Desogen

DESOGEN® Tablets (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use this product as a method of contraception.

Oral contraceptives are highly effective. Table 1 lists the typical unintended pregnancy rates for users of combination oral contraceptives and other methods of contraception.  The efficacy of these contraceptive methods, except sterilization, the IUD, and implants, depends upon the reliability with which they are used. Correct and consistent use of these methods can result in lower failure rates.

TABLE 1: PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN EXPERIENCING AN UNINTENDED PREGNANCY DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF TYPICAL USE AND THE FIRST YEAR OF PERFECT USE OF CONTRACEPTION AND THE PERCENTAGE CONTINUING USE AT THE END OF THE FIRST YEAR: UNITED STATES

An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives (see WARNINGS section):

• Thrombophlebitis and venous thrombosis with or without embolism
• Arterial thromboembolism
• Pulmonary embolism
• Myocardial infarction
• Cerebral hemorrhage
• Cerebral thrombosis
• Hypertension
• Gallbladder disease
• Hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors

There is evidence of an association between the following conditions and the use of oral contraceptives:

• Mesenteric thrombosis
• Retinal thrombosis

The following adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving oral contraceptives and are believed to be drug-related:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal pain, cramps and bloating)
• Change in weight or appetite (increase or decrease)
• Change in cervical ectropion and secretion
• Possible diminution in lactation when
• Breakthrough bleeding
• Spotting
• Change in menstrual flow
• Amenorrhea
• Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment
• Edema/fluid retention
• Melasma/chloasma which may  persist
• Breast changes: tenderness, pain, enlargement, and secretion
• Decrease in serum folate levels
• Exacerbation of porphyria
• Aggravation of varicose veins given immediately postpartum
• Cholestatic jaundice
• Migraine headache
• Rash (allergic)
• Mood changes, including depression
• Vaginitis, including candidiasis
• Change in corneal curvature (steepening)
• Intolerance to contact lenses
• Exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus
• Exacerbation of chorea
• Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, including urticaria,  angioedema, and severe reactions with respiratory and circulatory symptoms

The following adverse reactions have been reported in users of oral contraceptives and the association has been neither confirmed nor refuted:

• Pre-menstrual syndrome
• Cataracts
• Cystitis-like syndrome
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Hirsutism
• Loss of scalp hair
• Erythema multiforme
• Dysmenorrhea
• Pancreatitis
• Erythema nodosum
• Hemorrhagic eruption
• Impaired renal function
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Acne
• Changes in libido
• Colitis
• Budd-Chiari Syndrome
• Optic neuritis, which may lead to partial or complete loss of vision

Desogen is a prescription birth control medication used to prevent pregnancy. Desogen contains two hormones, desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, which belong to a group of drugs called hormonal contraceptives. These hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and by altering cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus.

This medication comes in tablet form and is taken once daily, with or without food.

Common side effects of Desogen include nausea, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods. 

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination have not been performed in the pediatric population. However, pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of this medication in teenagers are not expected. This medicine may be used for birth control in teenage females but should not be used before the start of menstruation.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination have not been performed in the geriatric population. This medicine should not be used in elderly women.

Pregnancy

Breast Feeding

Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using this medicine.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Dasabuvir
• Ombitasvir
• Paritaprevir
• Ritonavir
• Tranexamic Acid

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Anagrelide
• Aprepitant
• Boceprevir
• Bosentan
• Bupropion
• Carbamazepine
• Ceritinib
• Dabrafenib
• Darunavir
• Dexamethasone
• Donepezil
• Eliglustat
• Enzalutamide
• Fosphenytoin
• Griseofulvin
• Idelalisib
• Isotretinoin
• Lesinurad
• Lixisenatide
• Lumacaftor
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• Oxcarbazepine
• Paclitaxel
• Paclitaxel Protein-Bound
• Phenytoin
• Piperaquine
• Pitolisant
• Prednisone
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• St John's Wort
• Sugammadex
• Theophylline
• Tizanidine
• Topiramate
• Ulipristal
• Valproic Acid

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Alprazolam
• Amprenavir
• Atazanavir
• Bacampicillin
• Betamethasone
• Bexarotene
• Clarithromycin
• Colesevelam
• Cyclosporine
• Delavirdine
• Efavirenz
• Eslicarbazepine Acetate
• Etoricoxib
• Fosamprenavir
• Fosaprepitant
• Ginseng
• Lamotrigine
• Licorice
• Mycophenolate Mofetil
• Mycophenolic Acid
• Nelfinavir
• Parecoxib
• Prednisolone
• Rifapentine
• Ritonavir
• Roflumilast
• Rosuvastatin
• Rufinamide
• Selegiline
• Telaprevir
• Tipranavir
• Troglitazone
• Troleandomycin
• Valdecoxib
• Voriconazole
• Warfarin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• Caffeine
• Grapefruit Juice

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding or
• Blood clots (eg, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), or history of or
• Breast cancer, known or suspected or
• Diabetes with kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage or
• Endometrial cancer or
• Heart attack, history of or
• Heart or blood vessel disease (eg, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems), or history of or
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) that is not under good control or
• Jaundice during pregnancy or from using hormonal therapy in the past or
• Liver disease, including tumors or cancer or
• Major surgery with prolonged periods of immobilization or
• Migraine headache or
• Stroke, history of or
• Tumors (estrogen-dependent), known or suspected—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

• Breast cancer, family history of or
• Cervical cancer or
• Depression, history of or
• Edema (fluid retention or body swelling) or
• Epilepsy (seizures) or
• Gallbladder disease or
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

• Diabetes or
• Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol or fats in the blood) or
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) or
• Kidney disease or
• Obesity, or history of—Use with caution. These conditions may increase risk for more serious side effects.

• If you have an allergy to ethinyl estradiol, desogestrel, or any other part of Desogen.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have had any of these health problems: Blood clots, blood clotting problem, breast cancer, diseased arteries in the brain, disease of a heart valve with problems, heart disease, chest pain caused by angina, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) due to high blood triglycerides, liver disease, liver tumor, very bad headache or migraine, diabetes that affects blood flow, or tumor where estrogen makes it grow.
• If you have had any of these health problems: Endometrial cancer, cancer of the cervix or vagina, or vaginal bleeding where the cause is not known.
• If you have ever had a cancer where hormones make it grow.
• If you have eyesight problems like loss of eyesight from blood vessel problems in the eye.
• If you have surgery and need bedrest.
• If you turned yellow during pregnancy or with estrogen-based or hormone contraceptive use.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
• If you are taking ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir (with or without dasabuvir).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Desogen.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Desogen. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. This medicine may need to be stopped before certain types of surgery as your doctor has told you. If this medicine is stopped, your doctor will tell you when to start taking Desogen again after your surgery or procedure.
• This medicine may raise the chance of blood clots, a stroke, or a heart attack. Talk with the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor if you will need to be still for long periods of time like long trips, bedrest after surgery, or illness. Not moving for long periods may raise your chance of blood clots.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor. This medicine may raise blood sugar.
• Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.
• High blood pressure has happened with drugs like this one. Have your blood pressure checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Be sure to have regular breast exams and gynecology check-ups. Your doctor will tell you how often to have these. You will also need to do breast self-exams as your doctor has told you. Talk with your doctor.
• If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this medicine.
• Certain drugs, herbal products, or health problems could cause Desogen to not work as well. Be sure your doctor knows about all of your drugs and health problems.
• This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors. Talk with your doctor.
• Do not use in children who have not had their first menstrual period.
• If you have any signs of pregnancy or if you have a positive pregnancy test, call your doctor right away.

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Follow how to use as you have been told by the doctor or read the package insert.
• Take Desogen at the same time of day.
• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• If you also take colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours before or after you take this medicine.
• Do not skip doses, even if you do not have sex very often.
• If you throw up or have diarrhea, Desogen (ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel) may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use an extra form of birth control, like condoms, until you check with your doctor.
• If you miss 2 periods in a row, take a pregnancy test before starting a new cycle.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If a dose is missed, check the package insert or call the doctor to find out what to do. If using this medicine to prevent pregnancy, another form of birth control may need to be used for some time to prevent pregnancy.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Coughing up blood.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm.
• Low mood (depression).
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Swelling.
• Bulging eyes.
• Change in how contact lenses feel in the eyes.
• Change in eyesight.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• A lump in the breast, breast soreness, or nipple discharge.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.
• Spotting or vaginal bleeding that is very bad or does not go away.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Oral contraceptives should not be used in women who currently have the following conditions:

• Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
• A past history of deep vein thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
• Cerebral vascular or coronary artery disease (current or history)
• Valvular heart disease with thrombogenic complications
• Severe hypertension
• Diabetes with vascular involvement
• Headaches with focal neurological symptoms
• Major surgery with prolonged immobilization
• Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast (or personal history of breast cancer)
• Carcinoma of the endometrium or other known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia
• Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
• Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior hormonal contraceptive use
• Hepatic tumors (benign or malignant) or active liver disease
• Known or suspected pregnancy
• Heavy smoking (≥15 cigarettes per day) and over age 35
• Hypersensitivity to any of the components of Desogen® Tablets (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP)
• Receiving Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for ALT elevations (see WARNINGS, RISK OF LIVER ENZYME ELEVATIONS WITH CONCOMITANT HEPATITIS C TREATMENT).

Desogen® Tablets (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP) contains 21 round white tablets and 7 round green tablets in a blister card. Each white tablet (debossed with "T5R" on one side and "Organon" on the other side) contains 0.15 mg desogestrel and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol. Each green tablet (debossed with "K2H" on one side and "Organon" on the other side) contains inert ingredients.

Storage

Store below 30°C (86°F).

Take Desogen exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins. You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using Desogen. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. You may get pregnant if you do not take one pill daily. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of pills completely.

The 28-day Desogen packet contains seven "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. Your period will usually begin while you are using these reminder pills.

You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.

Use a back-up birth control if you are sick with severe vomiting or diarrhea.

If you need surgery or medical tests or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using Desogen.

While taking Desogen, you will need to visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Desogen: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Desogen and call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• signs of a blood clot in the lung - chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;

• signs of a blood clot in your leg - pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;

• heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

• liver problems - severe stomach pain, fever, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• a breast lump; or

• symptoms of depression - sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes.

Common Desogen side effects may include:

• light vaginal bleeding or spotting;

• nausea (especially when you first start taking this medicine), vomiting, bloating;

• changes in weight or appetite;

• breast tenderness or swelling;

• freckles or darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;

• headache; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.