GENERIC
Ethinyl Estradiol + Desogestrel (0.02 mg)
Indications
The benefits of Desopil 20 tablet include:
It is one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception if used correctly
- It does not interrupt sex
- It usually makes period regular, lighter and less painful
- It may help with pre-menstrual symptoms
Dosage and administration
Take this tablet every day for 21 days as described below : This tablet comes in strips of 21 pills, each marked with a day of the week.
Take your pill at the same time every day.
Start by taking a pill marked with the correct day of the week.
Follow the direction of the arrows on the strip. Take one pill each day, until you have finished all 21 pills.
Swallow each pill whole, with water if necessary. Do not chew the pill.
After you have taken all 21 pills in the strip, you have seven days when you take no pills. So, if you take the last pill of one pack on a Friday, you will take the first pill of your next pack on the Saturday of the following week.
Within a few days of taking the last pill from the strip, you should have a withdrawal bleed like a period. This bleed may not have finished when it is time to start your next strip of pills. You don't need to use extra contraception during these seven pill-free days. Starting this tablet:
As a new user icrolon or starting the pill again after a break. Either take your first pill on the first day of your next period. By starting in this way, you will have contraceptive protection with your first pill.
Or if your period has already begun start taking this tablet on day 5 (counting the first day of your period as day 1) whether or not your bleeding has stopped. You must also use extra contraception, such as condoms, until you have taken the first seven pills correctly.
Contraindications
You should not use this tablet if you have or ever had any of the conditions listed below:
A blood clot in a blood vessel of legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT), lungs (Pulmonary Embolus, PE) or other organs
A disorder affecting blood clotting- for instance, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin-lll deficiency, Factor V Leiden or antiphospholipid antibodies
- Need an operation or off to feet for a long time
- A heart attack or stroke
- Angina pectoris
Any of the following diseases that may increase risk of a clot in the arteries: Severe diabetes with blood vessel damage, Very high blood pressure, A very high level of fat in the blood (cholesterol or triglycerides), A condition known as hyperhomocysteinaemia
A type of migraine called "migraine with aura"
Severe liver disease or liver tumour
Cancer affected by sex hormones- such as some cancers of the breast, womb lining or ovary
Vaginal bleeding that has not been explained by doctor
Allergy (hypersensitivity) to any of the ingredients in this tablet
If you suffer from any of these or get them for the first time while taking this tablet contact your doctor as soon as possible stop taking this tablet.
Side effects
Migraine or headache (see a doctor as soon as possible if this is your first migraine or it’s worse than usual, or if the headache is severe, unusual or long lasting)
Putting on weight or losing weight
Breast problems, such as painful or tender breasts; producing a milky fluid from the nipples
Depression or mood changes
Changes in sexual desire
Heart or circulation problems, such as increased blood pressure, swollen hands, ankles or feet (a sign of fluid retention)
Changes in vaginal secretions (Irregular vaginal bleeding)
Skin problems; such as, rash, bruise-like swelling to the shins (erythema nodosom)
Stomach problems; such as, nausea, vomiting
Discomfort of the eyes who wears contact lenses
Pregnancy and lactation
Do not use this tablet if you are pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant, do a pregnancy test to confirm that you are before you stop taking this tablet. This tablet is not recommended for use in breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or family planning nurse about alternative contraception.
Precautions and warnings
If you ever need to take another medicine at the same time as being on the pill, always tell your doctor, pharmacist or dentist that you're taking this tablet. Also check the leaflets that come with all your medicines to see if they can be taken with hormonal contraceptives. Some medicines can stop this tablet from working properly-for example:
Some medicines used to treat epilepsy (Primidone, Phenytoins, Barbiturates, Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Topiramate, Felbamate)
- Medicine to treat tuberculosis (Rifampicin)
- Certain HIV medicines (Ritonavir)
- Certain antibiotics (Penicillins, Tetracyclines)
- St. John’s Wort (a herbal remedy)
- Griseofulvin (an antifungal drug)
If you do need to take one of these medicines, this tablet may not be suitable for you or you may be able to take this tablet and use extra contraception for a while. This tablet can also affect how well other medicines work. For example, Cyclosporine and Lamotrigine. Taking these medicines with food and drink : There are no special instructions about food and drink while on this tablet. Bleeding between periods should not last long : A few women have a little unexpected bleeding or spotting while they are taking this pill, especially during the first few months. Normally, this bleeding is nothing to worry about and will stop after a day or two. Keep taking this pill as usual; the problem should disappear after the first few strips. You may also have unexpected bleeding if you are not taking your pills regularly, so try to take your pill at the same time every day. Also, unexpected bleeding can sometimes be caused by other medicines. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you get breakthrough bleeding or spotting that:
- Carries on for more than the first few months
- Starts after you’ve been taking this pill for a while
- Carries on even after you’ve stopped taking this pill
Storage
Store in a cool & dry place, protect from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Clinical information is taken from the most complete brand listing (Desopil 20); it applies to the active ingredient.
Brands of Ethinyl Estradiol + Desogestrel (0.02 mg)
| # | Brand | Company | Form | Strength | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Desopil 20 | ACME Laboratories Ltd. | Tablet | 0.02 mg+0.15 mg | Not listed |
| 2 | Microlon | Nuvista Pharma Ltd. | Tablet | 0.02 mg+0.15 mg | Not listed |
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.