Ethinyl Estradiol + Desogestrel (0.02 mg)

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The benefits of taking the pill include: It is one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception if used correctly It does not interrupt sex It usually makes period regular, lighter and less painful It may help with pre-menstrual symptoms

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You should not use this tablet if you have or ever had any of the conditions listed below: A blood clot in a blood vessel of legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT), lungs (Pulmonary Embolus, PE) or other organs A disorder affecting blood clotting- for instance, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin-lll deficiency, Factor V Leiden or antiphospholipid antibodies Need an operation or off to feet for a long time A heart attack or stroke Angina pectoris Any of the following diseases that may increase risk of a clot in the arteries: Severe diabetes with blood vessel damage, Very high blood pressure, A very high level of fat in the blood (cholesterol or triglycerides), A condition known as hyperhomocysteinaemia A type of migraine called "migraine with aura" Severe liver disease or liver tumour Cancer affected by sex hormones- such as some cancers of the breast, womb lining or ovary Vaginal bleeding that has not been explained by doctor Allergy (hypersensitivity) to any of the ingredients in this tablet If you suffer from any of these or get them for the first time while taking this tablet contact your doctor as soon as possible stop taking this tablet.

Migraine or headache (see a doctor as soon as possible if this is your first migraine or it’s worse than usual, or if the headache is severe, unusual or long lasting) Putting on weight or losing weight Breast problems, such as painful or tender breasts; producing a milky fluid from the nipples Depression or mood changes Changes in sexual desire Heart or circulation problems, such as increased blood pressure, swollen hands, ankles or feet (a sign of fluid retention) Changes in vaginal secretions (Irregular vaginal bleeding) Skin problems; such as, rash, bruise-like swelling to the shins (erythema nodosom) Stomach problems; such as, nausea, vomiting Discomfort of the eyes who wears contact lenses

Do not use this tablet if you are pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant, do a pregnancy test to confirm that you are before you stop taking this tablet. This tablet is not recommended for use in breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or family planning nurse about alternative contraception.

If you ever need to take another medicine at the same time as being on the pill, always tell your doctor, pharmacist or dentist that you're taking this tablet. Also check the leaflets that come with all your medicines to see if they can be taken with hormonal contraceptives.Some medicines can stop this tablet from working properly-for example: Some medicines used to treat epilepsy (Primidone, Phenytoins, Barbiturates, Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Topiramate, Felbamate) Medicine to treat tuberculosis (Rifampicin) Certain HIV medicines (Ritonavir) Certain antibiotics (Penicillins, Tetracyclines) St. John’s Wort (a herbal remedy) Griseofulvin (an antifungal drug) If you do need to take one of these medicines, this tablet may not be suitable for you or you may be able to take this tablet and use extra contraception for a while. This tablet can also affect how well other medicines work. For example, Cyclosporine and Lamotrigine.Taking these medicines with food and drink: There are no special instructions about food and drink while on this tablet.Bleeding between periods should not last long: A few women have a little unexpected bleeding or spotting while they are taking this pill, especially during the first few months. Normally, this bleeding is nothing to worry about and will stop after a day or two. Keep taking this pill as usual; the problem should disappear after the first few strips. You may also have unexpected bleeding if you are not taking your pills regularly, so try to take your pill at the same time every day. Also, unexpected bleeding can sometimes be caused by other medicines. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you get breakthrough bleeding or spotting that: Carries on for more than the first few months Starts after you’ve been taking this pill for a while Carries on even after you’ve stopped taking this pill