MedicinePOM

Ethinyl Estradiol + Desogestrel

Combined oral contraceptive pill (desogestrel with ethinyl estradiol) to prevent pregnancy.

Clinical information

Common uses

prevention of pregnancy

Common side effects

feeling or being sick
breakthrough bleeding or spotting
breast tenderness
bloating and stomach cramps
weight changes

Cautions

do not use if over 35 and a smoker — serious cardiovascular risk
raises risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke
not with history of blood clots, breast cancer or liver disease
does not protect against HIV or other STIs

Interactions

enzyme-inducing drugs reduce effectiveness (phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin)
St John's wort (reduces effectiveness — use backup contraception)
hepatitis C combo ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (do not use)
lamotrigine (levels drop — seizure control may worsen)
colesevelam (separate doses by 4 hours)
thyroid hormone (dose may need increasing)

Pregnancy: do not use — contraindicated in pregnancy

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, Isibloom (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol) label, setid 4a8f278f-f505-4537-8deb-74e8927df8c6 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations2

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Ethinyl Estradiol + Desogestrel	Tablet	0.02mg + 0.15mg	—	POM
Ethinyl Estradiol + Desogestrel	Tablet	0.03mg + 0.15mg	—	POM