Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel Health Article

Generic name(s):

Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel

Brand name(s):

Alesse, Aviane, Enpresse, Jolessa, Lessina, Levlen, Levlite, Levora, LoSeasonique, Lutera, Lybrel, Nordette, Portia, Preven EC, Quasense, Seasonale, Seasonique, Sronyx, Tri-Levlen, Triphasil-21, Triphasil-28, Trivora-28

What is this medicine?

ETHINYL ESTRADIOL; LEVONORGESTREL (ETH in il es tra DYE ole; LEE voh nor jes trel) is an oral contraceptive. It combines two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They are used to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• blood vessel disease or blood clots
• breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
• diabetes
• gallbladder disease
• heart disease or recent heart attack
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• migraine headaches
• stroke
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• tobacco smoker
• an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. To reduce nausea, this medicine may be taken with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.

A patient information sheet will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, refer to the patient information sheet you received with your medicine for direction. If you miss more than one pill, this medicine may not be as effective and you may need to use another form of birth control.

What may interact with this medicine?

• acetaminophen
• antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin, and possibly penicillins or tetracyclines
• aprepitant
• ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
• atorvastatin
• barbiturate medicines, such as phenobarbital
• bosentan
• carbamazepine
• caffeine
• clofibrate
• cyclosporine
• dantrolene
• doxercalciferol
• felbamate
• grapefruit juice
• hydrocortisone
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for diabetes, including pioglitazone
• mineral oil
• modafinil
• mycophenolate
• nefazodone
• oxcarbazepine
• phenytoin
• prednisolone
• ritonavir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• rosuvastatin
• selegiline
• soy isoflavones supplements
• St. John's wort
• tamoxifen or raloxifene
• theophylline
• thyroid hormones
• topiramate
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.