Description

• Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol, a combination of birth control pill containing female hormones prevents ovulation
• It also causes changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, which makes it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus
• These pills are used to prevent pregnancy
• This active ingredient is used in brand like Apri
• Medicine is available in a dosage as Desogestrel 0.03mg + Ethinyl Estradiol 0.15mg

Directions for Use
Take Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol composed pill every day, not more than 24 hours apart, as directed by the doctor.

Do’s and Don’ts

• When the Apri pills run out, it is advisable to start a new pack the following day
• Use a back-up birth control in case feel sick with severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Overdose of this birth control pill may lead to nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding
• Do not smoke while taking this pill
• Apri pill does not work for sexually transmitted diseases like HIV or AIDS, recommended to use condom

Side Effects

• Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, acne, darkening of facial skin, weight gain, problems with contact lenses
• Serious side effects: Signs of a stroke–sudden numbness or weakness, sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance, signs of a blood clot–sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, and pain or warmth in one or both legs
• Some more side effects: Heart attack symptoms like chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating, liver problems–loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, increased blood pressure–severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in the neck or ears, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, changes in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches, a breast lump, symptoms of depression–sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, and mood changes

Precautions

• In case missed an active Apri pill, take pills on the day remembered and follow the rest of the pack as one pill per day
• In case missed 2 active pills, take 2 pills per day in a row when remembered and follow the rest of the pack as one pill per day
• In case missed 3 active pills in a week, the pack should be thrown out and start a new pack on a same day
• Call the doctor immediately if missed periods for 2 months in a row, as it might be the sign of pregnancy

Storage

• Store pills away from crawling children and playful kids
• Direct sunlight and excessive moisture may destroy Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol

Disposal

• Do not throw this medicine openly in the household dustbin
• Make sure you pack Apri pills in a sealed plastic bag while disposing