Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel (EH thih
nill ess tra DYE ole and des oh JESS trel)
Typical Brand Names: Apri, Cyclessa, Desogen, Mircette, Ortho-Cept
What Is It Used For?
Mircette pills are used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used
for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Mircette Tablets are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy
if you elect to use this product as a method of contraception.
How Is It Used?
Take this medication with food or immediately after a meal to
avoid stomach upset. Try to take this medication at the same time
each day. These tablets do not contain ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully concerning
when to take your first tablet (on the first or fifth day of your
menstrual period, or on the first Sunday on or after bleeding
begins).
Take oral contraceptives exactly as directed by your doctor.
Do not take more or less of this medication unless your doctor
has advised you to do so. Do not stop taking this medication without
talking to your doctor.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives), blood clot in the lung, high blood pressure, liver
damage, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact
your doctor immediately.
Less serious side effects like: depression, vaginal yeast infection,
oily skin, lethargy, changes in skin color, changes in blood color.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or
that is especially bothersome.
Is It Safe?
Mircette are in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that
birth control pills are known to cause birth defects in an unborn
baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have serious negative
effects on a developing baby. Do not take birth control pills
if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. The hormones
in Mircette pass into breast milk and may decrease milk production.
Do not take birth control pills without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Some drugs may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills
which may result in pregnancy. Use a second form of birth control
if you are taking a penicillin antibiotic such as amoxicillin,
ampicillin, bacampicillin, carbenicillin, dicloxacillin, or penicillin;
a tetracycline antibiotic; a barbiturate such as amobarbital,
or phenobarbital. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking
or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you have missed any dose, use it as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose (within
2 hours.), skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not use a double dose of this medication. And try to keep your
doses at least 4 hours apart.
How Should It Be Stored?
Mircette should be kept at room temperature and away from moisture
and heat. Do not allow the medication to freeze. Keep out of the
reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Avoid smoking cigarettes while taking birth control pills. Smoking
greatly increases the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or
blood clot. Smoking greatly increases the risk of a heart attack,
stroke, or blood clot formation. Birth control pills do not protect
you from sexually transmitted diseases including HIV or AIDS.
Using a condom is the only way to protect you from these diseases.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
