Uses of Ethinylestradiol+Levonorgestrel

The combination of Ethinylestradiol+Levonorgestrel is used for contraception and to treat acne vulgaris in women.

Therapeutic Category

Ethinylestradiol+Levonorgestrel: Hormonal Contraceptive Agents

How Ethinylestradiol+Levonorgestrel works

Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel is a contraceptive pill. It reduces the chances of pregnancy by suppressing ovulation (release of a mature egg from ovary). It can also reduce the thickness of the inner lining of uterus which makes it not suitable for the foetus to implant and grow.

Additionally, it can alter the thickness of the cervical mucus which makes it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize the egg. As a result, they create an unfavourable environment for a successful pregnancy.

It can also reduce the production of male sex hormones (testosterone) in the body. This helps in reducing excess oil production in the skin which in turn reduces hormonal acne.

Common side effects of Ethinylestradiol+Levonorgestrel

• vaginal infection, itching or inflammation
• discharge from vagina
• changes in body weight
• changes in mood (mood swings)
• depression
• changes in sex drive
• headache, tiredness
• feeling nervous
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• unusual spotting or bleeding
• breast pain or tenderness
• milk discharge from breasts
• heavy periods or lack of periods
• swelling of body parts (edema)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• signs of allergic reactions (such as swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• presence of lumps in breast, skin dimpling in breast and changes in the nipple
• smelly or bloody discharge from vagina, unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and painful sex
• signs of severe liver problems (such as severe pain in your upper abdomen, yellow skin, or eyes, itching in the whole body)
• signs of blood clot in the legs (such as swelling of the affected leg or foot accompanied by pain or tenderness)
• signs of blood clot in the lungs (such as sudden unexplained breathing difficulty, rapid heart rate, sharp chest pain, severe light headedness, or dizziness)
• chest pain, pressure, heaviness in the chest, abnormal heartbeat, extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting or dizziness
• sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or legs, especially on one side of the body, confusion
• feeling depressed with thoughts of killing or harming yourself

Health Tips for Ethinylestradiol+Levonorgestrel

• Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel should be used only under careful medical supervision. Therefore, strictly follow the dosing schedule as instructed by your doctor to achieve better protection from pregnancy
• Do not misuse or overuse this medicine, as it is having high potential to cause blood clots, stroke, or any other serious side effects
• Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol while taking Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel, as it seriously reacts with the medicine and cause harmful side effects
• Before taking Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel, inform your doctor if you have asthma, diabetes, any forms of cancer (breast cancer, cervical cancer or liver cancer), blood clots, history of stroke, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, migraine, obesity, epilepsy or depression as a precaution
• Do not take Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel without consulting your doctor if you are breastfeeding, reached menopause, aged above 35 years, or have habit of smoking
• Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel is not intended for use in pregnant women