Kariva (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) prescription available online
If you're interested in pregnancy prevention, Kariva (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Kariva from a board-certified doctor online.
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Medication services available for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
Insurance accepted, but not required
Prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy*
*Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion
Most major insurance plans accepted
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Paying without insurance? New patient visits are $129, and follow-ups are only $99 for members.
Don’t see your provider listed? Email [email protected] or call (888) 564-4454 to talk to a PlushCare specialist.
3 simple steps to request your Kariva prescription today
Step 1
Book a Kariva prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Kariva prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Kariva prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Kariva prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Kariva prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Kariva prescription FAQs
How much does Kariva cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, Kariva costs around $103 for 168 birth control pills without insurance. Fortunately, many health insurance plans offer free or low-cost oral contraceptive formulations. If it's not covered under your insurance, our prescription discount card helps members save up to 80% on prescriptions.
Can you skip your period on Kariva?
Yes, you can skip your period with Kariva. Instead of taking the blue pills at the end of your pill pack, start a new pack. Talk to your doctor before skipping your period while taking oral contraceptives.
How long does it take for Kariva to kick in?
Kariva (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) starts working right away if you take it within five days after starting your last period. If you start taking combined oral contraceptives after the fifth day of your cycle, you'll need to use a back-up method for seven days.
What are the blue pills in Kariva?
The blue pills in your pill pack contain 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol. You should take the blue pills during the week of your menstrual period.
Can you vape on Kariva?
No, you should avoid vaping or smoking cigarettes while taking oral contraceptives.
How can I refill my Kariva prescription?
To refill your Kariva prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Who should not take Kariva?
To make sure oral contraceptive agents are safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Cardiovascular disease risks, such as elevated blood pressure
History of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
Recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding
High cholesterol or triglycerides
Gallbladder disease
Kidney or liver disease
Migraine headaches
Breast cancer or higher breast cancer risk
Diabetes
If you have other underlying risk factors for cardiovascular disease, you may require regular laboratory tests to make sure hormonal birth control is safe for you.
When it comes to cerebrovascular diseases, oral contraceptives can lead to an increased lifetime relative risk of cerebrovascular events. In other words, the risk of cerebrovascular events after discontinuing oral contraceptives persists for several years.
Women who are 35 years or older and who smoke should not use third-generation oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. Ask your doctor for medical advice about non-hormonal birth control.What happens if I miss a dose of Kariva?
If you miss an active pill, take two pills on the day you remember. Then, follow your regular dosing schedule for the rest of the pill pack.
If you miss two active pills in a row on week 1 or 2, take two pills per day for two days in a row. Make sure to use back-up birth control for at least seven days following missed birth control pills.What happens if I take too much Kariva?
If you've taken too much Kariva, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center.
About Kariva (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol)
Kariva is considered a combination birth control pill, which contains the hormones desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, which prevent ovulation. Kariva also thickens the cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus.
Kariva is used to prevent pregnancy. Kariva is available only by prescription. It may be available in a generic formulation as desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, as well as under different brand names.
Kariva may be prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Kariva, be sure to complete the full course of the oral contraceptive regimen unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the birth control may not work as effectively to prevent pregnancy.
Kariva uses
There is one FDA-approved use for Kariva, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. It’s also possible that your doctor may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy prevention
Kariva is FDA-approved as a birth control. It contains two hormones, progestin (desogestrel) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol), which prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus. Like other oral contraceptives, Kariva does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
Kariva side effects
The side effects associated with taking Kariva are typically mild. Most Kariva side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort. Kariva has some common side effects. They may include:
Nausea and vomiting
Breast tenderness
Breakthrough bleeding (spotting)
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Signs of a blood clot (vision changes, chest pain, shortness of breath)
High blood pressure
Severe migraine headaches
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. The use of Kariva in children is not recommended before the first occurrence of their menstrual cycle.
How to take Kariva
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Kariva prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Kariva (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. You should take your first birth control pill on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins. You'll need to use a back-up method, such as condoms or spermicide, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, take one pill each day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pill pack runs out, start a new pack the next day. Women taking oral contraceptives should tell their doctor if they're planning for major surgery.
What to avoid while taking Kariva
Kariva has 434 drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Kariva include:
St. John's Wort
HIV/AIDs medicine
Seizure medications
Certain antibiotic or antifungal medications
Medicine used to treat hepatitis C
It is safe to drink alcohol while taking oral contraceptives. Talk to your doctor before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit may increase the plasma concentrations of Kariva (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol).
Do not take birth control pills if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor before taking Kariva while breast-feeding. Patients discontinuing oral contraceptives should talk to their doctor before stopping the medication.
Medication alternatives to Kariva
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest other combination oral contraceptives or birth control in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Pregnancy prevention