Marvelon 28 Day – Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Indication

Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol (generic option for Marvelon 28 day) is a birth control medication that is used as a form of contraception to prevent pregnancy. It uses female hormones that prevent ovulation and change the cervical mucus and uterine lining to effectively prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.

Storage

Store Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol tablets at room temperature, in an area that is protected from heat and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, as you may need an adjusted dosage to safely take this medication:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Angina (chest pain)
• A history of heart attack
• High cholesterol or if you are overweight
• A history of depression
• Gall bladder disease
• Diabetes
• Seizures or epilepsy
• A history of irregular menstrual cycles
• A history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram

Warnings

• This medication causes birth defects and should not be used by any woman that is pregnant.
• Since the hormones in Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol tablets can pass through breast milk, mothers should not take them while breast feeding a baby.
• Smoking is not recommended while taking Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol, especially for those over the age of thirty-five.

Patient Family Information

• Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol tablets should be taken exactly as prescribed.
• When taking this medication, follow the directions on your prescription label.
• If you are unsure of the procedure of taking this medication, contact your healthcare provider.
• Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol tablets are generally to be taken at the same time each day.
• If you have recently had a baby, wait at least four weeks before taking this medication.

Contraindication

Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol should not be taken if you have:

• A history of a stroke or blood clot.
• Circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes).
• A hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Liver disease or liver cancer.
• Severe high blood pressure.
• Severe migraine headaches.
• A heart valve disorder.
• A history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Severe Side Effects of Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol

Severe side effects of this medication include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden headache
• Problems with vision, speech, or balance
• Chest pain or heavy feeling
• Pain spreading to the arm or shoulder
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Common Side Effects of Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol

Common and less serious side effects of Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol include:

• Mild nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Stomach cramps
• Breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
• Freckles or darkening of facial skin
• Increased hair growth
• Loss of scalp hair
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Problems with vagina

Other Drugs

Ubrelvy | Lo loestrin fe 28 day | Slynd

References

2015. Estrogen and Progestin (Oral Contraceptives). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601050.html