Frequently asked questions for Ethinyl Estradiol + Levonorgestrel
Ethinyl Estradiol + Levonorgestrel
Q. What is Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel and what is it used for?
Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel is a combined oral contraceptive medicine that contains two hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is used to prevent pregnancy.Q. What if I forget to take Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel?
If you forget to take one tablet, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two tablets at same time and then follow the usual dosing schedule. However, if you forget to take two or more doses, you may not be totally protected against pregnancy. In this case, start taking the tablet as soon as you remember and use a non-hormonal method of contraception such as condoms for at least next 7 days to prevent pregnancy. Frequent missing of doses may lead to unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting (blood stain). Consult your doctor if this persists.Q. How and in what dose should I take Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel?
Take this medicine as per the advice of your doctor. However, take it at the same time each day, to ensure consistent levels of medicine in your body.Q. Are there any specific contraindications associated with the use of Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel?
The use of Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel is not recommended to patients with known allergy to any of its components or excipients. It is not advised to be used by patients with a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, migraine headache, liver disease or tumors, uterine bleeding, breast cancer, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (blood clot).Q. Can Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel be taken by a patient who smokes?
Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel should not be taken by a person who smokes. Smoking increases the risk of serious side effects like death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. The risk increases in patients who are obese or over 35 years of age and people who are heavy smokers. Inform your doctor if you smoke, before taking Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel.Q. What if I miss my regular menstrual periods while taking Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel?
If you miss your menstrual periods while taking Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel, you may be pregnant. Some women may miss periods or have light periods while taking Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel even if they are not pregnant. Contact your doctor if you think you are pregnant or have missed one or two periods. This may happen in case you are not taking Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel at the same time every day.Q. Can Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel cause bleeding or spotting between the regular menstrual periods?
Yes, Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel can cause some unexpected bleeding or spotting, especially during the first three months. Do not stop taking Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel because of this. This bleeding or spotting decreases with time. You may have unexpected bleeding if you do not take the pills regularly. Consult your doctor if the spotting continues for more than seven days or if the bleeding is heavy.Q. What if I vomit after taking Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel?
If you vomit within 3-4 hours after taking Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel tablet, then it is considered as a missed dose. So, you should take an another dose as soon as you feel well enough.Q. What are the common side effects of taking Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel?
You may experience irregular vaginal bleeding while taking Ethinyl Estradiol+Levonorgestrel. Other common side effects include headache, nausea (feeling sick), acne, depression (sad mood), and breast pain. Most of them are temporary. If these persist, consult with your doctor.