Levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol is a prescription combination birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains the hormones estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (levonorgestrel), which work together to prevent ovulation and change the lining of the uterus and cervical mucus. While the primary effect of combination birth control pills is to prevent ovulation, these changes in the uterus and cervix make it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and also make it harder for a fertilized egg to attach itself and develop. levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol is typically taken once daily for 21 consecutive days followed by seven days of no pills or placebo pills before beginning another cycle.

levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol is available under a number of brand names, including Amythyst, Alesse, Altavera, Amethia, Aviane, Camrese, Enpresse, Introvale, Jolessa, and Lessina, among many other names. It comes in the form of a tablet or a chewable tablet to take by mouth.

Levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol is a prescription combination birth control medication that is used to prevent pregnancy. It is also sometimes used to treat acne in females who are at least 15 years of age and who have started their menstrual periods and to regulate periods.

Oral contraceptives are not effective at preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so it is important to use additional forms of contraception to avoid their transmission.

This medication has been given a black box warning from the FDA due to the risks of smoking cigarettes while using levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol. Doing so increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and other side effects from taking oral contraceptives, especially for heavy smokers over the age of 35, so do not smoke cigarettes if you are taking oral contraceptives such as levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol. Additionally, the patch formulation of this medication is contraindicated in women whose BMI is greater than 30 due to decreased effectiveness and an increased risk of clots.

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.

Levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol comes in the form of a tablet to take by mouth. Oral contraceptives typically are prescribed in packets of 21, 28, or 91 tablets and are usually taken once per day at the same time of day. However, you should take the medication exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

If you miss a dose of levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol, you should follow the instructions on the packaging of your birth control and use a backup method of birth control for 7 to 9 days or until the end of the cycle.

Levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and kept out of the reach of children.

Levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions, including levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol prescriptions, are at the discretion of your clinician.