Ethinyl Estradiol and Desogestrel

(ETH in il es tra DYE ole & des oh JES trel)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Do not smoke while taking birth control pills. Cigarette smoking raises the chance of very bad heart and blood-related side effects. This chance is higher with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day). Birth control pills do not stop the spread of diseases caused by having sex.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with other drugs. They can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• If you have an allergy to ethinyl estradiol, desogestrel, or any other part of this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have any of these health problems: Blood clots, breast cancer, diseased arteries in the brain, disease of a heart valve with problems, endometrial cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, liver tumor, very bad headache, tumor where estrogen makes it grow, or vaginal bleeding.
• If you have surgery and need bed rest.
• If you have not started your period.
• If you turned yellow during pregnancy or with estrogen-based or hormone contraceptive use.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to control monthly period (menstrual) cycle.
• It is used to ease painful period (menstrual) cycles.
• It is used to treat hormonal imbalance.
• It is used to treat endometriosis.
• It is used to stop pregnancy.
• It is used to treat pimples (acne).

How does this drug work?

• Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel stops pregnancy by stopping egg release (ovulation) from hormonal changes. Changes in the cervical mucus and endometrium make it hard for sperm to get into and form a fertilized egg that can attach to the uterine lining.
• It works on the hormones that control the monthly period (menstrual) cycle.
• It helps stop endometriosis.
• For pimples (acne), this drug may lower free testosterone levels.

How is this drug given?

• Follow how to use as you have been told by your doctor or read the package insert.
• Take this drug at the same time of day.
• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• If you are taking this drug to stop pregnancy, and miss 2 periods in a row, take a pregnancy test before starting a new dosing cycle.

How long does this drug take to work?

• For birth control, it will take 1 week to see the full effect.
• For other uses, it may take a few months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your normal time.
• Missed dosing facts may be found in the package insert or call your doctor to find out what to do.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• If you have a family history of blood clots, talk with your doctor.
• If you have heart disease, talk with your doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• If you have migraine headaches, talk with your doctor.
• Have your blood pressure and heart rate checked often. Talk with your doctor.
• If you are taking a blood thinner, have your blood work checked. Talk with your doctor.
• Have an eye exam every year.
• Check all drugs you are taking with your doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that you use this drug.
• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist often.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Do not take St John's wort, dong quai, black cohosh, saw palmetto, red clover, or ginseng with this drug.
• If you are taking this drug and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
• Avoid cigarette smoking. People smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day have more chance for heart disease.
• To protect from diseases caused by having sex, use a latex condom.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Headache.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Period (menstrual) changes. These include spotting between cycles or very light periods.
• Mood changes.
• Swelling.
• Enlarged breasts.
• Vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.
• Blood clots may rarely happen.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling or pain in the leg or arm.
• Very bad headache.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Not able to eat.
• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• Change in how contact lenses feel in the eyes.
• Sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation.
• A lump in the breast or breast soreness.
• If you get pregnant while taking this drug.
• Any rash.
• Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General drug facts

• If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Read the package insert for more details.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.