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