Ethinyl Estradiol / Levonorgestrel Pills
Product Information
Ethinyl Estradiol / Levonorgestrel is an effective oral contraceptive (can be also referred to as “birth control pills” or just “pills”). In this product a combination of natural and synthetic estrogens and progestins is used. Estrogens and progestins are similar to the sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that are produced in a female body.
Desogestrel is a progestin and ethinyl lestradiol is an estrogen. On average this combination works better than products that contain only one ingredient. These products are used for ovulation and pregnancy prevention. These medications can also be used for treating various female hormone related problems including pimples, help to regulate menstrual flow. From one product to another the amount and kind of estrogen and/or progestin might differ.
These pills can also be used under such special circumstances as unprotected sex for emergency prevention of pregnancy. You are to consult your health care worker or medication provider for instructions and further information.
What information should I give to my medical adviser before taking this birth control pill?
It is important to inform them whether you have or ever had any of the following conditions:
- diabetes
- cardiac disease or recent infarct
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- high potassium level
- adrenal gland disease
- occasional vaginal bleeding
- the disease of blood vessels or blood clots
- blood-stroke
- bilious headaches
- gallbladder disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- ovarian, liver, endometrial, breast, cervical or uterine cancer
- smoking
- breastfeeding
- pregnancy or attempts to become pregnant
- allergies and unusual reactions to progestins, strogens or other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
How should I take this birth control pill?
This medicine is used to prevent pregnancy and ovulation.
You are to start taking the medicine on the first day of your cycle or on Sunday after the beginning of your cycle. You will probably need to consult your medical adviser which day you should start the pack.
In order not to miss the first day of your next cycle always have extra supply of the pills.
MIND: These pills are only for you, they are not to be shared with anyone.
What if I forget to take the pill?
Missing the dosage enhances the risk to get pregnant.
If you forget to take one “active” pill you can either take it the moment you remember about it or you can take 2 pills at the time when you usually take the medicine.
There’s no need for additional birth control.
If you miss 2 “active” pills at a run in week one or two, you should take 2 pills at a time twice for your scheduled dose (one scheduled tablet plus one missed for two days at a run). You ought to use another pregnancy prevention method for no less than the next 7 days after you missed the dose.
If you forget to take 2 “active” pills in week three or 3 tablets at a run any of the three weeks you should throw away the rest of the pack and start a new one as if you’re a day 1 starter. If you started using the medicine on Sunday you should take a pill a day until Sunday.
On Sunday you are to start a new pack of pills and throw away the rest of the pack. Your monthlies might not start this month as it is expected, but if you do not have your periods 2 months at a run you should visit your doctor for you may be pregnant.
If you forget to take one of the reminder pills in week 4 just skip it and take another one as it scheduled.
If you miss a tablet there’s a risk to become pregnant if you have sex in the next 7 days. So you MUST back up and use other birth control form (such as spermatocides or condoms).
