Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol (Velivet) Uses

Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol is used to prevent pregnancy.

There may be other off-label uses of ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel, such as for the treatment of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), dysfunctional uterine bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and acne. Your healthcare professionals can give you further drug information.

Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol (Velivet) Mechanism of Action

Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol birth control pills work by suppressing ovulation (preventing the release of an egg from the ovary). These oral contraceptives also cause changes in the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Additionally, they cause changes in the endometrium (lining of the uterus) to reduce the chances of implantation of a fertilized egg.

Note: Taking oral contraceptives does not prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV infection, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol (Velivet) Doses

The combination of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol comes in a monophasic, biphasic, and triphasic oral dosage form. The triphasic form (brand names Velivet, Cyclessa, Caziant) comes in a kit that contains a total of 28 tablets to be taken one tablet by mouth every day in the order shown on the package. After one pack finishes, you should immediately start a new pack the next day.

Each 28-day kit consists of four different dosing phases as follows:

• Days 1-7: Each beige tablet contains 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.1 mg desogestrel
• Days 8-14: Each orange tablet contains 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.125 mg desogestrel
• Days 15-21: Each pink tablet contains 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel
• Days 22-28: Each white tablet is inactive