Ethinyl Estradiol/Desogestrel (Mircette) Drug for Contraception: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel
(Mircette, United States and Canada)

Use:

Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel are a hormone combination that is used as an oral contraceptive.

How It Works:

The combination contains estrogen, ethinyl estradiol, and progesterone, desogestrel which prevent implantation and thus pregnancy.

Side Effects:

This ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel combination is associated with the same side effects as other combinations are. This specific combination does contain a lower dose of estrogen, ethinyl estradiol, and uses the progesterone, desogestrel, which may be associated with a lower risk of blood clots.

Cautions for People:

As with all combination oral contraceptives, broad spectrum antibiotics are able to reduce effectiveness. Smoking while using an oral contraceptive is linked to increased cardiovascular problems.

Drug Interactions:

The combination has an unique dosing regime - 21 days of combination tablets, 2 days of no active ingredients, then 5 days of ethinyl estradiol. This regime provides a shorter hormone free period and is ideal for people who get migraines, dysmenorrhea, and other symptoms the week they are not taking the oral contraceptive.

Further Reading:

Gynecology Endocrinology 1996;10:265

Added to Virtual Drugstore June 1998.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.