Precautions and warnings

Patients should be informed that birth control pills do not protect against HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis.

Drug Interactions

Some drugs, called CYP3A4 inducers (like carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifamycins, and others), can lower the levels or effects of certain medications. Antibiotics such as ampicillin and tetracycline can also make these drugs less effective. Estrogens may cancel out the blood-thinning effects of coumarin drugs. These medications may slow down how quickly your body gets rid of drugs like prednisolone and ciclosporin, causing higher levels in your system. They can also slow the removal of drugs like alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, and diazepam, but speed up the removal of lorazepam, oxazepam, and temazepam.

Contraindications

Women should not use combination birth control pills if they have any of the following conditions:

- Blood clots or problems like thrombophlebitis or thromboembolism, currently or in the past
- Stroke, heart disease, or heart valve problems with blood clots
- Irregular heartbeats that cause blood clots
- Blood clotting disorders, whether inherited or developed
- Major surgery with long periods of bed rest
- Diabetes that has affected blood vessels
- Severe headaches with specific neurological symptoms (like vision changes or weakness)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Breast cancer (current, past, or suspected) or cancer that depends on estrogen (like some endometrial cancers)
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Liver problems, including jaundice from pregnancy or previous pill use, liver tumors, or active liver disease
- Suspected or known pregnancy
- Allergic reaction to any ingredient in the pills (levonorgestrel or ethinyl estradiol)

If any of these apply, combination birth control pills should not be used.

Mode of actions

Combined hormonal contraceptives prevent ovulation by causing the pituitary gland to produce less of the hormones that trigger egg release (luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone). They also make the cervical mucus thicker, which makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg if ovulation does happen. These contraceptives also change the lining of the uterus, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant, and may slow down the movement of eggs through the fallopian tubes.

Dosage & Administration

To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours.

The dosage of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets is one white tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by one orange inert tablet daily for 7 consecutive days, according to the prescribed schedule.

It is recommended that levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets be taken at the same time each day.

Pregnancy & Lactation

This medicine must not be used during pregnancy. It can be absorbed through the skin and lungs caused can damage your unborn child’s organs and cause congenital disabilities. Strict two effective types of birth control starting one month before and during treatment and for three years after stopping this medicine. Discuss with your doctors if you are not sure which types of birth control are effective for you. You must need to take pregnancy tests regularly during your treatment with this medicine and for at least three years after taking this medicine. If it seems that you do become pregnant stop taking this medicine and call your doctor immediately. If you really become pregnant, miss a menstrual period, or have sex without using two forms of birth control. In some cases, your doctor can prescribe emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. People on this medicine should not donate blood during the treatment and for three years afterward.

This medicine is also contraindicated breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication and for three years afterward.

Pack Size & Price