Ortho-Cept® (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription oral contraceptive (commonly known as a birth control pill). Ortho-Cept is equivalent to Desogen®, another brand-name birth control pill. For more information about Ortho-Cept, refer to any of the Desogen links in this article, since all Desogen information also applies to Ortho-Cept.
(Click Desogen for more information on what Ortho-Cept is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Ortho-Cept is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. Generic versions of the drug are made by various manufacturers
(see Generic Desogen).
How Does Ortho-Cept Work?
Ortho-Cept is a combined oral contraceptive, which means that it is a birth control pill that contains two different types of hormones. It contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (desogestrel). The hormones in Ortho-Cept prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, it also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, less important ways. Ortho-Cept changes the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Lastly, Ortho-Cept alters the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
Like most
birth control pills, each pack of Ortho-Cept contains 21 days of active pills (they contain the hormones), followed by 7 days of inactive pills, with no active ingredients. This gives your body a break from the hormones, causing you to have a period.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print