Kimidess

Kimidess (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets is an oral contraceptive indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use this product as a method of contraception. Kimidess is available in generic form. Common side effects of Kimidess include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• abdominal cramps,
• bloating, breakthrough bleeding,
• spotting,
• changes in menstrual flow,
• missed periods,
• swelling, freckles or darkening of facial skin,
• breast tenderness or enlargement,
• nipple discharge,
• weight gain or loss,
• changes in vaginal discharge,
• migraine, rash (allergic),
• depression,
• vaginal yeast infection,
• and intolerance to contact lenses.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from use of oral contraceptives such as Kimidess. Women who use oral contraceptives including Kimidess are strongly advised not to smoke.

To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Kimidess must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. Kimidess may be initiated using either a Sunday start or a Day 1 start. Counting the first day of menstruation as "Day 1", tablets are taken without interruption as follows: one white tablet daily for 21 days, one light-green (inert) tablet daily for 2 days followed by 1 yellow (ethinyl estradiol) tablet daily for 5 days. For all subsequent cycles, the patient then begins a new 28- tablet regimen on the next day after taking the last yellow tablet. Kimidess may interact with:

• rifampin,
• barbiturates,
• phenylbutazone,
• phenytoin sodium,
• carbamazepine,
• griseofulvin,
• ampicillin,
• tetracycline antibiotics,
• and lamotrigine.

Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Kimidess is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Small amounts of Kimidess pass into breast milk and may cause adverse reactions in nursing infants. Breastfeeding while using Kimidess is not recommended.

Our Kimidess (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ethinyl estradiol tablets) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using birth control pills and call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), 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, pain or warmth in one or both legs;
• heart attack symptoms--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, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• changes in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;
• a breast lump; or
• symptoms of depression--sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting (especially when you first start taking this medicine);
• breast tenderness;
• breakthrough bleeding;
• acne, darkening of facial skin;
• weight gain; or
• problems with contact lenses.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Kimidess (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets)