Common side effects of levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps or bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gingivitis (swelling of the gum tissue)
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Brown or black skin patches
- Acne
- Hair growth in unusual places
- Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
- Changes in menstrual flow
- Painful or missed periods
- Breast tenderness, enlargement, or discharge
- Swelling, redness, irritation, burning, or itching of the vagina
- White vaginal discharge
This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol:
- severe headache
- severe vomiting
- speech problems
- dizziness or faintness
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- crushing chest pain or chest heaviness
- coughing up blood
- shortness of breath
- leg pain
- partial or complete loss of vision
- double vision
- bulging eyes
- severe stomach pain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- loss of appetite
- extreme tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy
- fever
- dark-colored urine
- light-colored stool
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- depression, especially if you also have trouble sleeping, tiredness, loss of energy, or other mood changes
- Unusual bleeding
- Rash
- Menstrual bleeding that is unusually heavy or that lasts for longer than 7 days in a row
As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with.
Oral contraceptives such as levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol may increase your long-term risk of developing liver tumors and your short-term risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots – while reducing your overall risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives.
You should speak with your provider about any medications or supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol. Levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects.
In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication. Though rare, it is still possible to become pregnant while using oral contraceptives.