Desogen

Desogen (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol) tablets are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use this product as a method of contraception.

Oral contraceptives are highly effective. Table I lists the typical accidental pregnancy rates for users of combination oral contraceptives and other methods of contraception. The efficacy of these contraceptive methods, except sterilization, the IUD, and the NORPLANT System, depends upon the reliability with which they are used. Correct and consistent use of these methods can result in lower failure rates.

To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Desogen (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol) tablets must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. Desogen may be initiated using either a Sunday start or a Day 1 start.

NOTE: Each cycle pack dispenser is preprinted with the days of the week, starting with Sunday, to facilitate a Sunday start regimen.

Six different "day label strips" are provided with each cycle pack dispenser in order to accommodate a Day 1 start regimen. In this case, the patient should place the self-adhesive "day label strip" that corresponds to her starting day over the preprinted days.

IMPORTANT: The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of use of Desogen should be considered.

The use of Desogen for contraception may be initiated 4 weeks postpartum in women who elect not to breast-feed. When the tablets are administered during the postpartum period, the increased risk of thromboembolic disease associated with the postpartum period must be considered.

If the patient starts on Desogen postpartum, and has not yet had a period, she should be instructed to use another method of contra-ception, such as condoms, diaphragms, or spermicides, until a white tablet has been taken daily for 7 days.