Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol

Welcome to Dwaey, specifically on Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol page.
This medicine contains important and useful components, as it consists of
Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol is available in the market in concentration.

Generic Name of Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol - Learn More

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol Precaution - What You Need to Know

Before using Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol, patients must consult their healthcare provider, especially if they have a history of:

- Smoking: Smoking, particularly in women over 35 years old, increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack when using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) like Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol.
- Blood Clots: A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, or other clotting disorders is a contraindication for this combination, as it may increase the risk of developing these issues.
- Liver Disease: Women with existing liver conditions such as cirrhosis, liver tumors, or active liver disease should avoid these pills.
- Breast Cancer or Hormone-Sensitive Cancer: Those with a history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid this medication, as it may promote the growth of such tumors.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure can increase the risk of complications with oral contraceptives. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended.
- Diabetes: Women with poorly controlled diabetes should be monitored for changes in blood glucose levels, as estrogen can influence insulin sensitivity.
- Migraines: Women who experience migraines may be at increased risk of stroke, especially with oral contraceptives, and may require special monitoring.
- Older Age: Women over 35, particularly those who are smokers or have certain medical conditions, should discuss the risks with their healthcare provider before using this combination.

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol Indication - Uses and Benefits

The combination of Levonorgestrel (a progestin) and Ethinylestradiol (an estrogen) is primarily used for:

- Contraception: Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol is commonly prescribed as an oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. It works by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the endometrial lining, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
- Menstrual Cycle Regulation: It is also used to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms associated with irregular periods.
- Acne: This combination can be prescribed for the treatment of moderate acne in women who are seeking contraception, as it can reduce the hormonal factors that contribute to acne.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol is sometimes prescribed to treat PCOS to regulate menstruation and reduce the symptoms of excessive hair growth (hirsutism) or acne.
- Endometriosis: It may be used as part of the management of endometriosis to reduce pain and regulate the hormonal environment.
- Menstrual Disorders: It can help in the management of menorrhagia (heavy periods), dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and irregular bleeding.

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol Contraindications - Important Warnings

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol should be avoided in the following situations:

- Pregnancy: This combination should not be used during pregnancy, as it could harm the developing fetus. A negative pregnancy test should be confirmed before starting the medication.
- Liver Disease: Any history of liver disease, including cirrhosis, active liver disease, or liver tumors, is a contraindication due to the effect of estrogen on liver metabolism.
- Blood Clot Disorders: This combination should be avoided by those with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, or other thromboembolic disorders.
- Breast Cancer: Any history of breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers should preclude the use of this combination.
- Uncontrolled Hypertension: Women with high blood pressure that is poorly controlled should avoid this medication due to the increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
- Migraine with Aura: Women who experience migraines with aura should avoid combined oral contraceptives because they are at a higher risk for stroke.
- Undiagnosed Vaginal Bleeding: If there is unexplained vaginal bleeding, this medication should not be initiated until the cause has been identified.
- Hypersensitivity: Women with a known allergy to any component of the formulation should not take Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol.

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol Side Effects - What to Expect

While Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol is effective for contraception, it may cause some side effects, including:

- Nausea and Vomiting: These are common side effects, especially in the first few months of use.
- Headache: Migraines or regular headaches can occur, often due to the estrogen component of the pill.
- Breast Tenderness: Some women experience tenderness or enlargement of the breasts.
- Mood Changes: Some users report feeling more irritable, depressed, or anxious while on the pill.
- Weight Changes: Hormonal contraceptives may lead to minor changes in weight, often due to water retention or increased appetite.
- Breakthrough Bleeding: Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods is common, especially during the first few months of use.
- Decreased Libido: Some women may experience a decrease in sexual desire while using this combination.
- Thromboembolic Events: Rare but serious, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and stroke can occur, particularly in women over 35 who smoke or have pre-existing risk factors.
- Gallbladder Disease: Long-term use of combined oral contraceptives has been associated with an increased risk of gallstones and other gallbladder issues.
- Cervical Dysplasia: Extended use may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer, particularly in women who have high-risk HPV infections.

Serious side effects require prompt medical attention, including:

- Severe chest pain,
- Sudden shortness of breath,
- Severe leg swelling,
- Severe headache, or
- Loss of vision (especially if related to migraine).

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

5

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol Mode of Action - How It Works

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol works by affecting the hormonal balance in the body, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The combination works in the following ways:

- Inhibition of Ovulation: It prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation) by inhibiting the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland.
- Thickening of Cervical Mucus: The progestin component, Levonorgestrel, thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.
- Alteration of the Endometrium: The combination also alters the lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it less suitable for implantation if fertilization were to occur.
- Regulation of Hormonal Fluctuations: Ethinylestradiol, an estrogen, helps to stabilize the hormonal levels in the body, reducing menstrual irregularities and symptoms like acne.

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Several medications and substances can interact with Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol, potentially reducing its effectiveness or causing harmful effects. Some key interactions include:

- Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, such as rifampin and griseofulvin, may reduce the effectiveness of Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol by affecting liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism.
- Anticonvulsants: Phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates, and topiramate may reduce the contraceptive efficacy of this combination due to their effect on liver enzyme induction.
- Antiretroviral Drugs: Some HIV medications, such as ritonavir and nevirapine, can also decrease the effectiveness of this contraceptive combination.
- Herbal Products: St. John's Wort, a popular herbal remedy, can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by inducing liver enzymes, leading to reduced plasma concentrations of Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol.
- CYP450 Enzyme Inducers: Medications that induce cytochrome P450 enzymes (e.g., phenobarbital, bosentan) may increase the metabolism of the contraceptive hormones, lowering their efficacy.
- Antifungals: Some antifungal agents (like ketoconazole) may interfere with the metabolism of estrogen and progestins, possibly increasing their effects or side effects.
- Antidepressants and Antipsychotics: Certain antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine) or antipsychotics may interact with the hormonal content, potentially leading to side effects.

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

For contraception, the typical dosage is one tablet taken orally at the same time every day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval (or the placebo week). The dosage may vary depending on the specific formulation (e.g., 0.15 mg Levonorgestrel + 0.03 mg Ethinylestradiol). For menstrual regulation, it follows the same dosage protocol.

For other indications, such as acne, PCOS, or endometriosis, the dosage typically remains the same, with adjustments made as per medical guidance.

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol Child Dose - Dosage for Children

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol is typically not recommended for use in children unless for medical indications like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal treatment in adolescents under the supervision of a physician. For adolescent females (typically over the age of 16), the standard adult dose is used for contraception and related indications. Always consult a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing and monitoring.

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

No specific dose adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment. However, renal function should be monitored regularly, especially in individuals with severe renal impairment.