Linessa (Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Name: Linessa
Brand: Aspen
SKU: 6277
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Linessa

Manufacturer: Aspen

Country: Canada

Dosage: 21 day

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Linessa

Manufacturer: Aspen

Country: Canada

Dosage: 28 day

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Linessa

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

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Qty-Price (USD)

There is no generic product of Linessa.

Linessa Information

Linessa at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

The manufacturer of Linessa is Aspen Pharmacare Canada Inc. (Oakville, Ontario), part of the global Aspen Group of companies. Linessa was originally developed and marketed in Canada by Organon Canada Inc.; following Organon's restructuring and divestiture of certain branded products, Linessa is now owned and distributed by Aspen Pharmacare Canada.

The generic desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol is currently unavailable (at this pharmacy).

Dosage:

Linessa is available in the following strengths and forms:
• 21-day tablets
• 28-day tablets

Linessa is a triphasic combined oral contraceptive. One tablet is taken orally at approximately the same time each day, following the color sequence in the pack, until the pack is empty. You may begin taking Linessa on Day 1 of your menstrual cycle (the first day of menstrual flow) or on the first Sunday after your period begins. A non-hormonal backup method of contraception is recommended for the first 7 days of the first cycle of use.

Usage:

Linessa (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol) is a combined hormonal oral contraceptive (COC) indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. It may also be prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle. Non-contraceptive benefits of combined oral contraceptives may include more regular and lighter periods, reduced menstrual cramping (dysmenorrhea), and reduced risk of ovarian cysts. Linessa is a contraceptive. It does not protect against HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Mechanism of Action
Linessa prevents pregnancy through the combined and complementary actions of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, working through three main mechanisms:
• Suppression of ovulation: Both the progestin and estrogen components act on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis to suppress the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) from the pituitary gland. This prevents follicular development and the LH surge that would normally trigger ovulation. Desogestrel is a prodrug that is rapidly converted in the body to its biologically active metabolite, etonogestrel (3-ketodesogestrel), which is primarily responsible for suppression of ovulation.
• Cervical mucus changes: The progestin component thickens cervical mucus, making it viscous and hostile to sperm, significantly impairing sperm penetration and motility through the cervical canal.
• Endometrial changes: The combined hormones alter the endometrium (uterine lining), reducing its receptivity to implantation of a fertilized egg and providing an additional layer of contraceptive protection.

Take Linessa exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions on the product packaging. If vomiting occurs within 3–4 hours of taking a tablet, treat it as a missed dose and follow the missed-dose instructions.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before starting Linessa, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects of Linessa (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects: These are common side effects of Linessa; other side effects are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Abdominal cramping or bloating
• Back pain
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods, particularly during the first three months of use. This usually resolves with continued use.
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Changes in menstrual flow (lighter or shorter periods, or missed periods)
• Headache
• Nausea or stomach upset (particularly when first starting the pill. Taking it with food can help)

Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following:
• Blood Clots: Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in the leg (DVT), sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (pulmonary embolism); coughing up blood.
• High Blood Pressure: Stop Linessa if sustained blood pressure exceeds 160/100 mmHg.
• New or unusual migraines with aura
• New or worsening severe depression or suicidal thoughts. Discontinue and seek mental health support.
• Severe Allergic Reaction: Hives, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right abdomen.
• Sudden partial or complete loss of vision, or visual field defects. Discontinue immediately and seek ophthalmological assessment.

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Linessa, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take Linessa/desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol if:
• A current or past history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
• A history of myocardial infarction (heart attack), cerebrovascular accident (stroke), or prodromal conditions such as transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or angina pectoris.
• Active or past severe liver disease, as long as liver function has not returned to normal.
• Allergies: Known hypersensitivity to desogestrel, ethinyl estradiol, or any non-medicinal ingredient in the formulation.
• Any unexplained abnormal uterine or vaginal bleeding.
• Benign or malignant liver tumors
• Diabetes Mellitus with Vascular Involvement.
• Known or suspected sex steroid-influenced malignancies, including cancers of the breast, cervix, or other genital organs.
• Known Predisposition to Arterial or Venous Thrombosis
• Severe Hypertension
• Valvular Heart Disease with Complications.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Linessa. This is crucial as certain conditions affect the drug's safety.
• A history of depression or mood disorders
• Chloasma
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Fibroids
• Gallbladder disease
• Hereditary angioedema
• Hyperlipidemia or hypertriglyceridemia
• Hypertension
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)

Drug Interactions:

No formal drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with Linessa specifically. The interactions described are based on known pharmacological properties of combined hormonal contraceptives. Before taking Linessa, discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete information, please refer to the product monograph at https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00080161.PDF.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, recreational drugs, and any significant dietary changes, as these may interact with Linessa. Linessa may interact with other medicines, including but not limited to:
• Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin: may increase the amount of ethinyl estradiol in the blood and increase the risk of side effects.
• Colesevelam: When given together, colesevelam has been shown to significantly reduce the effectiveness of ethinyl estradiol. Taking the two drugs 4 hours apart may reduce this interaction.
• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, diltiazem, fluoxetine, and grapefruit juice.
• CYP3A4/Hepatic Enzyme Inducers: Such as certain anti-phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate, primidone, rifampin, rifabutin, griseofulvin, ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, bosentan, and St. John's Wort.
• Hepatitis C Combination Drug Regimens: Linessa must not be used with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (with or without dasabuvir), glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir.
• Lamotrigine: Combined oral contraceptives significantly decrease the effectiveness of lamotrigine. Conversely, stopping Linessa may cause lamotrigine levels to rise, potentially reaching toxic levels. Always consult a neurologist before starting or stopping Linessa.
• Warfarin and Other Anticoagulants: Estrogens may increase the risk of thrombosis and interact with anticoagulant therapy. More frequent INR monitoring may be warranted; adjustment of the anticoagulant dose may be needed.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Linessa is contraindicated during pregnancy. It must be discontinued immediately if pregnancy is confirmed or suspected. Although oral contraceptives taken inadvertently during early pregnancy have not been conclusively linked to congenital disabilities in humans, they should not be used as a precautionary measure. If withdrawal bleeding does not occur during the pill-free week (or during the green tablet week in Linessa 28), the possibility of pregnancy should be considered. If two consecutive withdrawal bleeds are missed, contact your doctor. Linessa is not recommended for breastfeeding women as small amounts of contraceptive hormones pass into breast milk and may affect the nursing infant. It can also decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk.

Use in Children:

The safety and effectiveness of Linessa in children under 18 years have not been established.

Frequently Asked Questions about Linessa at Canada Pharmacy Online

Why is Linessa more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Linessa, are generally lower in Canada than in the U.S. due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower prices than in the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is dedicated to offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1.866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many Linessa I can order at once?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can dispense up to a three-month supply of Linessa per prescription from your doctor.

Can I buy Linessa from you over the counter?

No, Linessa requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Linessa?

No, the generic alternative is currently unavailable (at this pharmacy).

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Latest News:

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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