Levora (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Levora

Birth Control (Types and Options) »

Introduction to birth control types and options

If a woman is sexually active and she is fertile — physically able to become pregnant — she needs to ask herself, "Do I want to become pregnant now?" If her answer is "No," she must use some method of birth control (contraception).

If a woman does not want to get pregnant at this point in her life, does she plan to become pregnant in the future? Soon? Much later? Never? Her answers to these questions can determine the method of birth control that she and her male sexual partner use — now and in the future.

There are a number of different ways to describe birth control. Terms include contraception, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, and family planning. But no matter what the process is called, sexually active people can choose from a plethora of methods to reduce the possibility of their becoming pregnant. Nevertheless, no method of birth control av...

Read the Birth Control (Types and Options) article »

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Levora Patient Information including How Should I Take

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:

high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack;
high cholesterol or if you are overweight;
a history of depression;
gallbladder disease;
diabetes;
seizures or epilepsy;
a history of irregular menstrual cycles;
a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram;
uterine fibroid tumors;
varicose veins; or
tuberculosis.

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.

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.

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