Levlen (Levonorgestrel + Ethinyl Estradiol) Review

Levlen is an oral contraceptive that is generically prescribed as ethinyl estradiol levonorgestrel and is a hormonally based form of birth control. Levlen is used in the prevention of pregnancy.

Levlen can not be taken by all patients and some patients may require special monitoring while taking Levlen, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition. Women who have had a baby within the previous 4-6 weeks, depending on method of feeding, should not take Levlen. Patients with circulation issues, especially those related to diabetes, can not take this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes blood clots, hormone related cancers, stroke, abnormal vaginal bleeding, cancer or disease of the liver, heart valve disorder, previous jaundice related to hormonal contraceptives, severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, or severe migraine headaches can not take Levlen. Patients with a medical history which includes seizures, epilepsy, chest pain, high blood pressure, heart attack, heart disease, congestive heart failure, elevated cholesterol, obesity, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, gall bladder disease, diabetes, tuberculosis, varicose veins, uterine fibroid tumors, fibrocystic breast disease, abnormal mammogram, lumps in the breast, or breast nodules may require extensive monitoring or special care while taking Levlen if it can be tolerated at all.

Levlen can not be taken by women who are pregnant and should not be taken by women who are nursing. Hormonal birth control pills can cause serious birth defects in a developing fetus and can pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect a nursing infant.

Side effects associated with Levlen may be severe for some patients, which may include allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, and facial swelling), swelling of he hands, feet, or ankles, depression, sleep problems, loss of appetite, changes in the pattern or intensity of migraine headaches, numbness which dominates one side of the body, chest pain or heaviness that mimics a heart attack, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, clay colored stools, low fever, jaundice, or a sudden headache accompanied by confusion and difficulty with speech, balance, coordination, or vision. These side effects or additional side effects which cause serious health complications require immediate medical intervention.

Less serious side effects are not likely to require medical attention. Most patients experience symptoms such as pain or swelling of the breasts, mild nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, bloating, freckles, darkened facial skin, increased hair growth, contact lens difficulties, loss of scalp hair, loss or increase in weight, variances in appetite, vaginal itching, vaginal discharge, headache, nervousness, dizziness, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, loss of interest in sexual activities, or changes in skin texture or acne.

Patients who miss more than three active doses in a row should throw away the pack and start the cycle over. Patients who miss three or fewer doses should take a double dose of Levlen for an equal amount of time. This means if three doses were missed, a double dose for three days is required. If two doses in a row were missed then a double dose for two days is required. If one dose was missed then the patient should take a double dose the following day. Anything over three missed doses has already thrown off the schedule. Missing scheduled doses increases the chances for an accidental pregnancy. If the dose that has been missed was a reminder pill, then that dose should just be skipped.

Patients should never take more Levlen than is recommended. Taking too much medication is likely to result in an overdose which would require immediate medical assessment. Overdoses can cause significant health effects including vaginal bleeding, nausea, and vomiting.

Patients should be advised to inquire with the prescribing physician, pharmacist, or other health professional before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements. Medications such as HIV medication, seizure medications, barbiturates, antibiotics, ST. John’s wort, cyclosporine, theophylline, prednisolone, acetaminophen, and phenylbutazone are known to cause interactions when taken with Levlen, or can be caused to or cause a decrease in effectiveness.