provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Enskyce Coupon - Enskyce 28 tablets of 0.15mg/0.03mg package

Enskyce

Generic
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control

Enskyce is a birth control pill for preventing pregnancy. This combined oral contraceptive (COC) has two hormones in it: desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It comes in 28-day blister packs with 21 active tablets and 7 inactive tablets. It's monophasic, since all the active tablets have the same amount of hormones in them. The usual dosage is 1 tablet by mouth every day. Some side effects are nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches.

Enskyce is a generic of the discontinued brand name Desogen. Other generics include Apri, Isibloom, Kalliga, Juleber, and Reclipsen.

Last reviewed on March 11, 2025
basics-icon

What is Enskyce?

What is Enskyce used for?

How Enskyce works

Enskyce is a combined contraceptive that contains two hormones: desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). The hormones work together to prevent pregnancy in a few ways.

  • It stops ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary).

  • It changes cervical mucus to block sperm from moving through.

  • It changes the lining of the uterus (womb) to create an unfriendly environment for the fertilized egg.

When does Enskyce start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsEnskyce
Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Enskyce essentials

coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$25.93(save 53.28%)
GoodRx discount
$12.11
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Enskyce?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Bloating
  • Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
  • Change in menstrual flow
  • Breast tenderness
  • Change in weight (up or down)
  • Headache

Other Side Effects

  • Spotty darkening of skin
  • Having trouble wearing contact lenses
  • Change in sex drive
  • Acne
  • Change in appetite
  • Higher blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Yeast infection

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
  • Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in one arm or leg, numbness or weakness on one side of the face, severe headache, confusion, trouble seeing, trouble walking
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, or pain; muscle tightness
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
  • Serious liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, tiredness, stomach pain
When do Enskyce possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Nausea
Stomach cramps
Headache
Breast tenderness
Changes in menstrual bleeding

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods

anxiety

change in vision

changes in skin color

chest pain or discomfort

chills

clay-colored stools

constipation

cough

dark urine

diarrhea

dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting

fever

hives or welts

itching skin or rash

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

nausea

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg

pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially in the calves of the legs

severe headaches of sudden onset

slow or fast heartbeat

stomach pain

sudden loss of coordination or slurred speech

sudden troubled breathing

sweating

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

vomiting of blood

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Bloating

blotchy spots on the exposed skin

breast enlargement or tenderness

feeling sad or empty

irritability

itching of the vagina or outside the genitals

loss of interest or pleasure

pain during sexual intercourse

thick, white curd-like vaginal discharge without odor or with mild odor

trouble wearing contact lenses

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Enskyce

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken once a day

Works well to prevent pregnancy (93% successful at preventing pregnancy with typical use)

Blister packs have easy-to-follow instructions written on them

Can make your menstrual cycle more regular

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to take at the same time every day for it to work as best as it can to prevent pregnancy

Might cause breakthrough bleeding when you first start using it

Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Not a good option for people over 35 who smoke

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Enskyce

pharmacist
  • Take Enskyce at the same time every day to help make it part of your daily routine. You can also set an alarm to help you remember to take it. Forgetting to take your pill can raise your chance of getting pregnant. If you miss a dose, read the instructions that came with your prescription or ask your prescriber about what to do.

    • It's normal to have spotting (light bleeding outside of your period) after starting Enskyce. It's also common to have an upset stomach. These side effects should get better over time. But if they don't, talk to your healthcare team.

      • If you vomit or have diarrhea, Enskyce might not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use a back-up method of birth control until you can follow up with a healthcare professional (HCP).

        • If you've been taking Enskyce as instructed and you've missed two periods in a row or feel like you might be pregnant, consider taking a pregnancy test, especially if you had sex recently. Taking Enskyce early in pregnancy doesn't usually raise the risk of birth defects. But you won't need to take birth control anymore once you're pregnant.

          • It's not recommended to take Enskyce while breastfeeding. It can lower the amount of breast milk you can make. If you're breastfeeding, ask your HCP about other birth control options.

            • After you stop taking Enskyce, it can take some time before you can get pregnant. It's recommended to wait until you have regular menstrual cycles again after stopping Enskyce before you try to get pregnant. If you want to stop taking Enskyce and become pregnant, talk to your HCP.

              • Your Enskyce prescription is only meant for you. Don't share it with anyone who wants to take birth control. Their HCP should talk to them to make sure they get a safe option.

                How to start Enskyce:

                • There are two different options on how to start Enskyce: Day 1 Start and the Sunday Start methods. For both methods, start with the first active pill in the pack. Talk to your HCP about the best way for you to start Enskyce.

                  • For the Day 1 Start: Begin taking Enskyce during the first 24 hours of your period. You don't need to use a back-up method of birth control if you have sex.

                    • For the Sunday Start method: Begin taking Enskyce on the Sunday after your period starts (even if you're still bleeding). Use another form of birth control (e.g., condom, spermicide) along with Enskyce if you have sex during the first 7 days.

                      More on Enskyce tips

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Enskyce

                      Is Enskyce a low-dose pill?
                      No, Enskyce isn't considered a low-dose estrogen birth control pill. "Low-dose" birth control pills have 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) or less. Enskyce contains 30 mcg of estrogen in each active pill.
                      How effective is Enskyce birth control?
                      Enskyce is around 93% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical use. It's important to take your pill at the same time every day. Forgetting to take the pill can make it work less well to prevent pregnancy. Certain medications can also affect how well Enskyce works. So tell your prescriber about all the medications you're taking.
                      Does Enskyce cause weight gain?
                      It's possible for people who take birth control pills like Enskyce to gain weight as a side effect. Based on clinical studies, it's not clear if the weight gain is due to birth control pills or other factors. In general, weight gain while taking birth control pills is usually from water retention (extra water in the body) rather than more body fat. Talk to a healthcare professional if you're worried about weight changes while taking Enskyce.
                      Does Enskyce cause acne?
                      Some people taking birth control pills like Enskyce have had acne as a side effect. But it's less common with Enskyce. This is because it contains a newer type of progestin that generally has a lower risk of causing acne. If you have more acne while taking Enskyce, talk to a healthcare professional about ways to manage it.
                      Does Enskyce have estrogen?
                      Yes. Enskyce contains ethinyl estradiol, which is a type of estrogen. This birth control pill also contains desogestrel, a progestin. These hormones work together to help prevent pregnancy.
                      Does Enskyce stop your period?
                      Enskyce doesn't usually stop menstrual periods. You'll probably have withdrawal bleeding similar to a period when you take the inactive tablets in your pack. But there are some people who might have irregular periods or might not get their period at all while taking Enskyce. Tell your prescriber if you miss your period. They can talk with you to find out if it's because of your birth control pill, because you're pregnant, or because of another reason.
                      Can you use Enskyce for IVF?
                      Hormonal birth control pills like Enskyce are sometimes used off-label as a pretreatment for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Fertility specialists might use it help with the timing of your menstrual cycle. Remember that Enskyce isn't FDA approved for this purpose. So it's best to talk to your fertility specialist about medications for IVF that are right for you.
                      Is Enskyce the same as Apri?
                      Enskyce is very similar to Apri. They're both birth control pills that come in 28-day packets. They both have 21 active tablets that have the same amount of hormones (0.15 mg desogestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol). And they both have 7 inactive tablets. Enskyce and Apri are taken the same way to prevent pregnancy. But they're two different branded generics of the same birth control. So the tablets might look different. Talk to a healthcare professional to learn more about Enskyce and Enskyce.
                      GoodRxEducationalIcon

                      How to save using GoodRx

                      Compare Prices
                      1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                      Select your free coupon
                      2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                      Show coupon to your pharmacist
                      3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                      Get free couponLearn more
                      warings-icon

                      What are the risks and warnings for Enskyce?

                      Enskyce can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Cigarette smoking and the risk for serious heart problems

                      • Risk factors: Over 35 years old and smoke cigarettes

                        If you smoke cigarettes, using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) like Enskyce raises your risk of serious health problems. These include strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. People 35 years and older who smoke are at even higher risk. It's also even higher with the more cigarettes smoked. If you smoke, talk to your healthcare professional (HCP) about safer birth control options.

                        risk-warning

                        Risk for blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke)

                        • Risk factors: Over 35 years old and smoke | Over 40 years old who don't smoke | Recent surgery with a long period of bedrest | Starting Enskyce less than a month after childbirth | People identified as obese | High blood pressure | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Higher dose of estrogen

                          Enskyce raises your risk of blood clots, though the overall risk is quite low. These clots can occur anywhere in your body. This can include your legs (a deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or lungs (a pulmonary embolism or PE). Clots can also happen near the brain (raising your risk for a stroke) or heart (raising your risk for a heart attack).

                          Get emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot or its complications.

                          • Brain (stroke): weakness or numbness on one side of the body, weakness or numbness on one side of the face, trouble speaking, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or confusion

                            • Eyes: trouble seeing, bulging eye, double vision, or vision loss

                              • Heart (heart attack): chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness

                                • Lungs (PE): trouble breathing, chest pain, or cough

                                  • Legs (DVT): cramps, swelling, pain, or muscle tightness

                                    If you have a surgery planned, tell your HCP that you're taking Enskyce well beforehand. They might tell you to stop Enskyce 4 weeks before until 2 weeks after your surgery. This helps lower your risk of blood clots.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Risk of breast and cervical cancer

                                    • Risk factors: History of breast cancer | Taking COCs for a long time

                                      Study results are mixed, but there's a possibility that Enskyce and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.

                                      Don't take Enskyce if you have breast cancer. Some types of breast cancer grow faster when there's estrogen around. Estrogen is one of the hormones in this birth control pill.

                                      To help with early breast cancer detection, you can do monthly breast self-checks at home and yearly breast exams with your HCP. Call your HCP if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

                                      Also get medical help right away if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, or pain during sex. These could be signs of cervical cancer.

                                      risk-warning

                                      Liver problems

                                      • Risk factors: History of liver problems | Taking certain hepatitis C combination medications

                                        Don't take Enskyce if you have liver problems. Although rare, COCs like Enskyce can raise the risk of liver problems, like liver damage or benign liver tumors. This risk was higher with older COCs that had a higher estrogen dose (up to 50 mcg). The risk isn't as high with Enskyce because it contains 30 mcg of estrogen.

                                        To be safe, it's important to still know about this risk. Call your HCP right away if you have tiredness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. These can be signs of liver problems.

                                        risk-warning

                                        High blood sugar, high cholesterol levels, and high triglyceride levels

                                        • Risk factors: Prediabetes or diabetes | Personal or family history of high triglycerides

                                          COCs like Enskyce might raise your blood sugar levels. If you have prediabetes or diabetes, the risk that your blood sugar can go up is higher. This is because COCs make it harder for your body to break down sugar. Let your HCP know if you have any changes in your blood sugar.

                                          Some people who take COCs also might have higher cholesterol levels and triglyceride (fat) levels. In particular, high triglyceride levels might lead to a higher risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

                                          Talk to your HCP if you have a history of high blood sugar or high cholesterol. They can make sure Enskyce is safe for you. Be sure to get any blood work done so your HCP can monitor any changes.

                                          risk-warning

                                          High blood pressure

                                          • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Older age | Using COCs for a long time | Kidney problems

                                            Enskyce and other COCs can raise your blood pressure. The risk might be higher as you get older and as you use COCs over a long time.

                                            Your HCP might ask you to check your blood pressure regularly. Call your HCP if your blood pressure is higher than usual while you're taking this medication. They can help manage your blood pressure or find other birth control options for you. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, Enskyce might not be the best option for you.

                                            risk-warning

                                            Headache

                                            Headaches are a common side effect of COCs like Enskyce. But if you have a new migraine, a migraine that's worse than normal, a new headache that keeps coming back, or a new headache that's severe, call your HCP so you can be checked out.

                                            risk-warning

                                            Irregular bleeding

                                            Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common side effects of hormonal birth control pills such as Enskyce. It's more likely to happen during the first 3 months of using Enskyce. Tell your prescriber if you have any vaginal bleeding outside of your period. Also let them know if your period has stopped completely. There are other reasons for irregular bleeding besides your birth control pills that your HCP can check out.

                                            risk-warning

                                            Depression

                                            • Risk factors: History of depression

                                              Let your care team know if you have symptoms of depression or worsening depression while taking Enskyce. In cases of serious depression, your HCP might tell you to stop taking this medication.

                                              risk-warning

                                              Interactions with other medications

                                              Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about all your medications so they can make sure they're safe for you. Certain medications can interact with Enskyce. Some can make Enskyce get broken down faster in the body, making it work less well to prevent pregnancy. Some examples include carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin). Use a back-up method or other form of birth control while you're taking these medications until at least 28 days after stopping them. Other medications can raise the amount of Enskyce in your body and lead to more side effects.

                                              If you have hepatitis C and need to take Viekira Pak (dasabuvir / ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir), let your HCP know right away that you're taking a COC. You'll need to stop Enskyce before starting Viekira Pak because taking them together can cause liver problems. You can start Enskyce again 2 weeks after you stop Viekira Pak.

                                              More on Enskyce warnings

                                              dosage

                                              Enskyce dosage forms

                                              The average cost for 1 package of 28 tablets of 0.15mg/0.03mg of Enskyce is $12.11 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 53.28% off the average retail price of $25.93.
                                              package
                                              Package
                                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                              28 tablets of 0.15mg/0.03mg1 package$12.11$12.11

                                              Typical dosing for Enskyce

                                              Enskyce comes in a 28-day pack. Take the birth control pill as instructed by your prescriber.

                                              There are 21 active tablets that each contain 0.15 mg desogestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol. There are also 7 inactive (placebo) tablets that don't contain any active ingredients.

                                              In general, the typical dose is 1 active tablet by mouth daily for 21 days, followed by 1 inactive tablet daily for the next 7 days. Repeat this dosing schedule for each pack.

                                              interactions

                                              Interactions between Enskyce and other drugs

                                              Enskyce may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Enskyce. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                              drug-cost

                                              How much does Enskyce cost?

                                              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                                              contraindications-icon

                                              Enskyce contraindications

                                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Enskyce will not be safe for you to take.
                                              • Smoking over the age of 35

                                              • Medical conditions that raise the risk for blood clots

                                              • Currently have or have had a blood clot (DVT or PE)

                                              • Coronary artery disease (CAD)

                                              • Problems with blood flow to the brain (e.g., stroke)

                                              • Certain heart valve or heart rhythm problems

                                              • Uncontrolled high blood pressure

                                              • Diabetes with long-term complications

                                              • Certain types of headaches

                                              • Major surgery where you're on bedrest for a long time

                                              • Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

                                              • Currently have or have a history of breast cancer

                                              • Endometrial cancer (also called uterine cancer) or other estrogen-dependent cancer

                                              • Currently have or have a history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

                                              • Liver problems

                                              • Liver tumor

                                              • Currently pregnant

                                              • Taking hepatitis C medication containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir

                                              alternatives

                                              What are alternatives to Enskyce?

                                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Enskyce. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                              Enskyce
                                              Used for:
                                              $12.11 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                              Used for:
                                              • To prevent pregnancy

                                              $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                              Used for:
                                              • To prevent pregnancy

                                              $20.14 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                              images

                                              Enskyce images

                                              Apri Coupon - Apri 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              package (28 tablets) 0.15mg/0.03mg of apriApri Coupon - Apri 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              Cyred EQ Coupon - Cyred EQ 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              package (28 tablets) 0.15mg/0.03mg of cyred EQCyred EQ Coupon - Cyred EQ 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              Enskyce Coupon - Enskyce 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              package (28 tablets) 0.15mg/0.03mg of enskyceEnskyce Coupon - Enskyce 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              Isibloom Coupon - Isibloom 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              package (28 tablets) 0.15mg/0.03mg of isibloomIsibloom Coupon - Isibloom 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              Juleber Coupon - Juleber 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              package (28 tablets) 0.15mg/0.03mg of juleberJuleber Coupon - Juleber 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              Reclipsen Coupon - Reclipsen 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package
                                              package (28 tablets) 0.15mg/0.03mg of reclipsenReclipsen Coupon - Reclipsen 28 tablets of 0.15mg / 0.03mg package

                                              Get savings updates for Enskyce

                                              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Enskyce and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                                              By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                                              References

                                              Best studies we found

                                              American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast cancer hormone receptor status.

                                              American Liver Foundation. (2023). Benign liver tumors.

                                              American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2024). The use of hormonal contraceptives in fertility treatments: A committee opinion (2024).

                                              View All References (10)

                                              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Contraception and birth control methods.

                                              Cortés, M. E., et al. (2014). The effects of hormonal contraceptives on glycemic regulation. The Linacre Quarterly.

                                              French, V. (2023). What you should know about breakthrough bleeding with birth control. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

                                              Garriga, M., et al. (2024). Contraception in patients with liver disease and liver transplant. Clinical Liver Disease.

                                              International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2012). Combined estrogen-progestogen contraceptives. Pharmaceuticals.

                                              Latwal, B., et al. (2020). Authorized generics vs. branded generics: A perspective. Journal of Generic Medicines.

                                              LiverTox. (2020). Estrogens and oral contraceptives. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

                                              Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024). Enskyce- desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                              National Cancer Institute. (2018). Oral contraceptives and cancer risk.

                                              Trivedi, M. K., et al. (2017). A review of hormone-based therapies to treat adult acne vulgaris in women. International Journal of Women's Dermatology.

                                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                                              Was this page helpful?

                                              Browse medications

                                              View All

                                              Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.