Linessa (Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Do’s

• Take Linessa exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily at the same time each day.
• Swallow the tablets whole with or without food.
• Follow the instructions on the pill pack carefully, taking one pill each day for 21 days, then having a 7-day pill-free period where you will likely experience your period.
• If you miss a pill, follow the specific instructions in the pill pack or consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Maintain a consistent schedule to maximize the effectiveness of Linessa.
• Tell your healthcare provider about all medications and herbal products you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as some can interact with Linessa.
• Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have a history of blood clots, migraines, high blood pressure, or certain cancers.
• Use a backup method of birth control (like condoms or spermicide) during the first week of taking Linessa or if you miss pills, to prevent pregnancy.

Don'ts

• Don't take more or less Linessa than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't take Linessa if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suspect you might be pregnant.
• Don't smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products while taking Linessa, as it significantly increases the risk of blood clots.
• Don't start Linessa without first consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have any risk factors mentioned above.
• Don't share your Linessa prescription with others.

Common Side Effects:

• Abdominal cramping or bloating
• Acne (usually less common after 3 months of treatment, and may improve if acne already exists)
• Back pain
• Breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• General feeling of being unwell
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Vomiting
• Weight gain or loss

Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing
• Signs of blood clots, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain or swelling, or sudden severe headache
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Severe depression or mood changes
• Severe vaginal bleeding or changes in vaginal bleeding patterns
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Lumps in the breast

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Linessa,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially to the ingredients in Linessa.

Disclose your medical history to your healthcare provider, particularly if you have:

• Asthma or other breathing problems
• Migraines with aura (visual disturbances)
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• History of blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Liver or kidney disease
• Certain types of cancers (breast, cervical)
• Depression

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Linessa, before any surgery or medical procedures.

Linessa is not recommended during pregnancy as it can harm the developing baby. Discuss alternative birth control methods with your healthcare provider if pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

It is unknown if Linessa passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while using Linessa.

Linessa does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Consider using condoms for additional protection.

Linessa increases the risk of developing blood clots, which can be life-threatening. Be aware of symptoms like: 

Sudden chest pain or tightness

• Shortness of breath
• Leg pain or swelling
• Vision changes (blurred vision, loss of vision)
• Severe headache Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these.

Linessa may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially for women with pre-existing risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, or high cholesterol.

A rare but serious risk of liver cancer is associated with Linessa use.

Linessa may increase the risk of developing gallbladder disease.