.15MG+ETHINYLESTRADIOL-0.03MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Do Well Life Science

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Desofem Tablet

Desofem Tablet is used for contraception and in the treatment of dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods).

Desofem Tablet contains Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol, which help to prevent pregnancy in multiple ways. It prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries and thickens the fluid in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb. In addition, it prevents the thickening of the uterus's inner wall, which is necessary for an egg to grow and multiply.

Take Desofem Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, Desofem Tablet may cause common side effects such as headache, weight increase or decrease, acne, abdominal pain, cramps, and depression. Please talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Inform your doctor before starting Desofem Tablet if you are over 35 years, smoke, have or ever had a heart problem, cancer (breast, uterus, or vagina), uterine bleeding, or liver/kidney problems. Do not take Desofem Tablet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Uses of Desofem Tablet

Desofem Tablet is used for contraception and in the treatment of dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods). The detailed uses of Desofem Tablet are as follows:

  • Contraceptive Protection: Desofem Tablet is a combined birth control pill that effectively prevents pregnancy when taken as directed.
  • Relief from Dysmenorrhea: Desofem Tablet helps reduce menstrual pain and discomfort by regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining hormonal balance

Key Benefits

Desofem Tablet offers the following medicinal benefits:

For contraception:

  • Desofem Tablet is a combined oral hormonal contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy.
  • It helps prevent ovulation (the release of an egg).
  • It blocks sperm entry by thickening cervical mucus.
  • It makes the lining of the womb unsuitable for implantation.

For Dysmenorrhea:

  • It helps relieve menstrual pain and cramps associated with dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods).
  • It makes the period more regular and predictable.
  • It may reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, lowering the risk of anaemia.
Side effects of Desofem Tablet
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet.
  • Reduce stress with relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
  • Keep track of your menstrual cycle any irregularities.
  • Have regular check ups to exclude other health problems.
  • Exercise but do not exercise to the extent of overheating.
  • Hydrate well, eat well (particularly iron and vitamins).
  • Use hot or cold packs on your breasts to help alleviate discomfort.
  • Choose a supportive, well-fitting bra, preferably one that has been professionally fitted.
  • Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety that may accompany severe breast pain.
  • Limit or avoid caffeine consumption.
  • Eat a low-fat diet and focus on foods rich in complex carbohydrates.
  • Rubbing evening primrose oil on your breasts may help balance fatty acids in the cells and reduce pain.
  • Keep track of when your breast pain occurs and any other symptoms to determine if the pain is regular or not.
  • Vitamin E supplements may help reduce pain for women who experience pain linked to their menstrual cycle.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief, but be sure to consult your doctor for the correct dosage, as prolonged use may cause side effects.
Overcome Medication-Induced Nausea: A 9-Step Plan
  • Inform your doctor about the nausea and discuss possible alternatives to the medication or adjustments to the dosage.
  • Divide your daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea.
  • Opt for bland, easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, plain rice, bananas, and applesauce.
  • Avoid certain foods that can trigger nausea, such as fatty, greasy, spicy, and smelly foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks.
  • Use ginger (tea, ale, or candies) to help relieve nausea.
  • Get adequate rest and also avoid strenuous activities that can worsen nausea.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication if your nausea is severe.
  • Record when your nausea occurs, what triggers it, and what provides relief to help you identify patterns and manage your symptoms more effectively.
  • Drink water or other clear fluids.
  • To prevent worsening of pain, limit intake of tea, coffee, or alcohol.
  • Include bland foods like rice, toast, crackers, and rice in your diet.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating as it may cause indigestion or heartburn.
  • Avoid acidic and spicy food as it may cause indigestion.
Dealing with Medication-Induced Headache:
  • Hydrate your body: Drink enough water to prevent dehydration and headaches.
  • Calm Your Mind: Deep breathing and meditation can help you relax and relieve stress.
  • Rest and Recharge: Sleep for 7-8 hours to reduce headache triggers.
  • Take rest: lie down in a quiet, dark environment.
  • Cold or warm compresses can help reduce tension.
  • Stay Upright: Maintain good posture to keep symptoms from getting worse.
  • To treat headaches naturally, try acupuncture or massage therapy.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
  • Prescription Assistance: Speak with your doctor about more substantial drug alternatives.
  • Severe Headaches: Seek emergency medical assistance for sudden, severe headaches.
  • Frequent Headaches: If you get reoccurring headaches, consult your doctor.
  • Headaches with Symptoms: Seek medical attention if your headaches include fever, disorientation, or weakness.
Here are the 7 steps to manage Dizziness caused by medication:
  • Inform your doctor about dizziness symptoms. They may adjust your medication regimen or prescribe additional medications to manage symptoms.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions for taking medication, and take it at the same time every day to minimize dizziness.
  • When standing up, do so slowly and carefully to avoid sudden dizziness.
  • Avoid making sudden movements, such as turning or bending quickly, which can exacerbate dizziness.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help alleviate dizziness symptoms.
  • If you're feeling dizzy, sit or lie down and rest until the dizziness passes.
  • Track when dizziness occurs and any factors that may trigger it, and share this information with your doctor to help manage symptoms.
  • Lie down or take a nap in dark and quiet room.
  • To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of fluids.
  • In case of mild to moderate migraine, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
  • Apply an ice pack or cool cloth on your forehead.
  • Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress and relax.
  • Avoid foods and drinks that trigger migraine such as chocolate, alcohol, cheese, caffeine, processed meats, artificial sweeteners and dried fruits.
  • Manage your stress by eating healthy, exercising and a regular sleep schedule.

Directions for Use

  • Take Desofem Tablet after meals or as advised by your doctor.
  • It is advised to take Desofem Tablet once daily; however, follow your doctor's recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
  • Swallow Desofem Tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not crush, break, or chew it.

How Desofem Tablet Works

Desofem Tablet contains two hormonal contraceptive medicines: Desogestrel (a synthetic progesterone hormone) and Ethinylestradiol (a synthetic oestrogen hormone). • Desogestrel: It stops the ovary from releasing an egg, thickens the mucus at the cervix so sperm cannot pass through, and makes the womb lining less suitable for pregnancy. • Ethinylestradiol: It prevents the egg from maturing and keeps hormone levels steady, which helps regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent pregnancy. • Together, they help prevent pregnancy and treat dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods).
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Alcohol

Caution

You are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Desofem Tablet to avoid unpleasant side-effects.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Caution should be exercised. Hormonal medicines can affect the developing baby. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using it.

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Breast Feeding

Caution

Other forms of contraception should be used instead of Desofem Tablet if you are breastfeeding.

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Driving

Safe if prescribed

Desofem Tablet has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.

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Liver

Caution

Desofem Tablet to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.

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Kidney

Caution

Desofem Tablet to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.

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Children

Caution

Safety and efficacy of Desofem Tablet are established in women of reproductive age. But sufficient studies have been performed on women less than 16 years of age. So, take Desofem Tablet only when prescribed by a doctor.

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Heart

Caution

Desofem Tablet should be used under caution in cardiac patients as it can lead to QT prolongation.

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Geriatrics

Consult your doctor

Limited information is available for use in erderly patients. Please consult your doctor.

What if I have taken an overdose of Desofem Tablet

Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Desofem Tablet , as it may cause adverse effects. If you suspect you have taken an overdose or notice any unusual symptoms, please consult a doctor immediately.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

Weight Management:

  • Aim to keep your weight in a healthy range, with a body mass index (BMI) between 19.5 and 24.9.
  • Exercise regularly to help maintain your weight and manage any changes caused by Desofem Tablet .

Healthy diet:

  • Choose foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products for a healthier diet.
  • Include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oils like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.

Lifestyle habits:

  • Stop smoking and try to avoid drinking alcohol to reduce your risk of complications.

Health monitoring:

  • Monitor your blood pressure daily and contact your doctor if you notice significant fluctuations.
  • Regularly check your blood sugar level and blood pressure to prevent any complications.

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

  • The time required for Desofem Tablet to start to work: The time required for Desofem Tablet to show its action is unknown.
  • The time for which the effects of Desofem Tablet last: The duration of action for Desofem Tablet is unknown.

What if you forget to take Desofem Tablet

Refer to the product package information for advice on missed doses. If you have missed one dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you have missed 2 consecutive active tablets in weeks 1 or 2, take 2 tablets when remembered and 2 tablets the next day. If you have missed 2 or more consecutive active tablets in week 3, take 1 active tablet daily until the following Sunday. The pack should be discarded, and a new pack should be started on Sunday.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. • Keep out of sight and reach of children. • Non cold chain - To be stored in cool places at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

Drug Warnings

  • Do not take Desofem Tablet if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
  • Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, hypertension, obesity, cancer (breast, cervix, or uterus), diabetes mellitus, liver or kidney disease, or abnormal uterine bleeding before taking Desofem Tablet .
  • Smoking may increase the risk of a cardiovascular event in women over 35 years old when taking Desofem Tablet .
  • If you have missed a dose or are late by 12 hours, please wear a condom for 5 days during sexual intercourse to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
  • Do not take Desofem Tablet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Do not use Desofem Tablet if you have given birth recently.
  • If you have migraines, please inform your doctor, as taking Desofem Tablet may increase your headache.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

Drug-Drug interaction: Desofem Tablet may interact with certain medicines, potentially increasing side effects or altering its effects. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

  • Skeletal muscle relaxants (Dantrolene)
    • Potential effect: May cause serious liver-related side effects.
  • Drugs used to prevent and treat bleeding (Tranexamic acid)
    • Potential effect: May increase the risk of blood clot formation.
  • Antiviral drugs (Boceprevir, Fosamprenavir)
    • Potential effect: May reduce the blood levels and effects of these antiviral drugs.
  • Drugs used for epilepsy (Fosphenytoin)
    • Potential effect: May decrease the blood levels and effects of Desofem Tablet in the body, leading to reduced treatment outcomes and an increased risk of severe bleeding and unintended bleeding.
  • Antifungals (Griseofulvin)
    • Potential effect: May decrease the effectiveness of Desofem Tablet .
  • Immunosuppressants (Mycophenolic acid)
    • Potential effect: May decrease the blood levels and action of Desofem Tablet .
  • Drug used in breast cancer (Letrozole)
    • Potential effect: May decrease the effectiveness of letrozole.
  • Vitamin A analogues (Bexarotene)
    • Potential effect: May decrease the effectiveness of Desofem Tablet .
  • Anticancer drugs (Carfilzomib)
    • Potential effect: May occasionally cause dangerous blood clots.

Drug-Food Interaction:

  • Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Desofem Tablet , as it may make alcohol’s effects stronger.
  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Desofem Tablet , as they may alter the effects of this medicine.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Desofem Tablet should be used with caution or avoided in people with:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar)
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding Anaemia (low red blood cells or haemoglobin)
  • Liver, kidney, or heart disease
  • Certain types of cancer (breast, cervical, or uterine cancer).
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelTranexamic acid
Critical
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelPrimidone
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelTranexamic acid
Critical
How does the drug interact with Desofem Tablet:
Coadministration of Tranexamic acid with Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel may increase the risk of blood clot formation.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Tranexamic acid with Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel is avoided as it can lead to an interaction, but can be taken if a doctor has prescribed it. However, if you suffer from chest discomfort, shortness of breath, unusual bleeding, or swelling in your arm or leg, consult a doctor immediately. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelPrimidone
Severe
How does the drug interact with Desofem Tablet:
Coadministration of Primidone with Desofem Tablet may reduce the blood levels and effectiveness of Desofem Tablet.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction of Primidone with Desofem Tablet, it can be taken if prescribed by a doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or irregular bleeding. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelAmprenavir
Severe
How does the drug interact with Desofem Tablet:
Co-administration of Amprenavir with Ethinylestradiol and desogestrel may reduce the levels and effects of Amprenavir.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Amprenavir with Ethinylestradiol and desogestrel can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelAnastrozole
Severe
How does the drug interact with Desofem Tablet:
Coadministration of Anastrozole with Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel may reduce the levels and effects of Anastrozole.

How to manage the interaction:
There may be a possible interaction of Anastrozole with Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel, but it can be taken if prescribed by a doctor. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelExemestane
Severe
How does the drug interact with Desofem Tablet:
Coadministration of Exemestane with Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel can reduce the effectiveness of Exemestane.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Exemestane with Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel can cause an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has suggested it. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelPomalidomide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Desofem Tablet:
Co-administration of Pomalidomide with Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel can increase the risk of developing blood clots.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction of Pomalidomide with Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by a doctor. However, if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling in an arm or leg, or weakness on one side of the body, consult a doctor immediately. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelTizanidine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Desofem Tablet:
Co-administration of Tizanidine with Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol may reduce the effectiveness of Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol, leading to low treatment outcomes.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Tizanidine with Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Contact your doctor if you experience any hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or irregular bleeding. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelDabrafenib
Severe
How does the drug interact with Desofem Tablet:
Coadministration of Dabrafenib with Desofem Tablet may reduce the blood level and effects of Desofem Tablet.

How to manage the interaction:
There may be a possibility of interaction of Dabrafenib with Desofem Tablet, but it can be taken if prescribed by a doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or irregular bleeding. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelFosamprenavir
Severe
How does the drug interact with Desofem Tablet:
Coadministration of Fosamprenavir with Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel may decrease the effects of Fosamprenavir.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Fosamprenavir with Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel can cause an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has suggested it. However, if you experience palpitations, dark urine, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, or rash, call your doctor right away. Do not discontinue any medications without first consulting your doctor.
Ethinylestradiol + DesogestrelTelaprevir
Severe
How does the drug interact with Desofem Tablet:
Co-administration of Telaprevir with Desofem Tablet may reduce the blood levels and effects of Desofem Tablet.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Telaprevir with Desofem Tablet can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Contact your doctor if you experience any hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or irregular bleeding. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

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No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[GYNECOLOGY RELATED DRUGS]

FAQs

Desofem Tablet is used for contraception and in the treatment of dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods).
Desofem Tablet prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries and makes the fluid in the cervix thick, making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb. It also prevents the thickening of the uterus's inner wall, which is necessary for an egg to grow and multiply.
Desofem Tablet does not protect against sexually transmitted disease. It is an oral form of contraception that does not protect against STDs. So, use some other form of contraception to avoid transmission during sexual intercourse.
While taking Desofem Tablet , do not smoke and also use a condom to avoid any sexually transmitted diseases from your partner.
Yes, Desofem Tablet can cause spotting between regular periods. Usually, it does not persist, but if spotting does not reduce, please inform your doctor, as medical attention may be required.
Usually, Desofem Tablet is prescribed below 35 years and not recommended for women over 35 years. Your doctor may weigh its benefits and prescribe you accordingly.
Yes, Desofem Tablet is known to cause weight gain. So, to avoid weight gain, do regular exercise, and eat home-cooked food.
If your doctor advises, you should only take Desofem Tablet for more than 21 days. Generally, Desofem Tablet is taken for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break, during which you may have your period. After the 7-day break, you start a new pack. If you don't have a menstrual cycle during this time or have any other concerns, it's essential to consult your doctor or gynaecologist. They will assess your reproductive cycle and plan the treatment accordingly. Always follow your doctor's instructions for optimal results.
Desofem Tablet belongs to the gynaecology-related drug class, which combines two ingredients: ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. It is used for contraception and in the treatment of dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods).
Swallow the whole Desofem Tablet with a glass of water. Do not chew, break, or crush it. Your doctor will decide and guide you on what dose to take based on your health status. Follow your doctor's instructions for better results.
If you forget a dose of Desofem Tablet , take it immediately when you remember. However, if your next dose is near, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double-dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase side effects.
Do not panic if you vomit after taking Desofem Tablet . Vomiting is a reported common side effect of Desofem Tablet . This symptom vanishes as your body adjusts to the medication. Just relax and take some rest. If your vomiting symptoms become worse, please consult a doctor for relief.
While using Desofem Tablet , some individuals may experience certain common side effects such as headache, weight increase or decrease, acne, abdominal pain, cramps, and depression. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Reference

  1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). Pil.1359 Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). Cheshire, UK: Datapharm; 2025. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026] Check here
  2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Drg 20061362 Inhalation and Dosage Monograph. Rochester, MN: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education; 2025. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026] Check here
  3. Drugs.com Clinical Review Team. Desogestrel Ethinyl Estradiol Drug Interactions Reference. Auckland, NZ: Drugs.com; 2026. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026] Check here
  4. Stone S. Clinical review of a monophasic oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. 1993 NCBI: National Library of Medicine, PubMed [Accessed on 24th May 2022] Check here
  5. Teva Women’s Health, Inc Food and Drug Administration. [Accessed on 24th May 2022] docs/label/2012/020713s010lbl.pdf Check here
  6. Merck Canada Inc. [Revised on December 2018] [Accessed on 24th May 2022] E.pdf Check here
  7. Janssen Inc Health Canada. [Revised on June 2013] [Accessed on 24th May 2022] pm/00021053.PDFCheck here

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

B/4 Milan Complex, Sarkhej, Ahmedabad 382 210 Gujarat, India
Other Info - DES0218

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