Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel

Uses	Birth control
Therapy	Female Hormone Pills
Side Effects	Headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain

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Molecule Description

Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is a birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains the hormones levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, which are similar to the natural hormones in a woman's body. It works by preventing the release of the egg and restricting the movement of the sperm in the womb. Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. To gain the greatest effectiveness, a woman must take pills daily without any breaks. Skipping any dose may lead to failure of contraception and unwanted pregnancy. Before starting Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel, it is crucial to discuss any existing conditions related to the lung, liver, kidney, or heart with your doctor. You should also disclose conditions such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, migraine, obesity, epilepsy, or depression. Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is not recommended for those with breast, cervical, or liver cancer, or for individuals who have a history of depression, blood clots, stroke, or circulatory problems. Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is contraindicated for pregnant women, prepubescent children, menopausal women, breastfeeding mothers, and women over 35 who smoke. Some common side effects of Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel include vaginal infections, discharge, spotting, breast tenderness, mood changes, decreased libido, and weight fluctuations. If you experience any side effects that worsen, it's important to consult your healthcare provider.

Uses

Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is used for the prevention of pregnancy (contraception).

Contraindications

When should one not use Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel

If you are allergic to levonorgestrel, ethinylestradiol or any other ingredients of Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel.
If you have a history of any blood clot formation or bleeding disorder.
If you have any problems with your heart, like a stroke, a heart attack or chest pain.
If you have or had a history of migraine attacks.
If you have a pancreas or liver problem.
If you have a history of vaginal bleeding (cause not established), absent periods for more than 3 months (amenorrhea).
If you have or are suspected of having breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs (private parts).
If you are taking treatment for Hepatitis C with a medicine that contains ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, plus dasabuvir.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Weight changes
Mood swings
Pain
Tenderness of the breast
Reduced sex drive

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel should not be used during pregnancy as it is used to stop or prevent pregnancy. When pregnancy is detected, this medicine should be discontinued immediately, and you should consult your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel should not be used during breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk and may harm the breastfed baby. Moreover, it may also lead to a reduction in milk production and affect its quality. It is generally not recommended until the nursing mother has completely stopped breastfeeding her child, or for up to 6 months from childbirth.

Driving

It is not expected that Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel will affect your ability to drive, but if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert, you should avoid driving.

Alcohol

The consumption of alcohol does not affect the efficacy of Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel. This medicine can enhance the effects of alcohol and affect you adversely. Hence, it is best advised to avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have a family history of breast cancer, diabetes, fits or other brain disorders.
You have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
You have a disease of the liver, gall bladder or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
You have a blood disease that damages the kidneys (hemolytic uremic syndrome).
You have an immune system disorder, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
You have a history of pregnancy patches, especially on the face (chloasma).
You have a disease that first appeared during pregnancy, like porphyria (a rare inherited metabolic disorder), hearing loss, gestational herpes (vesicular skin rashes during pregnancy) and Sydenham's chorea (rapid, irregular movements of the body).
You have a family history or previous history of serious allergic reactions causing swelling of the face and throat, breathing difficulty, skin rashes and blisters (hereditary angioedema).
You should inform the doctor or laboratory personnel that you are using this medicine when undergoing a lab test, as it may interfere with the test results.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is an oestrogen-progestogen that is similar to a natural hormone produced in women's bodies. It works by preventing the release of the egg by the ovary, thickening vaginal secretions (which blocks the sperm from reaching the egg) and thinning the lining of the uterus. It helps in preventing the implantation of the egg if it is fertilised by any chance, thus preventing pregnancy.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Concomitant use of Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel along with medicines used to treat fits (Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, etc.), medicines used to treat HIV infection (Nevirapine, Ritonavir), anti-infectives (Penicillin, Griseofulvin etc.), medicines that increase the stomach and intestine problems (Metoclopramide) and herbal supplements like St.John's Wort (used to treat psychiatric illnesses), may alter the effects of Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel.
Concomitant use of this medicine along with some anti-seizure medications like Lamotrigine and immunosuppressants like Cyclosporine (used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease) should be avoided.
Concomitant use of this medicine with certain antiviral medicines may affect your liver enzymes. Thus, this medicine should be stopped and can be restarted 2 weeks after completing the treatment.
Other medicines like Rifampicin and Carbamazepine should be used cautiously.

Interactions with food items

Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel can be taken with or without food. However, taking it after a meal may help reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose of Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel include nausea, vomiting or withdrawal bleeding. If you experience any of the symptoms or think you have taken too much of Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

Missing a dose of Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. If you missed any dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular dose schedule. You should also inform your doctor and seek further advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is a type of medication known as a 'hormonal contraceptive,' which is used to prevent pregnancy (contraception). It works by preventing egg release (ovulation) and interfering with sperm movement in the womb, preventing it from joining with the egg. It also alters the womb lining, making it unsuitable for pregnancy.

You should take Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel in the doses and duration prescribed by your doctor. Take it with water exactly as directed by your doctor. You need to take it regularly and at the same time every day.

Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel contains a combination of two hormonal medicines, ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.

No, you should not stop taking Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel midway, you must finish the full course of treatment. Stopping the medication can lead to treatment failure. You need to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

No, Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is not meant for use in heavy periods.

Yes, you may experience weight gain during and after treatment with Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel.

Withdrawal bleeding is the bleeding that occurs when a woman on hormonal contraception such as pills, patches or the vaginal ring suddenly stops using them. It is not the same as menstrual bleeding and is much lighter and of shorter duration than a normal menstrual period. However, not everyone gets this when they stop using contraceptive measures.

No, Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is a contraceptive medicine used to prevent pregnancy; do not take it for any other gynaecological problem.

You may stop taking this pill whenever you want. However, it is advised to visit your doctor for a pre-pregnancy checkup before you stop taking this pill.

No, you should totally quit smoking if you are taking this medicine. Smoking can increase the risk of heart-related problems.

Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is a contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. Do not take it for any other gynaecological problem. Also, always consult a doctor before taking any medicine for your condition. Do not self-medicate.

No, Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is not specifically used to stop periods. Estradiol(Ethinyl Estradiol)+Levonorgestrel is used as an oral contraceptive pill. Do not use this medicine for a condition other than what it is prescribed for.

Do not use this medicine for a condition other than what it is prescribed for. You should take this medicine only if it is prescribed by your doctor.

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