Drug Information

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Levonorgestrel-eth Estra Oral - Levonorgestrel/ethinyl Estradiol Extended Cycle Oral Contraceptive Generic Drug

General Information

Smoking cigarettes while using this medication increases your chance of having heart problems.
Do not smoke.
The risk of heart problems increases with age (especially in women greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater).

This medication is used to prevent pregnancy.
This medication is a combination of two types of hormones (levonorgestrel, a progestin and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen).
Besides preventing pregnancy, similar birth control pills have been shown to decrease anemia, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), ovarian cysts, the number of episodes of pelvic inflammatory disease, and decrease the occurrence of certain cancers (uterine, ovarian).
Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (for example, HIV, gonorrhea).

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
Take the next dose at your regular time.
This may mean taking 2 doses on the same day.
If you miss 2 active pills in a row, take 2 pills on the day you remember and 2 pills the next day.
Then return to 1 pill per day dosing.
You must use another form of birth control (for example, condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for 7 days after you restart your pills.
If you miss 3 or more active pills in a row, leave the missed pills in the pack.
Keep taking 1 pill every day as indicated on the pack until you complete the pack.
You must use another form of birth control as a back-up for 7 days after you restart your pills.
If you miss any of the 7 inactive pills, throw away the missed inactive pill and finish the rest of the pills in the pack on schedule.
You do not need to use back-up birth control if you miss taking an inactive pill.
If you have any questions about what to do if you miss a pill, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist.

Begin taking this medication on the first Sunday following the beginning of your period (menstruation).
If your period begins on a Sunday, begin taking this medication on that day.
Take one "active" pill (pills that contain the hormones) once daily for 84 days in a row.
Following these active pills, you will then take an "inactive" pill (pills that do not contain the hormones) once daily for 7 days in a row.
After the last inactive pill, you will repeat the same cycle the very next day, starting again with an active pill.
For this medication to be effective you must try to take this medication at the same time each day, not more than 24 hours apart.
Pick a time that will be easy for you to remember.
Use an additional form of birth control (for example, condom or spermicide) during the first week of taking this medication since it will take a while to be effective.
A Patient Information Leaflet about this drug should be dispensed with each prescription.
Read the information carefully.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have regarding this medication.

Dizziness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, vaginal discomfort/irritation, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, and unusual vaginal bleeding or irregular menstrual periods.

Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur.

Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic examinations, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once a year.
Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately.