ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (extend... Health Article

Generic name(s):

ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (extended-cycle)

Brand name(s):

ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel, Jolessa, Quasense, Seasonale, Seasonique

What is the most important information I should know about ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel extended-cycle?

Do not use ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel extended-cycle if you are pregnant or recently had a baby. Do not use this medication if you have: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

You may need to use back-up birth control when you first start using this medication.

Taking hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.

What is ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel extended-cycle?

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel extended-cycle contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel extended-cycle are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel extended-cycle may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel extended-cycle?

This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control pills (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding). Do not use this medication if you have:

• a history of a stroke or blood clot;

• circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes);

• a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;

• abnormal vaginal bleeding;

• liver disease or liver cancer;

• severe high blood pressure;

• severe migraine headaches;

• a heart valve disorder; or

• a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.

• high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack;

• high cholesterol or if you are overweight;

• a history of depression;

• gallbladder disease;

• diabetes;

• seizures or epilepsy;

• a history of irregular menstrual cycles; or

• a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.

The hormones in birth control pills can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.