Pharm

Desogen

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Desogen, Ortho-Cept, OrthoCept, Ortho Cept, Mircette, Cyclessa, Kariva, Mercilon, Marvelon, Apri, Enskyce

  • See Also
  1. Oral Contraceptive
  2. Oral Contraceptive Drug Interaction
  3. Oral Contraceptive Selection
  4. Oral Contraceptive Side Effect Management
  5. Oral Contraceptive-Related Uterine Bleeding Management
  • Preparations (Desogestrel / Ethinyl Estradiol)
  1. Desogen (0.15 / 30)
  2. Ortho-Cept, Marvelon (UK) or Apri (0.15 / 30)
  3. Mircette or Kariva (0.15/20 with tapered Estrogen at end of cycle)
  4. Mercilon (UK, 0.15/20)
  5. Cyclessa or Velivet (triphasic: 0.100 - 0.125 - 0.150 / 25)
  • Components
  1. Desogestrel 0.15 mg (except Cyclessa - see above)
  2. Ethinyl Estradiol 30 ug
  • Effect
  1. Relative Progestational Activity: 1.0 (moderate)
  2. Estrogenic Activity: 30 (moderate)
  3. Androgenic Activity: 0.17 (low)
  • Pill associated problems
  1. Indications to switch to Ortho Tri-Cyclen
    1. Acne Vulgaris (lower androgen)
  2. Indications to switch to Ortho Cyclen
    1. Increased Appetite (lower Progestin)
    2. Major Depression provoked (lower Progestin)
  3. Indications to switch to Ortho Novum 7/7/7
    1. Break-through bleed days 1-9 (more Estrogen)
    2. Break-through bleed all of month (more Estrogen)
    3. Menses too light (more Estrogen, less Progestin)
  4. Indications to switch to Demulen 1/35
    1. Breast Tenderness or engorgement (lower Estrogen)
    2. Break-through bleed days 10-21 (more Progestin)
    3. Heavy Menses (more Progestin or less Estrogen)
    4. Dysmenorrhea or Menstrual Cramps (more Progestin)
    5. Headaches (lower Estrogen)
    6. Moodiness (less Estrogen or more Progestin)
    7. Weight gain (less Estrogen or more Progestin)
  5. Indications to switch to Nordette
    1. Libido decreased (more androgen)
  • References
  1. Cerel-Suhl (1999) Am Fam Physician 60(7):2073 [PubMed]
  2. Speroff (1993) Obstet Gynecol 81:1034-47 [PubMed]
  3. Dickey (1998) Managing Contraceptive Pill Patients