levonorgestrel-ethinyl estrad Oral

levonorgestrel-ethinyl estrad Oral Uses

This medication is a combination of 2 hormones (an estrogen and a progestin) and is used to prevent pregnancy. It works mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) during your menstrual cycle. It also can work by making vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization) and by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. If a fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus, it passes out of the body.

Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, gonorrhea).

How To Use levonorgestrel-ethinyl estrad Oral

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information about when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth once daily or as directed by your doctor. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take your pill at the same time each day. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss a pill or take a pill late. Make sure you get a new pill pack before you finish your current pack. Also, make sure you have back-up birth control (e.g., condoms) available in case you miss a pill.

If you have been using another form of hormonal birth control (e.g., patch, another type of pill), ask your doctor or pharmacist how to switch to this product.

If you are using this medication for the first time, and you are not switching from another form of hormonal birth control (e.g., patch, ring, other birth control pills), take the first pill in the pack on the first day of your period. If your doctor directs you to start this medication on any other day, use an additional form of birth control for the first 7 days.

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Precautions and Side Effects