How should I take ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take larger amounts, or
take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. You will take your first pill on the first day
of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor's instructions).
You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you
first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Some 28-day birth control packs contain seven "reminder" pills to keep you on your
regular cycle. Your period will usually begin while you are using these reminder pills.
Breakthrough bleeding may occur, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your
doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.
Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new
pack the next day. You may get pregnant if you do not use this medication regularly.
If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you
may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you
should know that you are using birth control pills.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Missing a pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant.
If you miss one "active" pill, take two pills on the day that you
remember. Then take one pill per day for the rest of the pack.
If you miss two "active" pills in a row in week one or two, take two
pills per day for two days in a row. Then take one pill per day for the rest of the pack. Use
back-up birth control for at least 7 days following the missed pills.
If you miss two "active" pills in a row in week three, or if you miss three
pills in a row during any of the first 3 weeks, throw out the rest of the pack and start a
new one the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill
every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one that day.
If you miss three "active" pills in a row during any of the first 3 weeks, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack on the same day if you are a Day 1
starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw
out the rest of the pack and start a new one that day.
If you miss two or more pills, you may not have a period during the month.
If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be
pregnant.
If you miss any reminder pills, throw them away and keep taking one pill per day until the
pack is empty. You do not need back-up birth control if you miss a reminder pill.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.
Print
Email
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
