WHAT IS Desogen/Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?

ETHINYL/Lynoral ESTRADIOL/Estrace; DESOGESTREL is an oral contraceptive. The products combine two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They are used to prevent ovulation and pregnancy. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Desogen/Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?

Store at room temperature, below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.

HOW SHOULD I USE Desogen/Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?

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.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

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 , contact you doctor for instructions. You must use a backup method of birth control if you miss more than 1 active dose of medication. 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.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Desogen/Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medicine.

Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take these tablets.

If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.

If you are taking this medicine for hormone related problems, it may take several cycles of use to see improvement in your condition.

Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking birth control pills, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.

In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medicines you are taking.

If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine before the surgery. Consult your health care professional for advice.

This medicine does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Desogen/Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?

• phenytoin/Dilantin er
• St. John's wort
• mineral oil
• bosentan
• oxcarbazepine/Trileptal
• prednisolone
• tamoxifen/Nolvadex or raloxifene/Evista
• hydrocortisone
• acetaminophen
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• grapefruit juice
• medicines for diabetes, including pioglitazone/Actos
• rosuvastatin
• ritonavir/Norvir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• aprepitant
• caffeine
• modafinil
• warfarin/Coumadin
• antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin/Grisactin, and possibly penicillins or tetracyclines
• carbamazepine/Carbatrol
• ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
• nefazodone
• cyclosporine/Sandimmune
• doxercalciferol
• felbamate
• soy isoflavones supplements
• atorvastatin/Lipitor
• dantrolene
• clofibrate
• theophylline/Slo-bid tr
• thyroid hormones
• topiramate/Topamax
• mycophenolate/Cellcept
• barbiturate medicines, such as phenobarbital
• selegiline/Eldepryl

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Desogen/Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• right upper belly pain
• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
• pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
• breast tissue changes or discharge
• light-colored stools
• severe headaches
• dark urine
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• nausea, vomiting
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• changes in vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• hair loss
• breast tenderness
• back pain
• increased hunger or thirst
• unusually weak or tired
• symptoms of vaginal infection like itching, irritation or unusual discharge
• increased urination
• stomach cramps or bloating
• depressed mood or mood swings
• fluid retention and swelling

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Desogen/Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?

They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• high cholesterol
• tobacco smoker
• liver disease
• stroke
• breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
• diabetes
• blood vessel disease or blood clots
• migraine headaches
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• breast-feeding
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• high blood pressure
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• heart disease or recent heart attack
• gallbladder disease

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.