Desogen is a combined oral contraceptive preparation for continuous administration containing as active substances the estrogen Ethinyl estradiol and the progestagen desogestrel. Clinical studies have revealed that the oral contraceptive preparations containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel lack undesirable metabolic effects. These effects are thought to result from the androgenic activity of some progestagens in oral contraceptives. Because of this, Desogen

Desogen is supplied in 21-day and 28-day packages.

Oral contraceptives are taken every day for a 3-week period, followed by 1 week of no oral contraceptives; this cycle is repeated each month.

1) Desogen may be initiated using either a Sunday start or any other day as a Day 1 start whichever is convenient.
2) Wait 1 week before taking any more Desogen tablets. Your menstrual period should occur during this time.
3) Following this 1-week waiting time, begin taking a daily tablet again for the next

If Desogen is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Desogen with the following:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Ampicillin (Principen)
• Aspirin
• Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• Barbiturates (phenobarbital, Seconal)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
• Clofibrate (Questran)
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Most Important Fact about Desogen
Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from Desogen. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age.

Women who use any oral contraceptive are strongly advised not to smoke.

Desogen (like all other oral contraceptives) is intended to prevent pregnancy. Desogen does not protect against transmission of HIV (AIDS) and other sexually

More common side effects of Desogen may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bleeding between menstrual periods
• Weight gain
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Serious side effects of Desogen may include:
The serious side effects of Desogen occur very infrequently, especially if you are in good health and are young. However, you should know that the following medical conditions have been associated with or