Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Mircette®

Mircette is a combined oral contraceptive that prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation through progestin and estrogen hormones.

Mircette is a combined oral contraceptive that prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation through progestin and estrogen hormones. Used for Contraception (prevention of pregnancy).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Mircette contains desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) in a biphasic formulation, with a 7-day hormone-free interval followed by 2 days of estrogen-only pills. The progestin inhibits the luteinizing hormone surge necessary for ovulation, while the estrogen suppresses follicle-stimulating hormone to prevent follicle development. The estrogen-only phase during the final days may reduce breakthrough bleeding.

Approved indications

• Contraception (prevention of pregnancy)

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Breakthrough bleeding
• Mood changes
• Venous thromboembolism

Key clinical trials

• An Ethno-bridging Study of Pergoveris in Healthy Premenopausal Participants of Japanese or Caucasian Origin (PHASE1)
• Post-marketing, Observational Study to Confirm the Safety and Efficacy of MARVELON (Study P06083)
• A Study to Evaluate Hormone Patterns and Ovarian Follicular Activity With DR-1021 (PHASE3)
• A Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Effects of a 91-Day Extended Cycle Oral Contraceptive on Hemostatic Parameters in Healthy Women (PHASE2)
• Growth Hormone in Poor Responders to IVF Trial (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Oral Microdose Lupron Versus Luteal Estradiol Trial in Poor Responder In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Patients (PHASE4)
• Hormonal Contraception and Vaginal Health (NA)
• NuvaRing vs. Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP) for In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Pre-treatment (NA)

Primary sources

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