FAQ

• How Does Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Work?

  Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol is a pill that you must take by mouth every day at the same time. If you take the pill at different times of the day, the effectiveness of preventing pregnancy goes down. You will take 21 pills with the combination of hormones, followed by seven placebo pills that help you stay in the habit of taking your pill each day.

• Is Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Available?

  Since desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol is a generic birth control medication, it is one of the more affordable options. You can get it at most pharmacies, but you do need a prescription. At Nurx, our goal is to make it easier for women to get access to their birth control. We partner with doctors in many states across the nation, allowing you to obtain a prescription online and receive your pills securely and discreetly by mail.

  Most insurance companies will cover a prescription for desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol. We work with a number of insurance providers and are constantly working to add more to our list. You can also take advantage of our competitive pricing if you plan to pay for your prescription out of pocket.

• What Precautions Should I Take When Using Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol?

  Before you take any type of birth control, you should consult with a doctor or healthcare professional at Nurx. They will review your health history, current medications, and any potential risk factors before prescribing desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol. Your provider can also help determine if you are at risk for a rare but serious allergic reaction, which could cause swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat, itching, trouble breathing, rashes, or hives. Make sure to review all medications you take, including prescribed medications, supplements, vitamins, and recreational drugs.

• Are There Any Known Side Effects?

  Hormone-based birth controls do come with the risk of side effects, but most women taking desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol don’t experience them. Those who do tend to have mild side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, acne, breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, darkening of the skin on the face, changes in vision or dryness of the eyes, and weight gain.

  More serious side effects, which are rare, include chest pain, warmth or pain in one or both legs, increased blood pressure, swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles, breast lumps, sudden weakness or numbness, sudden severe headache, chest pressure or pain, sweating, upper abdominal pain, and yellowing of the eyes or skin.

  In some cases, desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol offers positive side effects to women who take it. Examples include less hormone-based acne, shorter periods, and improved menstrual regularity.

• What Is Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Taken For?

  Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol contains two hormones, progestin and estrogen, which work together to prevent the body from ovulating or producing an egg.

• How Does Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Work?

  Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol contains two hormones, progestin and estrogen, which work together to prevent the body from ovulating or producing an egg.

• Other Important Information About Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol

  Certain medications are known to interact negatively with desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol. These include tranexamic acid, dasabuvir, ritonavir, ombitasvir, and paritaprevir. Other medications may cause an interaction that reduces desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol’s ability to prevent pregnancy, so you must discuss all your medications with your doctor before starting this birth control medication. Oral contraceptives, when taken exactly as directed, are extremely effective at preventing pregnancy. Make sure to take your pill at the same time each day and avoid missing any pills.