Desogen  Information
Desogen is used for preventing pregnancy. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Desogen is an estrogen/progestin combination. It works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries and thereby preventing pregnancy. Do not use Desogen if you are allergic to any ingredient in Desogen; if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant; if you have blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes; or a history of heart attack, chest pain, or stroke; if you have known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix, or vagina, or have had vaginal bleeding of unknown causes; if you have a liver tumor or active liver disease, or a history of yellowing of the eyes or skin during pregnancy or previous birth control use; or if you have headaches with neurological symptoms or will be on bed rest for a long period following surgery. Some medical conditions may interact with Desogen, so notify your doctor if you have any other medical conditions. Some medicines may also interact with the effects of Desogen, so let your doctor know if you are on any other medication. Use Desogen as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. 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. 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 , read the extra patient information leaflet that comes with Desogen or contact you doctor for instructions. You must use a backup method of birth control if you miss more than 1 active dose of Desogen.

Desogen  Side Effects
Desogen may cause dizziness or changes in vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Desogen with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. If you miss your period during the week of inactive pills, call your doctor immediately. A missed period may indicate that you are pregnant. Desogen may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately. Desogen may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Desogen. If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time (such as a long plane flight), notify your doctor 3 to 4 weeks beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you are taking Desogen. Bleeding or spotting may occur while taking Desogen . Do not stop taking Desogen if this occurs. If bleeding or spotting continues for more than 7 days or is heavy, contact your doctor. Desogen may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or similar problems. The risk may be greater if you smoke. Taking certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants while you are using Desogen , or vomiting or diarrhea may decrease the effectiveness of Desogen. Use of Desogen will not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Lab tests, may be performed while you use Desogen . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. You will need to have follow-up exams at least once per year. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Do not use Desogen if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Continue to use another method of birth control (such as condoms). Desogen is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Desogen . Do not take Desogen soon after delivery of a baby even if you are not breast-feeding. You should wait 4 weeks after delivery if you are not breast-feeding or 4 weeks after a second trimester abortion. All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: Breast tenderness or enlargement; changes in appetite; changes in weight; dizziness; headache; loss of scalp hair; nausea; nervousness; stomach cramps or bloating; vaginal spotting or breakthrough bleeding; vomiting. Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: Severe allergic reactions; breast lumps; calf/leg pain or swelling; changes in vision; chest pain or heaviness in the chest; coughing up blood; difficulty wearing contact lenses; dark urine or light-colored bowel movements; dizziness or fainting; fever; loss of appetite; missed menstrual period; mood/mental changes; numbness of an arm or leg; persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding; severe pain or tenderness in the stomach area; shortness of breath; sleeplessness; slurred speech; sudden severe headache (migraine); sudden shortness of breath; swelling of fingers or ankles; vaginal infection; vomiting; weakness or fatigue; weakness or numbness in the arm or leg; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.