Ortho

Common Name: desogestrel - ethinyl estradiol

How does Ortho work?

Desogestrel - ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen and progestin combination pill used for the prevention of pregnancy. It works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and causing changes in the mucus of the cervix which make it difficult for sperm to penetrate and for an egg to implant. It may also be taken to regulate the menstrual cycle. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Ortho?

21-day pack: Take one tablet daily for 21 days, then take no pills for 7 days, and then begin the next pack 28-day pack: Take one tablet daily for 21 days, then take one "reminder" pill daily for 7 days, and then begin the next pack. Talk with your doctor about the best time to start your pills. The first day of your menstrual period (bleeding) is known as "Day 1". Your doctor may have you start your pills on the first Sunday after your period starts or on Day 1 of your period. The pills should be taken approximately the same time every day. It may be advisable to use a second method of birth control (e.g., latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel) for the first seven days of the first cycle of pill use. Many women have spotting or light bleeding or may feel sick to their stomach during the first three months taking the pill. If you do feel sick, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If it does not go away, check with your doctor or clinic. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if you take some medications such as antibiotics, your pills may not work as well. If you start a new medication while you are taking birth control pills, check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that it will not reduce the effectiveness of the pills. Use a back-up method of birth control, such as latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel, until you can check with your doctor or clinic. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss pills at any time the risk of becoming pregnant increases. If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the usual time. This means that you might take two pills in one day. If you miss two pills in a row during the first two weeks of your cycle, take two pills the day you remember and two pills the next day, then take one pill a day until you finish the pack. Use a second method of birth control if you have sex in the seven days after you miss the pills. If you start your pills on Sunday, and you miss two pills in a row during the third week of your cycle or three or more pills in a row anytime in your cycle, keep taking one pill a day until Sunday. On Sunday, safely discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack that day. If you start your pills on Day 1, and you miss two pills in a row during the third week of your cycle, or three or more pills at anytime during your cycle, safely dispose of the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day. Use another method of birth control if you have sex in the seven days after you miss the pills. You may not have a period this month. If you miss two periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic.

What form(s) does Ortho come in?

Tablet

What should I NOT take with Ortho?

This medication should not be taken by anyone who: has or has had thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders has or has had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., stroke) has had a heart attack has or has had coronary artery disease has active liver disease has or has had benign or malignant liver tumors has, has had, or may have breast cancer has, has had, or may have a tumour reliant on estrogen has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding has any eye lesion resulting from vascular disease of the eye, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields is or may be pregnant

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Ortho?

Regular check-ups: Physical examinations and follow-up visits should be done yearly by your doctor. Breast cancer: Increasing age and a strong family history are the most significant risk factors for the development of breast cancer. Other established risk factors include obesity, not having had children, and a late age at your first full-term pregnancy. The identified groups of women that may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer before menopause are long-term users of birth control pills (more than eight years) and starters at early age. In a few women, the use of birth control pills may speed up the growth of an existing but undiagnosed breast cancer. If you are taking birth control pills, you should learn breast self-examination. Notify your doctor any time you detect a lump. A yearly clinical breast examination is also recommended because, if breast cancer should develop, drugs that contain estrogen may cause the cancer to grow quickly. Diabetes: Current low-dose birth control pills have little affect on glucose control. People with diabetes, or those with a family history of diabetes, should monitor blood glucose closely to detect any changes after starting birth control pills. Depression: Women with a history of depression may be more likely to have a recurrence while taking oral birth control medications. Eye disorders: Women who are pregnant or who are taking birth control pills may experience fluid build-up in the cornea of the eye that may cause visual disturbances and changes in tolerance to contact lenses, especially of the rigid type. Soft contact lenses usually do not cause disturbances. If you experience visual changes or alterations in tolerance to contact lenses, you may need to stop wearing them temporarily or permanently. Emotional problems: Women with a history of emotional disturbances may be more likely to have a recurrence while taking oral birth control medications. Fibroids: This medication may worsen fibroids, causing sudden enlargement, pain, or tenderness. If you notice these effects, contact your doctor. Heart disease: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious heart disease and death. Birth control pills increase this risk, especially with increasing age. There is convincing data to support an upper age limit of 35 years for birth control pill use by women who smoke. Other women who are at high risk for heart disease include those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol levels, or those with a family history of these. It is unclear whether taking the birth control pill increases the risk. In low-risk, non-smoking women of any age, the benefits of using low-dose birth control pills outweigh the possible risks of heart disease. Return to fertility: After stopping birth control therapy, you should delay pregnancy until at least one normal spontaneous cycle has occurred in order to date the pregnancy. An alternative birth control method (e.g., condoms) should be used during this time. If you do not menstruate for six months or more after stopping birth control pills, notify your doctor. Sexually transmitted disease: Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. For protection against these, it is advisable to use latex condoms during sexual intercourse. Breast-feeding: The use of birth control pills while nursing is not recommended. The hormonal components pass into breast milk and may reduce its quantity and quality. The long-term effects on the developing child are not known. Pregnancy: Birth control pills should not be taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking birth control bills, contact your doctor.