Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol Pregnancy and Breast Feeding Warnings

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol is also known as: Apri, Azurette, Caziant, Cesia, Cyclessa, Desogen, Kariva, Mircette, Ortho-Cept, Reclipsen, Solia, Velivet

Overview

Do not use Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Continue to use another method of birth control (such as condoms). Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol . Do not take Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol soon after delivery of a baby even if you are not breast-feeding. You should wait 4 weeks after delivery if you are not breast-feeding or 4 weeks after a second trimester abortion.

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol Pregnancy Warnings

Oral contraceptive combinations have been assigned to pregnancy category X. Although some reports have suggested that oral contraceptive hormones may cause a variety of congenital malformations, recent studies (including a meta-analysis of prospective studies) have suggested that an association between oral contraceptive use and congenital malformations does not exist. Some progestins may cause masculinization of female infants. There is no indication for the use of oral contraceptive combinations during pregnancy. Oral contraceptive combinations are contraindicated for use during pregnancy.

One case report has suggested that oral contraceptive hormones may cause choreoathetosis in infants exposed in utero. A recent case control study has suggested a weak association between use of older high dose contraceptives (particularly those containing 1.0 mg of ethynodiol diacetate) and the occurrence of congenital limb defects. However, the authors concluded that "this weak causal relationship was probable in the past when relatively high doses of contraceptive pills were used. This risk is apparently minimized by the use of new type (e.g., D-norgestrel) and lower dose of contraceptive pills".

Desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol Lactation Warnings

Both the estrogens and progestins occurring in commercially available oral contraceptive formulations are excreted into human milk in very small amounts. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers use of oral contraceptive combinations to be compatible with breast-feeding despite rare reports of breast enlargement in the nursing infant and the possibility of a decrease in milk production and protein content.

Some studies have examined the effect of progestin-only contraceptives on breast-feeding. The extent to which such studies have bearing on oral contraceptive combinations is uncertain. Use of such formulations has not been associated with deleterious effects on breast-fed infants.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Wolters Kluwer Health and Drugs.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Multum Information Services, Inc. does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. Copyright 2000-2008 Multum Information Services, Inc. The information in contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.