Cesia (Oral)
Generic name:desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol (oral route) [ des-oh-JES-trel, ETH-i-nil-es-tra-DYE-ol ]
Drug class:Contraceptives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 9, 2022.
Smoking is not advised in women using oral contraceptives. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age .
Oral route(Tablet)Ortho-Cept(R): Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from combination oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with the number of cigarettes smoked and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Use of combination oral contraceptives is not recommended in women who are over 35 years of age that smoke . Velivet(TM): Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke .Desogen(R): Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive (COC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs are contraindicated in women who are over 35 years of age, and smoke .
The Cesia brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Apri
- Caziant
- Cesia
- Cyclessa
- Desogen
- Enskyce
- Kariva
- Mircette
- Ortho-Cept
- Reclipsen
- Solia
- Velivet
In Canada
- Marvelon 21
- Marvelon 28 - White Tablet
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Contraceptive
Pharmacologic Class: Progestin
Uses for Cesia
Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a birth control pill that contains two types of hormones, desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, and when taken properly, prevents pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.
No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control pills. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.
This medicine does not prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Cesia
In deciding to use a medic
