Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
What Is Enskyce?
Enskyce (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets) are oral contraceptives indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use this product as a method of contraception. Enskyce is available in generic form.
What Are Side Effects of Enskyce?
Common side effects of Enskyce 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 Enskyce. Women who use oral contraceptives including Enskyce are strongly advised not to smoke.
Dosage for Enskyce
The dosage of Enskyce for the initial cycle of therapy is one light orange "active" tablet administered daily from the 1 day through the 21 day of the menstrual cycle, counting the first day of menstrual flow as "Day 1". Tablets are taken without interruption as follows: One light orange "active" tablet daily for 21 days, then one green "reminder" tablet daily for 7 days. After 28 tablets have been taken, a new course is started and a light orange "active" tablet is taken the next day.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Enskyce?
Enskyce may interact with:
- phenytoin,
- barbiturates,
- carbamazepine,
- bosentan,
- felbamate,
- griseofulvin,
- oxcarbazepine,
- rifampicin,
- topiramate,
- rifabutin,
- rufinamide,
- aprepitant,
- St. John's wort,
- azole antifungals,
- grapefruit juice,
- HIV/Hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors,
- non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,
- colesevelam,
- cyclosporine,
- prednisolone,
- theophylline,
- tizanidine,
- voriconazole,
- acetaminophen,
- clofibric acid,
- morphine,
- salicylic acid,
- temazepam,
- lamotrigine,
- and thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.
Enskyce During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Enskyce is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Small amounts of Enskyce pass into breast milk and may cause adverse reactions in nursing infants. Breastfeeding while using Enskyce is not recommended.
Additional Information
Our Enskyce (desogestrel 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.
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.

QUESTION
Which of the following are methods for contraception? See AnswerSIDE EFFECTS
An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives (see WARNINGS).
- Thrombophlebitis and venous thrombosis with or without embolism
- Arterial thromboembolism
- Pulmonary embolism
- Myocardial infarction
- Cerebral hemorrhage
- Cerebral thrombosis
- Hypertension
- Gallbladder disease
- Hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors
There is evidence of an association between the following conditions and the use of oral contraceptives
- Mesenteric thrombosis
- Retinal thrombosis
The following adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving oral contraceptives and are believed to be drug-related:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating)
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Spotting
- Change in menstrual flow
- Amenorrhea
- Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment
- Edema
- Melasma which may persist
- Breast changes: tenderness, enlargement, secretion
- Change in weight (increase or decrease)
- Change in cervical erosion and secretion
- Diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum
- Cholestatic jaundice
- Migraine
- Allergic reaction, including rash, urticaria, and angioedema
- Mental depression
- Reduced tolerance to carbohydrates
- Vaginal candidiasis
- Change in corneal curvature (steepening)
- Intolerance to contact lenses
The following adverse reactions have been reported in users of oral contraceptives and a causal association has been neither confirmed nor refuted:
- Pre-menstrual syndrome
- Cataracts
- Changes in appetite
- Cystitis-like syndrome
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Hirsutism
- Loss of scalp hair
- Erythema multiforme
- Erythema nodosum
- Hemorrhagic eruption
- Vaginitis
- Porphyria
- Impaired renal function
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome
- Acne
- Changes in libido
- Colitis
- Budd-Chiari Syndrome
Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Enskyce (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets)
