prevents pregnancy. Many medications, including some antibiotics and supplements, can cause Ortho-Cept to not work. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any other medications.

Ortho-Cept Overview

Reviewed: August 7, 2015

Ortho-Cept is a prescription birth control medication used to prevent pregnancy. Ortho-Cept contains two hormones, desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, which belong to a group of drugs called hormonal contraceptives. These hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and by altering cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus to prevent sperm from entering.


Common side effects of Ortho-Cept include nausea, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods. 

How was your experience with ?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking ?

What are you taking for?

Choose one
  • Other

How long have you been taking it?

Choose one
  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend to a friend?


Desogestrel & Ethinyl Estradiol


Ortho-Cept Drug Class

Ortho-Cept is part of the drug class: