Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel
About Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel
Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel is an oral prescription medication primarily used to prevent pregnancy. It is a combined hormonal pill that helps women manage family planning reliably. Additionally, healthcare providers may prescribe it to regulate menstrual cycles and manage heavy or painful periods.
For maximum effectiveness, you must take this tablet once daily at the exact same time every day without fail. You can take it with or without food, though taking it with your evening meal or at bedtime may help reduce mild stomach upset. Maintaining a consistent routine is crucial to ensuring its protective effects.
While taking Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel, you may notice mild side effects like temporary nausea, breast tenderness, or light spotting between your periods. These usually resolve as your body adjusts to the hormones. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms, such as sudden chest pain, severe headaches, or swelling and warmth in one of your legs.
Do not take this if you have a history of blood clots, active liver damage, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or breast cancer. It is also not recommended for women over the age of 35 who smoke, as this combination greatly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular complications. Talk to your doctor to ensure this option is safe for your specific medical history.
Certain medications, including some anti-seizure drugs and specific antibiotics, can make Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel less effective, increasing the risk of unexpected pregnancy. Avoid smoking while using this treatment, as it raises your risk of heart problems and blood clots. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before starting this treatment.
Uses of Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel
• Hormonal Birth Control: Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel is a form of hormonal birth control that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and changing the uterine lining.
• Regulating Menstrual Cycles: Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel can help in regulating menstrual cycles by balancing hormones.
• Treatment of Menstrual Disorders: Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel may be prescribed to treat menstrual disorders like dysmenorrhea by reducing symptoms of painful periods.
• Acne Management: Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel can help manage acne by regulating hormonal imbalances that contribute to breakouts.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel can be used to help manage PCOS symptoms by regulating menstrual cycles and balancing hormones.
Medicinal Benefits
Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel helps provide reliable contraception while supporting better menstrual cycle control and reproductive health. Regulating hormone levels can help improve menstrual symptoms and offer greater predictability in your monthly cycle. Benefits may include:
• Provides effective and reliable pregnancy prevention when used as directed.
• Helps regulate menstrual cycles and improve cycle predictability.
• Reduces menstrual cramps and discomfort during periods.
• Helps decrease heavy menstrual bleeding and associated symptoms.
• May improve acne and other hormone-related skin concerns in some women.
• May help manage symptoms associated with conditions such as endometriosis and provide certain long-term reproductive health benefits.
Directions for Use
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.
- Take one tablet every day at the exact same time. Setting a daily alarm on your phone can help you stay consistent.
- You can take this medication with or without food. If you experience mild nausea, taking it after your evening meal or right before bed may help.
- Follow the arrows and days printed on the blister pack to keep track of your daily doses.
Storage
Side Effects of Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Nausea or mild stomach discomfort
- Headaches or migraines
- Breast tenderness, swelling, or mild pain
- Spotting or light bleeding between menstrual periods
- Mild fluid retention or temporary weight fluctuations
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away)
• Signs of a blood clot (sudden leg pain or swelling, shortness of breath, or chest pain)
• Signs of liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe stomach pain)
• Signs of a stroke (sudden weakness, slurred speech, or vision changes)
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing)
• Severe depression or sudden mood changes
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the medicine before use: Always check the expiration date and ensure the blister pack is intact before taking your tablet.
- Take your tablet at the same time every day: Consistent daily dosing helps maintain reliable contraceptive protection. Consider using an alarm or reminder app to avoid missed doses.
- Use backup contraception when needed: If you experience severe vomiting or diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours of taking a tablet, treat it as a missed dose and use a backup contraceptive method, such as condoms, for the next 7 days.
- Inform healthcare providers before surgery: Tell your surgeon or doctor if you have a planned surgery or expect prolonged immobility. You may need to stop Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel several weeks before the procedure to help reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Remember the limitations of protection: Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel helps prevent pregnancy but does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms if protection against sexually transmitted infections is needed.
- Follow the correct starting instructions: Contraceptive protection usually begins immediately if the medicine is started on the first day of your menstrual period. If started on any other day, use a reliable backup contraceptive method for the first 7 days.
- Seek advice when changing contraceptive methods: Consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance when switching from another birth control pill, injection, implant, IUD, or patch to help maintain continuous contraceptive protection.
- Use with special care after childbirth or abortion: The appropriate time to start Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel after childbirth, abortion, or during breastfeeding depends on your individual situation. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Anti-seizure medicines (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital): These medicines can reduce the effectiveness of Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel and increase the risk of unintended pregnancy.
- Tuberculosis medicines (e.g., rifampin): Taking these alongside Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel can significantly lower hormone levels in the body, making the contraceptive less reliable.
- Herbal supplements (e.g., St. John's Wort): These supplements may speed up the breakdown of hormones in Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel, increasing the risk of breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
Drug-Food Interactions
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Consuming grapefruit products while taking Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel may increase hormone levels in the bloodstream and raise the risk of side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions
- Blood clotting disorders: Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel can significantly increase the risk of dangerous blood clots in people with existing clotting disorders.
- Severe liver disease: Do not take Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel if you have active liver disease or liver tumors, as it may worsen liver function.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure: Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel may further increase blood pressure and raise the risk of serious complications such as stroke or heart attack.
- Migraines with aura: Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel may increase the risk of stroke in people who experience migraines accompanied by visual disturbances or other neurological symptoms
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeCaution should be exercised. Hormonal medicines can affect the developing baby. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using it.
Breast Feeding
unsafeNot safe; this Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel may pass into breast milk. They may harm the baby and also may affect the production of milk. So, this Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel is unsafe for breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
cautionEthinylestradiol+levonorgestrel has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionEthinylestradiol+levonorgestrel to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionEthinylestradiol+levonorgestrel to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionEthinylestradiol+levonorgestrel is not recommended for children. Safety and efficacy of Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel are established in women of reproductive age. But sufficient studies have not been performed on women less than 16 years of age. So, take Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel only when prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do not smoke: Smoking significantly increases your risk of serious cardiovascular complications, including blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, especially if you are over 35.
- Stay active on long journeys: If you are traveling for more than four hours, make sure to stretch your legs, walk around, or perform simple foot exercises to keep blood circulating and prevent blood clots.
- Monitor your blood pressure: This medication can sometimes raise blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly at home or during routine doctor visits.
- Limit alcohol intake: Excessive drinking can place extra strain on your liver, which is responsible for processing this medication.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help support bone health, which is important for overall hormonal wellness.
Special Advise
- Stop taking this Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel and inform your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained pain and swelling in your limbs, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or changes in vision. These could be symptoms of a blood clot in a vein.
- Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel is an oral contraceptive pill preferably taken with or without food but should be taken simultaneously every day for best results. Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel is generally prescribed for 21 days starting from the first day of your menstrual cycle. It should not be taken for the remaining seven days afterwards. The course will remain the same every month.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Contraception: It is a procedure that aims to prevent pregnancy. A woman can only get pregnant if a man's sperm fertilizes her egg. Contraception aims to prevent this from happening by keeping egg and sperm apart by stopping egg production or not letting the uterus wall become thick. As a result, no fertilization takes place, so contraception is a safe method for family planning.
Dysmenorrhea: It is an irregular and painful period leading to abdominal pain, digestion problems, fainting, vomiting, and nausea. Generally, a menstrual cycle is about 25-30 days. But this cycle may be short or prolonged in dysmenorrhea, leading to excessive pain.
FAQs
Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel is used for contraception and treating dysmenorrhea (irregular and painful periods).
Yes, Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel can cause spotting in between the regular periods. Usually, it does not persist, but if spotting does not, please inform your doctor, as medical attention may be required.
Yes, Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel is known to cause weight gain. So, avoid weight gain, exercise regularly, and eat home-cooked food.
No, the Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is an oral form of contraception that does not protect against STDs. So, use some other form of contraception, like condoms, to avoid transmission.
You will usually get your period within three days after taking the last pill. If you have not followed the dosing schedule like you have missed one or two pills or started taking them a day after, you should have the probability of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period, and you should contact your doctor.
Do not take Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel if you have a heart fitted with an artificial valve, heart diseases like high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol levels (increased fat in your blood), confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy, have asthma, have blood clot problems, have a bleeding disorder, have liver or kidney disease, have anaemia (low haemoglobin) or otherwise malnourished. Taking Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel in these conditions can cause life-threatening conditions in an individual.
If you forget to take one tablet of Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two tablets at the same time and then follow the usual dosing schedule. However, if you forget to take two or more doses, you may not be completely protected against pregnancy. In this case, start taking the Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel as soon as you remember and use a non-hormonal method of contraception such as condoms for at least the next 7 days to prevent pregnancy. Frequent missing doses may cause spotting (bloodstain) or unexpected vaginal bleeding. If this persists, contact your doctor.
Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel is contraindicated in women with a history of breast and cervical cancer. Women with known or suspected carcinoma of the breast or personal history of breast cancer should not use Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel because breast cancer is usually a hormonally-sensitive tumor, and Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel slightly increases your risk of breast cancer.Therefore, inform your doctor if you have had a history of breast cancer before taking Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel.
Yes, Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel is a 21-day oral contraceptive pill used for regulating periods and preventing pregnancy.
To take Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel, swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it. Your doctor will determine the correct dose based on your medical condition. If you have any concerns, please consult your doctor.
Smokers over 35 should avoid taking Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel due to increased risks of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. If you're a smoker, consult your doctor for guidance on safer alternatives or to discuss any concerns.
If you vomit within 3-4 hours of taking Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel, take another tablet as soon as possible to maintain effectiveness. However, please consult a doctor if vomiting persists or worsens.
The common side effects of Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel include stomach pain, nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight gain, and irregular menstrual bleeding. Most of these side effects are temporary and resolve on their own. However, if they persist, consult your doctor for guidance.
The hormones in Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel can pass into breast milk and may also slightly reduce the quantity and quality of your milk. It is generally recommended to use other forms of contraception while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find a safer alternative
If you start taking Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel on the first day of your menstrual period, it is usually effective immediately. If you start on any other day of your cycle, it can take up to 7 days of continuous daily use to become fully effective. You should use a backup contraceptive, like condoms, during these first 7 days.
Yes, common pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen do not typically interact with Ethinylestradiol+levonorgestrel or reduce its contraceptive effectiveness. However, always let your pharmacist know all the medications you are taking to prevent any unexpected issues. Talk to your doctor for personalized advice.
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