Favoir

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Method of action: Contraceptive, Estrogen-Progestogen, Sex Hormones And Modulators Of The Genital System

Treatment option: Venous Thromboembolism, Birth Control, Thromboembolism

Medically reviewed

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Favoir

Property	Description
Active Ingredients	Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol
Form	Tablet (Oral dosage form)
Pharmacological Class	Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC)
Common Use	Prevention of pregnancy (Contraception)
Origin	Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Favoir? (Identity and Classification)

Favoir is a synthetic hormonal contraceptive preparation that functions as a highly effective, reversible method for prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive potential. It belongs to the Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) pharmacological class, distinguishing it as a combination product that utilizes two types of hormones for efficacy. The essential purpose of this combined formulation is to provide reliable conception control. This medication is delivered as an oral dosage form in the form of a tablet, intended for oral administration. The effectiveness of this method is well-supported by decades of pharmacological studies, establishing it as a standard option in modern contraceptive practice.

Composition: Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol

Favoir is defined by its two primary active ingredients, which are synthetic derivations: Desogestrel (a progestin) and Ethinyl Estradiol (an estrogen). The regulatory profile confirms that Desogestrel, classified as a third-generation progestogen, is metabolized into etonogestrel, which is responsible for the drug’s primary progestational activity. This specific composition of Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol is also the active component in other commonly recognized brands, serving as a well-established and widely used formulation. The overall formulation of the drug is completed by various inactive excipients necessary to create the functional tablet structure, ensuring stability and proper dissolution.

How Favoir Prevents Conception

Favoir achieves its general purpose of contraception by initiating three distinct actions that prevent successful conception. The primary action involves the inhibition of ovulation, meaning the monthly release of an egg from the ovary is suppressed, removing the possibility of fertilization. In addition, the synthetic hormones cause an alteration of cervical mucus, creating a thicker barrier that limits the movement of sperm, and they induce changes to the endometrium (uterine lining), rendering it less receptive. These simultaneous mechanisms, which are pharmacologically confirmed, ensure the reliable prevention of conception, supporting reproductive autonomy when used for typical, long-term family planning.

What side effects are possible with Favoir?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Favoir (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) is documented across several classifications in official regulatory materials. Adverse reactions are grouped by frequency and physiological system, differentiating between frequently observed, non-serious events and rare, serious systemic risks.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Side effects are classified according to regulatory frequency standards (e.g., in the SmPC/FDA label):

Classification	Examples of Reactions
Common (1% to 10%)	Nausea, abdominal pain, headache, depressed mood, breast tenderness/pain, and increased weight.
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%)	Vomiting, diarrhea, migraine, fluid retention, decreased libido, nervousness, and rash.
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%)	Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), decreased weight, increased libido, and hypersensitivity reactions.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Systemic Risk

Official documents specifically highlight the risk of thromboembolic events, classifying both Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and Arterial Thromboembolism (ATE), including stroke and myocardial infarction, as serious adverse reactions. Other serious risks include the potential for hepatic neoplasia (liver tumors) and new onset or worsening of hypertension.

Population-Specific and Time-Related Safety Patterns

The risk of serious cardiovascular events is substantially increased in women over age 35 who smoke. Regulatory materials also note that the risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use and when treatment is restarted after a break. Safety constraints require that the medication be discontinued prior to and following major surgery or prolonged immobilization, and it is contraindicated in cases of severe hepatic impairment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for an acute overdose of Favoir (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) is defined by a low potential for severe toxicity. Regulatory documents consistently state that serious adverse effects are considered unlikely following the ingestion of doses higher than those prescribed.

Documented Manifestations and Severity

The clinical signs and symptoms officially documented in cases of acute over-ingestion are typically non-life-threatening. These manifestations include nausea and vomiting within the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, withdrawal bleeding (which may present as vaginal spotting or menstruation) is a formally recognized outcome. This manifestation is specifically noted to occur even in pre-menarche females (young girls).

Required Emergency Actions

Regulatory authorities mandate that individuals must seek medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately if an overdose is confirmed or suspected. This action is required for necessary assessment and management. Treatment of Favoir overdose is symptomatic and supportive, addressing the clinical effects observed. This approach is necessitated by the fact that regulatory labeling confirms no specific antidote is known for this combination product. Hospital monitoring may be required based on clinical presentation.

Therapeutic Uses of Favoir

What Favoir Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Favoir (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) is applied across several therapeutic domains where hormonal regulation is considered relevant for managing symptoms and providing supportive benefit in women of reproductive potential. This combination is used to prevent pregnancy and may also be applied in conditions associated with heightened symptoms.

The primary use is to support reliable conception control, assisting with patients' needs for long-term family planning. This application is considered relevant for patients seeking fertility control. Favoir is also commonly used to help manage specific symptom clusters that create noticeable physiological strain, which include heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia), severe menstrual cramping (Dysmenorrhea), persistent Acne Vulgaris, and the emotional and physical discomfort of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

This supportive therapeutic benefit may assist in easing the overall symptom load related to pain and blood loss, contributing to improved day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods. This approach is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden related to the menstrual cycle.

Quick Fact: Relief for Menstrual Distress
Favoir is commonly used when symptoms like heavy flow or severe cramps interfere with daily function; it may assist in easing symptom burden related to cyclical discomfort.

Regulatory References

MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Favoir?

The official eligibility profile for Favoir (Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol) is based strictly on established regulatory criteria, defining populations who are permitted or restricted from using the medicine.

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

Favoir is strictly contraindicated for several groups due to documented risks:

Women over 35 years of age who smoke cigarettes.
Individuals with a current or history of thromboembolic disorders (e.g., DVT, stroke, or PE) or certain hereditary thrombophilic conditions.
Patients with severe hepatic disease, liver tumors, or known/suspected breast carcinoma.
Women with migraine with focal neurological symptoms (aura).
Use is prohibited during known or suspected pregnancy.

Eligibility and Restriction Status

Favoir is approved for women of reproductive potential for the prevention of pregnancy. Use in teenagers is acceptable only after the start of menstruation (post-menarche). The medicine is not indicated for use in elderly women.

Conditional Use: The product must be discontinued at least four weeks prior to major surgery or during periods of prolonged immobilization.
Lactation: Use is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding.
Organ Impairment: Formal data on the use of Favoir in patients with severe renal impairment are not established.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official prescribing information for Favoir (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) documents several interaction patterns with other medicines and products, established by regulatory authorities.

Formally Contraindicated Combinations

The combination is explicitly prohibited for co-administration with specific Hepatitis C antiviral regimens, including those containing Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir (with or without Dasabuvir) and Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir. This restriction is mandated in regulatory labeling due to the documented risk of significant elevation of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Additionally, co-administration with the antibiotic Lefamulin is contraindicated, as official data indicates a predicted decrease in the plasma concentrations of the contraceptive hormones.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

The most common interaction mechanism involves changes to the body's hepatic enzyme system (CYP450).

Enzyme Inducers: Products that induce these enzymes, such as the anticonvulsants Phenytoin and Carbamazepine, the antibiotic Rifampicin, and the herbal product St. John’s Wort, cause a significant reduction in hormone exposure, potentially compromising efficacy.
Other Drug Levels: Favoir can cause a significant decrease in the concentration of certain co-administered drugs like Lamotrigine. Conversely, Favoir may increase the systemic exposure of other medicines, including Cyclosporine and Corticosteroids, as documented in regulatory summaries.

Mechanism of Action

The Mechanism of Action of Favoir

The function of Favoir (Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol) is driven by three distinct, complementary actions that establish multiple physiological barriers to conception. The synthetic hormones act as agonists at the Progesterone Receptor (PR) and Estrogen Receptor (ER) to initiate a causal sequence from the central nervous system to the reproductive tissues.

Primary Action: HPO Axis Suppression

This mechanism engages the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis via a robust negative feedback loop. By simulating high concentrations of natural hormones, Favoir inhibits the pituitary gland’s release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), specifically preventing the necessary LH surge. This molecular cascade leads to the primary physiological consequence: anovulation—the suspension of egg release from the ovary.

Secondary Actions: Tissue Modulation

Additionally, the progestin component exerts local tissue modulation on the reproductive tract. Favoir induces a significant structural change in the cervical mucus, increasing its viscosity and reducing its permeability to sperm. Simultaneously, the hormones cause atrophy of the endometrium, resulting in a uterine lining that exhibits altered receptivity. This coordination establishes interdependent physiological barriers.

Dosage and Administration Information

Favoir, an oral contraceptive, is used according to a standardized, cyclic daily administration protocol. The medication is administered exclusively by the oral route as a tablet. The regimen is structured around a 28-day cycle, consisting of 21 consecutive days of active hormone tablets, followed immediately by 7 days of non-active or low-dose tablets. This schedule must be maintained without any day break between successive packs, reflecting a continuous long-term use pattern.

The core principle of use is dose consistency and timing, requiring the administration of one tablet at the same time each day to maximize effectiveness. For the first cycle, treatment can commence either on the first day of the menstrual period (Day 1 Start) or on the first Sunday following the start of the period (Sunday Start). If the Sunday Start method is selected, a back-up non-hormonal contraceptive is instructed for use during the initial 7 days of the first cycle.

Regarding high-level administration conditions, the tablets may be consumed with or without food. However, specific dietary restrictions apply, as general guidance advises against the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using this medicine. The standard adult dosing regimen is also the designated use pattern for postpubertal adolescents. Should a dose be missed, the interval between doses should not exceed 24 hours to maximize efficacy.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Favoir

Evidence for Use in Conception Prevention

Research exploring Favoir (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) for prevention of pregnancy includes a substantial body of evidence. This research has primarily consisted of large-scale observational studies and formal Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These studies were designed to track use over extended periods, typically evaluating populations of women of reproductive potential seeking conception control. The data show patterns related to the study and observation of this formulation as a reversible method. Research is still exploring how individual variation in metabolism may influence outcomes, and long-term effects are not fully established for all extremely rare outcomes.

Evidence for Managing Menstrual Symptoms

The formulation was evaluated in research exploring how symptoms change over time for several menstrual-related conditions, including Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia) and severe Menstrual Cramping (Dysmenorrhea). Studies included formal RCTs, sometimes comparing the formulation against an inactive substance (placebo). For women with heavy bleeding, trials report measurements related to the volume of menstrual blood loss. Studies relevant in trials assessing short-term symptom patterns for pain reported measurements related to the severity scores for menstrual cramping. Follow-up durations were short- to intermediate-term, meaning limited information for long-term outcomes regarding the persistence of observed changes is available.

Evidence for Addressing Acne Vulgaris

For Acne Vulgaris, Favoir was evaluated in a research context involving inflammatory states of the skin. Studies are primarily double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs focusing on female adolescents and adults. Research reports measurements related to the total number of acne lesions and how they changed during the study period. Global assessment scores provided data on overall skin appearance changes. Data are still emerging regarding the maintenance of skin improvement for extended periods beyond the initial trial duration.

Areas of Research Uncertainty and Study Gaps

The research landscape for Favoir is extensive, but certain areas require further study. Research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly to the group findings reported in the trials. The follow-up durations were short- to intermediate-term in many of the symptom-specific studies, meaning there is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding the persistence of observed changes for conditions like PMDD or dysmenorrhea.

Key Studies & References

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Favoir (FAQ)

Q: What happens if I miss taking a dose of Favoir?

According to the official prescribing guidance, official guidance outlines specific steps to follow if an active tablet is missed. These instructions vary based on how many tablets were missed and when it occurred in the cycle. In many instances, backup non-hormonal contraception may be indicated for seven days to help reduce the risk of conception.

Q: Do I need to get blood tests while I am taking Favoir?

Official regulatory documents advise monitoring for certain risk factors while using this medication, such as blood pressure. Furthermore, monitoring of specific liver enzyme levels (like ALT) may be conducted if Favoir is used alongside certain other medicines that carry an interaction warning.

Q: Is Favoir addictive or habit-forming?

Favoir is a hormonal medication and is not classified as a controlled substance. Official regulatory documents do not describe the medicine as having any potential for abuse or as being habit-forming.

Q: What are the official guidelines for stopping Favoir treatment?

Regulatory guidance specifies that Favoir must be discontinued before certain major surgeries or during any extended period when a person is immobilized. For non-emergency situations, any decision to stop the medication, outside of mandated discontinuation, is typically managed by a healthcare provider.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while I am taking Favoir?

Official sources note a minor pharmacokinetic interaction between the active ingredients in Favoir and alcohol (ethanol). Official prescribing information does not list a specific contraindication for the use of alcohol.

Q: Does Favoir affect your ability to drive or operate machinery?

Regulatory product information does not typically include a specific warning that Favoir directly impairs your ability to drive or operate machinery. If side effects such as headaches or difficulty sleeping are experienced, the official materials suggest careful consideration.

Q: Does Favoir interact with common supplements like vitamins or herbal products?

Official sources indicate that oral contraceptives may be associated with a decrease in the blood levels of certain nutrients. This includes various B vitamins, such as Vitamin B6 and B12, as well as Vitamin C and Folic Acid.

Q: Can Favoir cause weight gain or weight loss?

Official regulatory documents list changes in body weight as possible side effects. Increased weight is noted as a common adverse reaction, meaning it is observed in 1% to 10% of users. Decreased weight is listed as a rare side effect.

Q: Is Favoir known to cause problems with sleep?

Official sources list difficulty in sleeping as a possible adverse reaction associated with the active ingredients in Favoir. It is listed among the less common side effects reported in clinical study populations.

Q: How long does Favoir stay in your system?

According to regulatory pharmacokinetics data, the elimination half-life of the active metabolite (etonogestrel) at steady state is described as approximately 28 hours. The half-life describes the time required for the substance's concentration in the body to decrease by half.

Q: Are there any foods or drinks I should specifically avoid while on Favoir?

Yes, official regulatory documents advise against consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using this medicine. Grapefruit products may affect how the body processes the hormones in Favoir.

Q: Can Favoir be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Favoir is strictly contraindicated for use during known or suspected pregnancy. Furthermore, official regulatory information indicates that its use is not recommended for women who are currently breastfeeding.

Q: Does Favoir affect my immune system?

Studies and official information indicate that the hormonal components of Favoir have been examined in research contexts for their effects on the immune system. This research reports changes in the expression of specific immune cells, such as macrophages and regulatory T cells, in certain patient populations.

Q: Is Favoir the only drug of its kind?

Favoir is a combined oral contraceptive that contains the specific formulation of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. This composition is widely used and is the active component in other commonly recognized brands of birth control.

How should Favoir be stored and disposed of?

Favoir (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) must be stored and handled according to specific regulatory requirements to ensure its effectiveness.

Storage Conditions

Detail	Official Regulatory Requirement
Temperature	Store at Controlled Room Temperature (20 C to 25 C / 68 F to 77 F). Excursions up to 30 C are permitted.
Protection	Protect from moisture and avoid excess heat.
Container	Keep in the original blister card and maintain in a closed container.

Disposal and Safety

Child Safety: Keep Favoir out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
Disposal Rule: Do not flush unused or expired Favoir down the toilet. The preferred method for disposal is through an official drug take-back program. If a take-back program is unavailable, dispose of the medication in the household trash after mixing it with an unappealing substance.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Japan

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