Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel
About Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel
Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel is used for contraception and in the treatment of dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods).
Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel
• Contraceptive Protection: Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel is a birth control pill that helps prevent pregnancy when taken as directed.
• Regulating Menstrual Cycles: Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel can help regulate menstrual cycles, making periods more predictable for many women.
• Managing Menstrual Pain: Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel is also involved in reducing menstrual pain and discomfort associated with dysmenorrhea for some women.
• Hormonal Balance: Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel can regulate hormonal imbalances, potentially improving conditions like acne or heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Preventing Ovarian Cysts: Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel can help reduce the risk of ovarian cysts by supporting reproductive health.
Medicinal Benefits
Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel offers the following medicinal benefits:
For contraception:
- Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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.
Directions for Use
- Take Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel after meals or as advised by your doctor.
- It is advised to take Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel once daily; however, follow your doctor's recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel
- Headache
- Increase in weight
- Acne
- Abdominal pain
- Cramps
- Breast pain
- Depression
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel.
- Smoking may increase the risk of a cardiovascular event in women over 35 years old when taking Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel.
- 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not use Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel if you have given birth recently.
- If you have migraines, please inform your doctor, as taking Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel may increase your headache.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interaction: Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel. - Immunosuppressants (Mycophenolic acid)
• Potential effect: May decrease the blood levels and action of Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel. - 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel. - Anticancer drugs (Carfilzomib)
• Potential effect: May occasionally cause dangerous blood clots.
Drug-Food Interaction:
- Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel, as it may make alcohol’s effects stronger.
- Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel, as they may alter the effects of this medicine.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeCaution should be exercised. Hormonal medicines can affect the developing baby. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using it.
Breast Feeding
cautionOther forms of contraception should be used instead of Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedEthinylestradiol+desogestrel has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionEthinylestradiol+desogestrel 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.
Kidney
cautionEthinylestradiol+desogestrel 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.
Children
cautionSafety and efficacy of Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel are established in women of reproductive age. But sufficient studies have been performed on women less than 16 years of age. So, take Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel only when prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel.
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.
Special Advise
- Consult your doctor if you experience menstrual irregularities such as spotting, missed periods, or bleeding between menstrual periods.
- Your doctor may advise regular eye tests and liver function tests.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Contraception: It is a procedure that aims to prevent pregnancy. A woman can only get pregnant if a man's sperm fertilises her egg. Contraception prevents this by stopping egg release, blocking sperm, or altering the womb lining so fertilisation cannot occur, making it a safe method for family planning.
Dysmenorrhea: It is irregular and painful periods leading to abdominal pain, digestive problems, fainting, vomiting, and nausea. Generally, a menstrual cycle is about 25-30 days. But in dysmenorrhea, this cycle may be short or prolonged, leading to excessive pain.
FAQs
Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel is used for contraception and in the treatment of dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods).
Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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.
Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel, do not smoke and also use a condom to avoid any sexually transmitted diseases from your partner.
Yes, Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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, Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel is prescribed below 35 years and not recommended for women over 35 years. Your doctor may weigh its benefits and prescribe you accordingly.
Yes, Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel for more than 21 days. Generally, Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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.
Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel, 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel. Vomiting is a reported common side effect of Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel. 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 Ethinylestradiol+desogestrel, 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.
