What is the most important information I should know about ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel?
Do not use ethinyl estradiol and
levonorgestrel if you are pregnant or if you recently
had a baby.
Do not use this medication if you have a history of
stroke or blood clot, circulation
problems (especially if caused by
diabetes), a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine
cancer, abnormal
vaginal bleeding,
liver disease or
liver cancer,
severe high blood pressure,
migraine headaches, a
heart valve disorder, or a history of
jaundice caused by birth control pills.
Taking hormones can increase your risk of
blood clots, stroke, or
heart attack,
especially if you smoke and are older than 35.
What is ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel?
Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel contains a combination of female hormones that
prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in
your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder
for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel?
This medication can cause
birth defects.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual
periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control
pills (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding).
Do not use this medication if you have:
-
a history of a stroke or blood clot;
-
circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes);
-
a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;
-
abnormal vaginal bleeding;
-
liver disease or liver cancer;
-
severe high blood pressure;
-
severe migraine headaches;
-
a heart valve disorder; or
-
a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
The hormones in birth control pills can pass into breast milk and
may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
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