Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol
Introduction To Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol
Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol is a combination of two medicines used for contraception (to prevent pregnancy) and in the treatment of irregular periods. It helps to prevent the release of the egg and its fertilization by the sperm. It may also help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol can be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time to get the most benefit. It should be taken as per your doctor's advice. You will have to take the pill on day one of your menstrual cycle and continue taking it for a whole month. Once the pack gets over, start with a new one. If you experience vomiting within 4 hours of dose intake, take another tablet. In case you missed your dose and you are late by 12 hours in taking the missed dose, use a condom during intercourse for a period of 2 days.
Nausea, headache, breast pain, and weight gain are some commonly seen side effects of this medicine. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. You might experience spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods or missed periods. Consult with your doctor if this occurs frequently or persists longer. Inform your doctor if you notice swelling and pain in your limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, or changes in vision, as it may be a sign of a blood clot.
Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you smoke and are over 35, or if you have ever had a heart attack or have cancer of the uterus/cervix, or vagina. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Do not take the medicine if you are pregnant already or breastfeeding. You might be asked for a regular check-up of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar level while on treatment.
Uses of Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol
- Contraception
Benefits of Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol
Contraception
Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol is a contraceptive medicine that stops you from getting pregnant.
It prevents an egg from being released from your ovaries and also decreases
movement of sperms. This affects the fertilisation process and prevents it.
Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol is a reliable and safe method for contraception, if used correctly.
It does not interrupt with sex and you can lead a normal routine life without
any worries. Take it as directed by the doctor to get the most benefit.
Side effects of Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Welon
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Irregular uterine bleeding
- Weight gain
- Breast pain
How to use Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol works
Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol is an oral contraceptive pill. It works by preventing the release of egg (ovulation) and affecting sperm movement in the womb to prevent its union with the egg. It also changes the lining of the womb and renders it unsuitable for pregnancy.
Quick tips
- Your doctor has prescribed Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol to help you prevent pregnancy.
- It also results in lighter, less painful and more regular menstrual bleeding.
- It may help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Take your pill at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
- You may experience menstrual irregularities such as spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods or missed periods. Consult your doctor if this persists.
- Do not use Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol if you are obese, over 35, smoke, on prolonged bed rest, or have a history of blood clots.
- Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained swelling and pain in your limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, or changes in vision. These could be symptoms of a blood clot in a vein.
- Stop taking Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol and inform your doctor immediately if you notice your skin and whites of the eye turning yellow (jaundice), severe stomach pain, severe depression or if you think you could be pregnant.
Safety Advice
PregnancyUNSAFE
Can I take Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol if I’m pregnant?
Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
BreastfeedingUNSAFE
Can I take Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol if I’m breastfeeding?
Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby. Nonhormonal and progestin-only contraceptives are preferred in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol?
Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol if I have/had liver diseases?
Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease and active liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol and what is it used for?
Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol is a combined oral contraceptive medicine that contains two hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is used to prevent pregnancy.
Q. How and in what dose should I take Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol?
Take this medicine as per the advice of your doctor. However, take it at the same time each day, to ensure consistent levels of medicine in your body.
Q. What if I forget to take Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol?
If you forget to take one tablet, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two tablets at the same time and then follow the usual dosing schedule. However, if you forget to take two or more doses, you may not be totally protected against pregnancy. In this case, start taking the tablet as soon as you remember and use a non-hormonal method of contraception such as condoms for at least next 7 days to prevent pregnancy. Frequent missing of doses may lead to unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting (blood stain). Consult your doctor, if this persists.
Q. What if I vomit after taking Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol?
If you vomit within 3-4 hours after taking Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol, then it is considered as a missed dose. So, you should take another dose as soon as you feel well enough.
Q. What are the common side effects of taking Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol?
You may experience irregular vaginal bleeding while taking Desogestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol. Other common side effects include headache, nausea (feeling sick), acne, depression (sad mood), and breast pain. Most of them are temporary if these persist consult with your doctor.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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