Get a birth control prescription online

You're in control with Sesame. Talk to a doctor within minutes about the right birth control prescription for you. Pick up within minutes at your local pharmacy.

Generic Alesse, Delyla, Desogen, Loestrin 1/20, Mircette, Nordette, Nor-QD, Ortho-Cept, Ortho Micronor, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Triphasil, Yasmin, Yaz, & many more.

Prescription available at provider's discretion
Same-day local pharmacy pickup
Discounts on thousands of generic drugs
95% patient satisfaction
$50,000,000+ saved by patients
4.5 onTrustpilot logo
Named Best Overall Telehealth byHealthline logo
As someone without insurance, Sesame was really great. – Dominic

Enter your email to get 20% off your first appointment.

Email address

Product Overview

Never overpay for birth control again.

  • What should I expect during my appointment? Millions of women in the U.S. use birth control pills every month. Whatever the reason you choose to take birth control, know that there are a range of options available and doctors on Sesame can work with you to find the one that’s right for you. During your appointment, talk to your doctor about what options you have and, together, you find a pill that works best for you.

  • What are the main differences between birth control pills?
    There are generally two kinds of birth control pills available: progestin-only mini, which contain only one hormone, and combination pills, which contain the hormones of estrogen and progestin.

    Talk to your doctor about what pill is right for you.

Patients love Sesame

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Allison Edwards, MD

Birth control prescriptions options

What are desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets?

Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets are a generic form of birth control that can help prevent pregnancy. Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol contains two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and desogestrel (progestin), which prevent the release of an egg during ovulation. If an egg isn’t released, it can't be fertilized by sperm. These hormones also thicken the mucus around the cervix, which helps keep sperm from fertilizing an egg.

Oral contraceptives like Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol may be prescribed by your doctor for many reasons other than pregnancy prevention. Aside from birth control, Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol’s benefits include:


- Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
- Decreased risk of ovarian cysts
- Help fighting acne
- Lighter, shorter, and more regular periods
- Reduced menstrual cramps

It is important to note that while combination birth control pills offer significant benefits, they will not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Talk to your doctor about your health history and any medication you are currently taking before you start taking a combination birth control pill.

How do Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets work?

Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets contain two female hormones: estrogen and progestin. When released into the body, these hormones prevent ovulation (the process in which the ovaries release an egg) and change cervical mucus. Both of these measures help prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg, making pregnancy highly unlikely. When taken correctly, these oral contraceptives are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Combination pills are usually taken once a day for 21 days, with a placebo pill taken over seven days during your monthly period. Some forms of birth control (such as Mircette) are biphasic. This means the prescription provides one ratio of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol for the first half of the pill cycle and another ratio of hormones for the second half of the cycle. This may reduce the risk of breakthrough bleeding and spotting.

It is important to take oral birth control pills regularly to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body. If you stop taking Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol, your fertility will return to normal almost immediately.

What are the most common side effects of Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets?

While there are some common side effects associated with Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol, it is important to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe that its ability to prevent unwanted pregnancy outweighs any adverse effects it may cause.

There are, however, some common side effects you may experience while taking Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol. According to the National Institutes of Health, these may include:


- Nausea, Vomiting, Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating)
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Spotting
- Change in menstrual flow
- Amenorrhea, Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment
- Edema
- Melasma which may persist
- Breast changes: tenderness, enlargement, secretion, Change in weight (increase or decrease)
- Change in cervical erosion and secretion
- Diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum
- Cholestatic jaundice
- Migraine
- Allergic reaction, including rash, urticaria, and angioedema
- Mental depression
- Reduced tolerance to carbohydrates
- Vaginal candidiasis
- Change in corneal curvature (steepening)
- Intolerance to contact lenses

If these side effects do not decrease with continued use, talk to your doctor about whether or not Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets are the right form of birth control for you.

In addition, before starting birth control, inform your doctor about your health history and any medication you may be taking. Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets may interact with other medications, causing adverse side effects. It may also increase your risk of certain conditions including blood clots and heart problems, especially in women who smoke.

How long does it take for Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol to work?

If you take your first dose as directed - within 5 days of your period - Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets will begin to prevent ovulation and pregnancy almost immediately.

If you start taking Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets at any other time during your cycle, it will take 7 days before Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets are fully effective.

Do not discontinue your use of Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets without talking to your doctor first. Combination birth control pills are only effective if taken every day at about the same time. If you stop using Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol, your fertility will return to normal, and you may experience some adverse side effects from the sudden hormone changes in your body.

Can I get Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets online?

Yep! You can get a birth control prescription sent to your local pharmacy, often with same-day pick up. The types of available Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol tablets are:

desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 0.15 mg-0.03 mg
- Generic Desogen, Ortho-Cept, Apri, Emoquette, Ortho-Cept, Reclipsen, Cyred, Enskyce, Isibloom

desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Biphasic 0.15 mg-0.02 mg/e.estrad 0.01 mg
- Generic Mircette, Azurette, Kariva, Kimidess, Pimtrea, Viorele

Please note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

What are drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets?

drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets are a generic form of birth control that can help prevent pregnancy. drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets contain two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and drospirenone (progestin), which prevent the release of an egg during ovulation. These hormones also change both cervical mucus and the uterine wall to keep sperm from fertilizing an egg. These measures vastly reduce the likelihood that you’ll get pregnant.

Oral contraceptives like drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol may be prescribed by your doctor for many reasons other than pregnancy prevention. Aside from birth control, drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol’s benefits include:

  • Treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (anxiety, depression, and stress in the days leading up to your period)
    - Decrease risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
    - Decrease risk of ovarian cysts
    - Improve acne
    - Make periods lighter, shorter, and more regular
    - Reduce menstrual cramps

It is important to note that while combination birth control pills offer significant benefits, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Talk to your doctor about your health history and any medication you are currently taking before you start taking a combination birth control pill.

How do drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets work?

Drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets contain two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and drospirenone (progestin). When released into the body, these hormones prevent ovulation (the process by which ovaries release an egg) and change cervical mucus. Both of these measures help to prevent fertilization from sperm, making pregnancy highly unlikely. When taken correctly, these oral contraceptives are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Combination pills are usually taken once a day for 21-24 days, with 4-7 inert (or placebo) pills being taken during the span of your monthly period. It is important to take oral birth control pills regularly to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body. If you stop taking drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, your fertility will return to normal almost immediately.

What are the most common side effects of drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets?

While there are some common side effects associated with drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, it is important to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe that its ability to prevent unwanted pregnancy outweighs any adverse effects it may cause.

There are, however, some common side effects you may experience while taking drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets. According to the National Institutes of Health, these may including irregular uterine bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches. If these side effects do not decrease with continued use, talk to your doctor about whether or not drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets are the right form of birth control for you.

Before taking drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, inform your doctor about your health history and any medication you may be taking. drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets may interact with other medications, causing adverse side effects. It may also increase the risk of certain conditions including blood clots and heart problems, especially in women who smoke.

This is not a complete list of drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol’s side effects. For more information on advice effects associated with drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.

How long does it take for drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets to work?

If you take your first dose as directed, drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets will start to prevent ovulation and pregnancy almost immediately. You will be protected against pregnancy 7 days after your first dose.

Do not discontinue your use of drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets without talking to your doctor first. Combination birth control pills are only effective if taken every day at about the same time. If you stop using drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, your fertility will return to normal, and you may experience some adverse side effects from the sudden hormone changes in your body.

Can I get drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets online?

Yep! You can get birth control prescription sent to your local pharmacy, often with same-day pickup. The types of drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets are:

drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol 3 mg-0.02 mg
- Generic Yaz, Gianvi, Loryna, Nikki, Lo-Zumandimine , Jasmiel, Vestura

drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol 3 mg-0.03 mg
- Generic Yasmin, Ocella, Zarah, Syeda, Zumandimine

Please note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

What are norethindrone tablets?

Norethindrone tablets are a form of prescription birth control medication, often referred to as the “mini-pill” because they only contain progestin, while other birth control methods may also contain estrogen. While norethindrone tablets may not be as effective as those that provide a combination of hormones, they are more effective than diaphragms, cervical caps, and condoms, and are ideal for those who cannot take estrogen. Birth control pills are 95% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy, as long as they are used consistently and correctly. norethindrone tablets are not effective, however, in preventing STI and HIV infection. norethindrone tablets are a prescription drug and must be prescribed by a qualified doctor.

How do norethindrone tablets work?

This oral contraceptive suppresses ovulation (in approximately half of users) and alters the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. On top of that, norethindrone tablets change the endometrium - the mucus lining of the uterus - to lessen the likelihood of egg implantation. Drug interactions can increase your risk of serious side effects and can alter how your medication works. Speak with your doctor about any other medication you are taking, including anti-HIV protease inhibitors, herbal products, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants to avoid adverse effects before taking norethindrone tablets. If you are taking oral contraceptives you should not smoke as this increases your chances of having a stroke or heart attack.

What are the most common side effects of norethindrone tablets?

While there are some common side effects associated with norethindrone tablets, it is important to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe that its ability to prevent unwanted pregnancy outweighs any adverse effects it may cause. The most common side effect associated with taking norethindrone tablets is having irregular menstrual cycles. Some other common side effects may include headache, nausea, breast tenderness, frequent or irregular bleeding, and dizziness. Less common side effects include acne, weight gain, weight change, longer periods, and amenorrhea. Women who smoke and have underlying risk factors for coronary artery disease including high cholesterol, and high blood pressure may be at a higher risk for experiencing a heart attack while on norethindrone tablets. If these side effects do not decrease with continued use, talk to your doctor about whether or not norethindrone tablets are the right form of birth control for you.

Before taking norethindrone tablets, inform your doctor about your health history and any medication you may be taking. norethindrone tablets may interact with other medications, causing adverse side effects. It may also increase the risk of certain conditions including blood clots and heart problems, especially in women who smoke.

This is not a complete list of norethindrone’s side effects. For more information on advice effects associated with norethindrone tablets, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.

How long does it take for norethindrone tablets to work?

If you take your first dose as directed, norethindrone tablets will start to prevent ovulation and pregnancy almost immediately. You will be protected against pregnancy 2-7 days after your first dose.

Do not discontinue your use of norethindrone tablets without talking to your doctor first. Combination birth control pills are only effective if taken every day at about the same time. If you stop using norethindrone tablets, your fertility will return to normal, and you may experience some adverse side effects from the sudden hormone changes in your body.

Can I get norethindrone tablets online?

Yep! You can get a birth control prescription sent to your local pharmacy, often with same-day pickup. Types of norethindrone tablets are:

norethindrone 0.35 mg
- Generic Nor-QD, Ortho Micronor, Camila, Heather, Nora-BE, Errin, Jencycla, Jolivette, Lyza

Please note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

What are norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets?

Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets are a generic form of birth control that can help prevent pregnancy. norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets contain two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and norethindrone (a form of progesterone), which prevent the release of an egg during ovulation. Norethindrone combination pills may also contain an iron supplement. These hormones also change both the cervical mucus and the uterine wall to keep sperm from fertilizing an egg. Combined, these measures vastly reduce the likelihood that you’ll get pregnant.

Oral contraceptives like norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol may be prescribed by your doctor for many reasons other than pregnancy prevention. Aside from birth control, norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol has been shown to:


- Decrease risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
- Decrease risk of ovarian cysts
- Improve acne
- Make periods lighter, shorter, and more regular
- Reduce menstrual cramps

It is important to note that while combination birth control pills offer significant benefits, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Talk to your doctor about your health history and any medication you are currently taking before you start taking a combination birth control pill.

How do norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets work?

Norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets contain two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and norethindrone (a synthetic form of progesterone). When released into the body, these hormones prevent ovulation (the process by which ovaries release an egg) and change cervical mucus. Together, these measures help to prevent fertilization from sperm, making pregnancy highly unlikely. When taken correctly, these oral contraceptives are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Combination pills are usually taken once a day for 21-24 days, with 4-7 inert (or placebo) pills being taken during the span of your monthly period. It is important to take oral birth control pills regularly to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body. If you stop taking norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, your fertility will return to normal almost immediately.

What are the most common side effects of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets?

While there are some common side effects associated with norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, it is important to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe that its ability to prevent unwanted pregnancy outweighs any adverse effects it may cause.

There are, however, some common side effects you may experience while taking norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets. According to the National Institutes of Health, these may include:


- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal cramps and bloating)
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Spotting
- Change in menstrual flow
- Amenorrhea
- Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment
- Edema
- Melasma,
- Breast changes including tenderness, enlargement, and secretion,
- Change in weight (increase or decrease)
- Change in cervical erosion and secretion
- Diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum
- Cholestatic jaundice,
- Migraine
- Rash (allergic)
- Depression
- Reduced tolerance to carbohydrates,
- Vaginal candidiasis
- Change in corneal curvature (steepening)
- Intolerance to contact lenses

If these side effects do not decrease with continued use, talk to your doctor about whether or not norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets are the right form of birth control for you.

Before taking norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, inform your doctor about your health history and any medication you may be taking. norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets may interact with other medications, causing adverse side effects. It may also increase the risk of certain conditions including blood clots and heart problems, especially in women who smoke.

This is not a complete list of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol’s side effects. For more information on advice effects associated with norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.

How long does it take for norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets to work?

If you take your first dose as directed, norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets will start to prevent ovulation and pregnancy almost immediately. You will be protected against pregnancy 7 days after your first dose.

Do not discontinue your use of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets without talking to your doctor first. Combination birth control pills are only effective if taken every day at about the same time. If you stop using norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, your fertility will return to normal, and you may experience some adverse side effects from the sudden hormone changes in your body.

Can I get norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets online?

Yep! You can get a birth control prescription sent to your local pharmacy, often with same-day pickup. The types of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol tablets are:

norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol 1 mg-20 mcg with iron 75 mg
- Generic Loestrin Fe 1/20, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Gildess Fe 1/20, Junel Fe 1/20, Larin Fe 1/20

norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol 1 mg-20 mcg
- Generic Loestrin 1/20, Junel 1/20, Larin 1/20, Microgestin 1/20

norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol 1 mg-35 mcg
- Generic Ortho-Novum 1/35, Alyacen 1/35, Cyclafem 1/35, Dasetta 1/35 28, Nortrel 1/35

norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol 0.4 mg-35 mcg
- Generic Ovcon-35, Balziva, Briellyn, Gildagia, Philith, Vyfemla, Zenchent

norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol triphasic 0.5 mg/0.75 mg/1 mg- 35 mcg
- Generic Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Alyacen 7/7/7, Cyclafem 7/7/7, Dasetta 7/7/7, Necon 7/7/7, Nortrel 7/7/7, Pirmella 7/7/7

Please note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

What are norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets?

Norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets are a generic form of birth control that can help prevent pregnancy. norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets contain two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and norgestimate (a form of progesterone), which prevent the release of an egg during ovulation. Norgestimate combination pills may also contain an iron supplement. These hormones also change both the cervical mucus and the uterine wall to keep sperm from fertilizing an egg. Combined, these measures vastly reduce the likelihood that you’ll get pregnant.

Oral contraceptives like norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol may be prescribed by your doctor for many reasons other than pregnancy prevention. Aside from birth control, norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol has been shown to:


- Decrease risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
- Decrease risk of ovarian cysts
- Improve acne
- Make periods lighter, shorter, and more regular
- Reduce menstrual cramps

It is important to note that while combination birth control pills offer significant benefits, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Talk to your doctor about your health history and any medication you are currently taking before you start taking a combination birth control pill.

How do norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets work?

Norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets contain two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and norgestimate (a synthetic form of progesterone). When released into the body, these hormones prevent ovulation (the process by which ovaries release an egg) and change cervical mucus. Together, these measures help to prevent fertilization from sperm, making pregnancy highly unlikely. When taken correctly, these oral contraceptives are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Combination pills are usually taken once a day for 21-24 days, with 4-7 inert (or placebo) pills being taken during the span of your monthly period. A triphasic contraceptive kit will use three different ratios of hormones during the pill cycle.

It is important to take oral birth control pills regularly to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body. If you stop taking norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets, your fertility will return to normal almost immediately.

What are the most common side effects of norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets?

While there are some common side effects associated with norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets, it is important to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe that its ability to prevent unwanted pregnancy outweighs any adverse effects it may cause.

There are, however, some common side effects you may experience while taking norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets. According to the National Institutes of Health, these may include irregular uterine bleeding, nausesa, breast tenderness, and headaches. If these side effects do not decrease with continued use, talk to your doctor about whether or not norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets are the right form of birth control for you.

Before taking norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets, inform your doctor about your health history and any medication you may be taking. norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets may interact with other medications, causing adverse side effects. It may also increase the risk of certain conditions including blood clots and heart problems, especially in women who smoke.

This is not a complete list of Norgestimate-Ethinyl Estradiol’s side effects. For more information on advice effects associated with norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.

How long does it take for norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets to work?

If you take your first dose as directed, norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets will start to prevent ovulation and pregnancy almost immediately. You will be protected against pregnancy 7 days after your first dose.

Do not discontinue your use of norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets without talking to your doctor first. Combination birth control pills are only effective if taken every day at about the same time. If you stop using norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets, your fertility will return to normal, and you may experience some adverse side effects from the sudden hormone changes in your body.

Can I get norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets online?

Yep! You can get a birth control prescription sent to your local pharmacy, often with same-day pickup. The types of norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol tablets are:

norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol 0.25 mg-35 mcg
- Generic Femynor, Mili, Ortho-Cyclen, Previfem, Sprintec, VyLibra; Estarylla, Mono-Linyah, Mononessa

In addition, there are a number of triphasic norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol kits available. These kits feature three different strengths of medication to be used as prescribed by your doctor. Triphasic kits:

norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol triphasic 0.18 mg/0.215 mg/0.25 mg- 25 mcg
- Generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Tri-Lo-Estsarylla, Tri-Lo-Mili, Tri-Lo Sprintec

norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol triphasic 0.18 mg/0.215mg/0.25mg- 35 mcg
- Generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Tri-Estarylla, Tri- Linyah, Trinessa, Tri-Previfem, Tri- Sprintec

Please note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

What are levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets?

Levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets are a generic form of birth control that can help prevent pregnancy. levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets contain two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and levonorgestrel (progestin), which prevent the release of an egg during ovulation. These hormones also change both cervical mucus and the uterine wall to keep sperm from fertilizing an egg. These measures vastly reduce the likelihood that you’ll get pregnant.

Oral contraceptives like levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol may be prescribed by your doctor for many reasons other than pregnancy prevention. Aside from birth control, levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol has been shown to:


- Decrease risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
- Decrease risk of ovarian cysts
- Improve acne
- Make periods lighter, shorter, and more regular
- Reduce menstrual cramps

It is important to note that while combination birth control pills offer significant benefits, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Talk to your doctor about your health history and any medication you are currently taking before you start taking a combination birth control pill.

How do levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets work?

Levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets contain two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and levonorgestrel (progestin). When released into the body, these hormones prevent ovulation (the process by which ovaries release an egg) and change cervical mucus. Together, these measures help to prevent fertilization from sperm, making pregnancy highly unlikely. When taken correctly, these oral contraceptives are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Combination pills are usually taken once a day for 21-24 days, with 4-7 inert (or placebo) pills being taken during the span of your monthly period. It is important to take oral birth control pills regularly to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body. If you stop taking levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets, your fertility will return to normal almost immediately.

What are the most common side effects of levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets?

While there are some common side effects associated with levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets, it is important to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe that its ability to prevent unwanted pregnancy outweighs any adverse effects it may cause.

There are, however, some common side effects you may experience while taking levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets. According to the National Institutes of Health, these may include:

Breast tenderness, pain, enlargement, secretion; Nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal pain, cramps and bloating); Change in menstrual flow; Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment; Change in weight or appetite (increase or decrease); Change in cervical erosion and secretion; Cholestatic jaundice; Rash (allergic); Vaginitis, including candidiasis; Change in corneal curvature (steepening); Intolerance to contact lenses; Mesenteric thrombosis; Decrease in serum folate levels; Exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus; Exacerbation of porphyria; Exacerbation of chorea; Aggravation of varicose veins; Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, and severe reactions with respiratory and circulatory symptoms.

If these side effects do not decrease with continued use, talk to your doctor about whether or not levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets are the right form of birth control for you.

Before taking levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets, inform your doctor about your health history and any medication you may be taking. levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets may interact with other medications, causing adverse side effects. It may also increase the risk of certain conditions including blood clots and heart problems, especially in women who smoke.

This is not a complete list of levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol’s side effects. For more information on advice effects associated with levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.

How long does it take for levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets to work?

If you take your first dose as directed, levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets will start to prevent ovulation and pregnancy almost immediately. You will be protected against pregnancy 7 days after your first dose.

Do not discontinue your use of levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets without talking to your doctor first. Combination birth control pills are only effective if taken every day at about the same time. If you stop using levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets, your fertility will return to normal, and you may experience some adverse side effects from the sudden hormone changes in your body.

Can I get levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets online?

Yep! With you can get a birth control prescription sent to your local pharmacy, often with same-day pickup. The types of levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets are:

levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol 0.15 mg-0.03 mg
- Generic Nordette, Marlissa, Portia, Levora, Lillow, Kurvelo, Chateal, Ayuna, Altavera

levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol 0.1 mg-20 mcg
- Generic Alesse, Delyla, Aubra, Aviane, Falmina, Lutera, Orsythia, Vienva

levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol triphasic 0.05 mg-0.03 mg/0.075 mg-0.04 mg/0.125 mg-0.03 mg
- Generic Triphasil, Enpresse; Levonest; Myzilra; Trivora

Please note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

  1. Home
  2. Medication
  3. Birth control