What Is Emoquette Used For?

Contraception is the primary reason to use Emoquette; however, it can also be used "off-label" to treat acne, irregular menstrual periods, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, among other things. Although this birth control pill has off-label (unapproved) uses, it should not be given to women who have not yet had their first menstrual period. Each pack contains 28 pills, which should be taken in order.

Emoquette Birth Control Information

An Overview of Uses for Emoquette

Emoquette™ (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription birth control pill, also known as an oral contraceptive. It is a generic version of Desogen^® and Ortho-Cept^®. As with most birth control pills, Emoquette use provides the following benefits:

A relatively easy-to-use form of contraception
A highly effective birth control pill
Lighter and regular menstrual bleeding
Less menstrual pain
A decreased risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus).

(Emoquette is equivalent to Desogen^®, Ortho-Cept^®, Apri^®, Solia™, and Reclipsen™. The information in this article also applies to each of these birth control pills.)

A variety of different birth control options are available today. Each particular method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and no one method is right for all women. Some of the most commonly used birth control methods include:

Combined hormonal contraceptives (which contain a progestin and an estrogen) -- most birth control pills, patches, and rings
Progestin-only contraceptives -- some birth control pills ("mini-pills"), injections, and implants
Periodic abstinence, sometimes known as natural family planning or the rhythm method -- avoiding intercourse during the fertile phase of your menstrual cycle
Withdrawal -- removing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation
Barrier contraceptives -- condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and various other methods that physically block sperm from entering the uterus
Spermicides -- foams, jellies, gels, suppositories, and inserts
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) -- implanted devices that are both effective and reversible
Surgical sterilization -- tubal ligation (getting your "tubes tied") or a vasectomy (for men).

Like most birth control pills, Emoquette falls into the category of combined hormonal contraceptives, as it contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (desogestrel).

Birth control pills are often a great contraceptive choice for many women. However, combined hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of blood clots and other problems, and not all women should take them (see Precautions and Warnings With Emoquette for more information).

As with almost all methods of birth control, combined hormonal contraceptives must be used correctly and consistently. Using Emoquette does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In many situations, it is advisable to use condoms in addition to Emoquette to prevent the transmission of STDs.

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