Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel

Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel is a medicine used for contraception (to prevent pregnancy) and in the treatment of irregular periods. It helps to prevent release of the egg and its fertilization by the sperm.

Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel can be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time to get the most benefit. It should be taken as your doctor's advice. You should have to start taking the pill on the day one of your menstrual cycle and continue taking it for whole month.

• Contraception: Used as a combined oral contraceptive pill for prevention of pregnancy.
• Irregular Periods: Used for the treatment of irregular menstrual cycles.

Oral Contraceptive preparations

Combined Oral Contraceptive

Combination of hormonal contraceptives inhibits ovulation by modulating pituitary secretion of gonadotrophins, luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone through a negative feedback system. They reduce sperm penetration if ovulation does occur by altering the cervical mucus; cause changes in the endometrium which reduce the risk of nidation.

Combination of hormonal contraceptives inhibits ovulation by modulating pituitary secretion of gonadotrophins through a negative feedback system. They cause changes in the endometrium which reduce the risk of nidation.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Contraception: 1 white active tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 1 orange inert tablet daily for 7 consecutive days.
• Recommended to be taken at the same time each day.

Take 1 tablet at the same time every day. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. May be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If more than 12 hours late, use additional contraceptive methods for the next 7 days.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast pain
• Irregular uterine bleeding

Precautions:

• Prescribed by your doctor to help prevent pregnancy.
• Take your pill at the same time every day.
• You may experience menstrual irregularities such as spotting or bleeding; consult your doctor if this persists.
• Do not use if you are obese, over 35, smoke, on prolonged bed rest, or have a history of blood clots.
• Stop taking and inform doctor immediately if you notice unexplained swelling and pain in limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain or changes in vision.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Severe arterial disease
• Liver adenoma
• Porphyria
• History of breast cancer
• Hepatic impairment
• Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
• Smoking >=40 cigarettes daily
• BMI >39 kg/m²

Drug Interactions:

• CYP3A4 inducers (aminoglutethimide, carbamazepine, nafcillin, nevirapine, atazanavir, nelfinavir, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifamycins, griseofulvin, ritonavir): May decrease levels/effects.
• Ampicillin, tetracycline and other antibiotics: May reduce efficacy.
• Estrogens: May antagonize anticoagulant effect of coumarins.

Food Interactions: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol. Consult your doctor.

Use in Pregnancy: Highly unsafe during pregnancy; animal and human studies have shown significant harmful effects.

Use in Lactation: Probably unsafe; limited data suggests drug may pass into breastmilk and harm the baby.

Pediatric Use: Not indicated before menarche.

Geriatric Use: Indicated for women of reproductive age.

Renal Impairment: Limited information available; monitor blood pressure.

Hepatic Impairment: Limited information available.

Overdose: Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding. No specific antidote; symptomatic treatment.

Storage: Store below 30 degree C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel