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Overview: Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol is a hormonal birth control pill that is used to prevent pregnancy in women. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and breast tenderness. Before taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, vision changes, or trouble speaking.

Uses

What is desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol used for?

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol is a combination birth control pill that is commonly used to prevent pregnancy.

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol work (mechanism of action)?

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol contains two types of hormones, desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It prevents pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg from your ovaries. It also works by thickening the mucus in your cervix to block sperm from reaching the uterus and by changing the lining of your uterus to make it less likely for a pregnancy to happen.

How is desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol supplied (dosage forms and names)?

28-Day Monophasic (One Phase)

Apri, Cyred EQ, Enskyce, Isibloom, Juleber, Reclipsen

  • Days 1-21: Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol oral tablets (0.15 mg/0.03 mg) 
  • Days 22-28: Inactive oral tablets

28-Day Biphasic (Two Phases)

Azurette, Bekyree, Kariva, Pimtrea, Simliya, Viorele, Volnea

  • Days 1-21: Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol oral tablets (0.15 mg/0.02 mg) 
  • Days 22-23: Inactive oral tablets 
  • Days 24-28: Ethinyl estradiol oral tablets (0.01 mg)

28-Day Triphasic (Three phases)

Velivet

  • Days 1-7: Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol oral tablets (0.1 mg/0.025 mg) 
  • Days 8-14: Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol oral tablets (0.125 mg/0.025 mg)
  • Days 15-21: Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol oral tablets (0.15 mg/0.025 mg) 
  • Days 22-28: Inactive oral tablets

How should I store desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol?

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Only remove a tablet from the blister pack when you are ready to take it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol?

The most common side effects of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Changes in menstrual bleeding (see below)
  • Increase in weight 
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headache
  • Trouble wearing contact lenses

There may be other side effects of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Clots. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may cause a blood clot in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), in the back of your eye (retinal vein occlusion), or in your legs or arms (deep venous thrombosis). Stop taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of a blood clot.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes
  • Double vision

Liver Problems. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may cause changes to your liver function, including an increase in your liver enzymes or possibly liver tumors. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of liver problems.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Gallbladder Problems. Taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may increase the risk of gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Fever
  • Pain in your upper stomach area
  • Stool (poop) that is clay-colored

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Headache or Migraine. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may cause headaches or migraine. Call your health care provider right away if you develop new headaches or migraine attacks that keep coming back, do not go away, or cause you a lot of pain.

Changes in Menstrual Bleeding. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol can cause changes in menstrual flow, irregular bleeding, spotting, or light bleeding between periods, especially during the first three months of use. For some people, periods may stop. Call your health care provider right away if you continue to have spotting or breakthrough bleeding between periods or if you have spotting after having regular cycles while taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol.

Depression. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may cause changes in mood, including depression or nervousness. Call your health care provider right away if you have new or increased depression or other unusual changes in mood or behavior. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Fluid Retention (Edema). Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles

Cancer. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol is a combination birth control pill that contains two hormones. Certain cancers, including breast cancer and cervical cancer, may be sensitive to hormones. Make sure you keep all appointments with your health care provider.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol.

  • Apri
  • Azurette
  • Bekyree
  • Cyclessa
  • Cyred EQ
  • Desogestrel
  • Enskyce
  • Ethinyl estradiol 
  • Isibloom
  • Juleber
  • Kariva
  • Pimtrea
  • Reclipsen
  • Simliya
  • Velivet
  • Viorele
  • Volnea
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol products they stock.

Smoking. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be used if you smoke and are over age 35, as this can increase your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

Blood Clots. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be used if you have or have had blood clots, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This medicine should also not be used if you have a condition that makes your blood more prone to getting blood clots (thrombophilia). Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol can increase the risk of developing a blood clot that could be dangerous or even deadly.

Heart Attack or Stroke. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be used if you have had a stroke or heart attack. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol can increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke that could be dangerous or even deadly.

Blood Vessel Problems. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be used if you have a history of plaque buildup in your blood vessels (coronary artery disease) or if you have or have had a condition that affects blood flow to your brain (cerebrovascular disease). Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol could increase your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

Heart Problems. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be used if you have heart rhythm problems (such as atrial fibrillation) or heart valve problems, as this may increase your chances of having a blood clot.

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be used if you have high blood pressure that is not managed or high blood pressure with a condition that affects your blood vessels (vascular disease). Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol could increase your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

Diabetes. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be used if you have diabetes with kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage. This can increase your chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

Headaches or Migraine. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be used if you have migraine with vision or hearing changes, muscle weakness, tingling, or trouble speaking (known as migraine with aura) or certain other types of headaches. This can increase your risk of having a stroke.

Unusual Vaginal Bleeding. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be used if you have bleeding from the uterus or vagina that is not part of your menstrual cycle or is abnormal. Any unusual uterine bleeding needs to be checked out by your health care provider.

Breast Cancer. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be used if you have or have had breast cancer. Some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones and could get worse if you take desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol.

Jaundice. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be taken if you have a history of jaundice when taking birth control or have had cholestatic jaundice during pregnancy (bile from the liver not flowing properly).

Liver Problems. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be taken if you have liver disease or a liver tumor. Tell your health care provider if you have any liver problems.

Drug Interactions. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Upcoming Surgery or Bed Rest. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol should not be taken if you have any upcoming major surgeries or need to be on bed rest. You may be at increased risk for some side effects of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol if you do not move around normally for an extended period of time.

What should I know about desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol before using it?

Do not take desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol out of the reach of children.

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol does not protect you from HIV, AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Expect to start desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol on a Sunday or on the first day of your menstrual period. The timing will determine whether and for how long you need to use backup birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) after starting desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol. Ask your health care provider if you are not sure how or when to start desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol.

Take tablets in order (from left to right) at the same time every day until the pack is finished and swallow the tablets whole. After taking the last tablet in the blister pack, start with the first tablet in a new blister pack. 

Consider using a calendar or app to help you remember to take desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol at the same time every day.

If you have vomiting or diarrhea within a few hours of taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol, it may not work as well. Follow the Patient Labeling on what to do if this happens or call your health care provider.

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may affect your blood sugar or cholesterol levels. Make sure to keep all follow-up appointments, including for blood tests and blood pressure checks, with your health care provider.

Some desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol products contain FD+C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which can cause an allergic-type reaction in some people. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

If you miss a period, check for pregnancy. The risk of pregnancy increases with missed pills.

What should I tell my health care provider before using desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Given birth within last month
  • Recent abortion
  • Nodules or fibroids in the breast
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides
  • High blood pressure
  • Headaches or migraine
  • Seizures
  • Depression 
  • Gallbladder, kidney, or heart problems
  • A condition called hereditary angioedema
  • Irregular periods

Smoking. Smoking can increase your risk of getting heart disease, which increases your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. Tell your health care provider if you smoke before starting desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol.

Skin Darkening. Talk to your health care provider if you have had a condition that led to dark patches of skin around your forehead, nose, cheeks, and around your mouth (chloasma) during pregnancy because you may have an increased chance of having chloasma while taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol. If you have had chloasma, avoid exposure to the sun and to ultraviolet (UV) rays from tanning booths or sun lamps.

Pregnancy. Do not take desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol and tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol right away and contact your health care provider.

Breastfeeding. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may decrease the amount of breastmilk you make. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol interact with foods or drinks?

Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol can increase the level of estrogens in your body. Talk to your health care provider if you eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol.

Does desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol.

  • A medicine for HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis C
  • Any medicine that may be used to treat seizures, such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), felbamate, lamotrigine (Lamictal), oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar XR, Trileptal), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), or topiramate (Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR)
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • A barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraine, or seizures
  • Bosentan, which is a medicine used to treat a condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
  • Griseofulvin, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
  • A tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), or sarecycline (Seysara), which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol?

If you or someone else has used too much desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol?

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol may not work well if you miss tablets. Follow the Patient Labeling on how to take desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol when you miss a dose, as this can change depending on how many tablets you have missed and which weeks they were missed on. In some cases, you may need to avoid sexual intercourse or use backup birth control (such as condoms or spermicide).

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