Cyclessa (Ethinyl Estradiol and Desogestrel)

Name: Cyclessa
Brand: Aspen
SKU: 6531
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Cyclessa

Manufacturer: Aspen

Country: Canada

Dosage: 21 day

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Cyclessa

Manufacturer: Aspen

Country: Canada

Dosage: 28 day

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Cyclessa

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

There is no generic product of Cyclessa.

Cyclessa Information

Cyclessa at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

The manufacturer of Cyclessa available at this pharmacy is Aspen Pharmacare Canada Inc. (Oakville, Ontario), part of the global Aspen Group of companies. Cyclessa was originally developed by Organon and is distributed in Canada by Aspen Pharmacare Canada. Cyclessa is available in both 21-day and 28-day formats and is sold at this pharmacy in packs of three.

There is currently no generic equivalent available for Cyclessa at this pharmacy.

Dosage:

Cyclessa is a triphasic combination oral contraceptive. It’s available as a pack:
• Tablets: 21 active tablets in three color-coded phases
• Tablets: 21 active tablets in three color-coded phases and 7 inactive (reminder) tablets

One tablet is taken orally at approximately the same time each day, following the color sequence on the pack, until the pack is empty. Treatment may be started on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle (Day 1 Start) or on the first Sunday after the period begins (Sunday Start). A non-hormonal backup method of contraception is recommended for the first 7 days of the first cycle of use.

Usage:

Cyclessa (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol) is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) used to prevent pregnancy in women of reproductive age. Cyclessa may also result in more regular and lighter periods, reduced menstrual cramping, and a reduced risk of ovarian cysts. Cyclessa does not protect against HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Mechanism of Action
Cyclessa prevents pregnancy through the combined actions of desogestrel (a synthetic progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen), acting through three complementary mechanisms:
• Suppression of ovulation (primary mechanism): The sustained hormonal levels maintained by daily tablet-taking suppress pituitary release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), preventing follicular development and the LH surge that normally triggers egg release.
• Cervical mucus thickening: The progestin component increases the viscosity of cervical mucus, creating a physical barrier that impedes sperm penetration and transport through the cervical canal.
• Endometrial modification: The combined hormones alter the endometrial lining of the uterus, reducing its thickness and receptivity to a fertilized egg, thereby providing an additional layer of contraceptive protection.

Take Cyclessa exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions on the product packaging. If vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs within 3 to 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 Cyclessa, 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 Cyclessa (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects: These are common side effects of Cyclessa; 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.
• Acne (may improve or worsen)
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods, especially during the first few months. This usually resolves with continued use.
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Changes in menstrual flow (lighter or shorter periods, or missed periods)
• Decreased sex drive (libido)
• Fluid retention or bloating
• Headache
• Loss of scalp hair or increased facial or body hair growth
• Mood changes, including depressed mood — women with a history of depression should inform their doctor
• Nausea or stomach upset, particularly when first starting the pill, taking it with food can help
• Skin darkening on the face (chloasma/melasma), especially with sun exposure, may persist after stopping.
• Vaginal discharge or irritation
• Weight changes

Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following symptoms:
• Blood clots — Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in a leg (DVT), sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood (pulmonary embolism).
• Gallbladder disease: Severe or persistent upper right abdominal pain. COCs may accelerate pre-existing gallbladder disease.
• High blood pressure: A significant unexplained rise in blood pressure. COC use has been associated with increased blood pressure, particularly with longer duration of use.
• Liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, or severe upper abdominal pain. Discontinue Cyclessa if jaundice develops. Rarely, benign or malignant liver tumors have been associated with COC use.
• New or worsening migraine: A new migraine with focal neurological aura (visual disturbances, unilateral numbness, weakness), or a marked increase in migraine frequency or severity. Discontinue Cyclessa.
• Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis): Hives, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• Severe depression: New or worsening severe depression or suicidal thoughts, discontinue and seek medical or mental health support.
• Stroke or heart attack: Sudden severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden confusion or difficulty speaking, sudden loss or blurring of vision, chest pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden vision changes: Sudden partial or complete loss of vision, or visual field defects. Discontinue immediately and seek an eye examination.

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Cyclessa, 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 Cyclessa/desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol if:
• A current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancer.
• A current or past history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, thrombophlebitis, or other thromboembolic events.
• A current or past history of migraines accompanied by focal symptoms such as visual disturbances, unilateral numbness, or weakness.
• A history of smoking and are over the age of 35.
• A history of myocardial infarction (heart attack), coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease (stroke), transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or angina pectoris.
• Allergies: You have a known hypersensitivity to desogestrel, ethinyl estradiol, or any ingredient in the tablet formulation.
• Cholestatic jaundice: A history of cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy (intrahepatic cholestasis) or jaundice caused by prior hormonal contraceptive use. • Diabetes mellitus with vascular involvement.
• Liver disease or liver tumors: Active liver disease, or a history of benign or malignant liver tumors (hepatic adenoma or carcinoma).
• Major surgery with prolonged immobilization: Discontinue Cyclessa at least 4 weeks before major elective surgery and for 2 weeks after full mobilization.
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension.
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal or genital bleeding.
• Valvular heart disease with thrombogenic complications.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Cyclessa. This is crucial as certain conditions affect the drug’s safety.
• A history of depression or mood disorders
• A family history of hypertriglyceridemia (elevated blood lipids) increases the risk of pancreatitis when taking COCs.
• Conditions prone to fluid retention (e.g., mild heart or kidney disease)
• Epilepsy
• Gallbladder disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Skin darkening tendency (chloasma)

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Cyclessa, discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete, up-to-date prescribing information, please refer to the FDA prescribing information at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021090s009lbl.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 Cyclessa. Cyclessa may interact with other medicines, including but not limited to:
• Antiretroviral drugs (HIV medications): Certain HIV protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine) may significantly reduce estrogen and progestin levels, impairing contraceptive efficacy. Use a non-hormonal backup method if these drugs are used concurrently.
• Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin: Co-administration may increase ethinyl estradiol levels, increasing the risk of side effects.
• Cyclosporine, prednisolone, and theophylline: Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the metabolism of these drugs, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of toxicity.
• CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzyme inducers (reduce contraceptive effectiveness): Such as anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate, primidone), rifampin (rifampicin) and rifabutin, griseofulvin, bosentan, and St. John’s Wort.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (may increase hormone exposure): Azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole), certain calcium channel blockers, certain SSRIs (fluoxetine), and grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of ethinyl estradiol. Monitor for increased estrogen-related side effects.
• Hepatitis C combination drug regimens: Cyclessa must be discontinued before starting the HCV regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir due to the risk of severe ALT liver enzyme elevations. Use a non-hormonal contraceptive during treatment and for 2 weeks after completing the HCV course.
• Tylenol: Tylenol (acetaminophen) may slightly increase the levels of estrogen in your blood. Conversely, Cyclessa can make Tylenol less effective by increasing the rate at which your body clears it.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Cyclessa is contraindicated during pregnancy. If pregnancy is confirmed or suspected, discontinue Cyclessa immediately. If withdrawal bleeding does not occur during the pill-free week (or during the green tablet week in the 28-day pack), the possibility of pregnancy should be considered. If you miss two consecutive withdrawal bleeds, contact your doctor to rule out pregnancy before continuing the medication. Cyclessa is not recommended during breastfeeding. Small amounts of both contraceptive hormones pass into breast milk. Estrogen-containing contraceptives can decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk and may affect the infant.

Use in Children:

Cyclessa is not intended for use before menarche (the onset of the first menstrual period). Cyclessa is intended for use by females only and should not be used by males.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cyclessa at Canada Pharmacy Online

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

Prescription drug prices, including Cyclessa, 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 Cyclessa I can order at once?

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

Can I buy Cyclessa from you over the counter?

No, Cyclessa 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 Cyclessa?

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

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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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