Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol

LEVONORGESTREL AND ETHINYL ESTRADIOL

Manufacturer: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA

Score: 141.0

Quick Summary

Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol is a combination oral contraceptive used for the prevention of pregnancy in women. It works by suppressing gonadotropins, inhibiting ovulation, and altering the cervical mucus and endometrium. The drug has several benefits, including a low daily dose of estrogen and progestin, but it also carries risks such as thromboembolic disorders, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Women who smoke, are over 35, or have certain medical conditions should not use this drug. The typical dosage is one tablet daily, taken at the same time each day, with no tablet-free interval. The drug is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women, and its use in pediatric and geriatric populations requires special consideration.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

Prevention of pregnancy in women
Suppression of gonadotropins
Inhibition of ovulation
Alteration of cervical mucus and endometrium

Important Safety Information

Warning

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels from oral contraceptive use.

Contraindications

Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
Cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease
Valvular heart disease with thrombogenic complications
Breast cancer
Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior pill use
Hepatic adenomas or carcinomas, or active liver disease

Adverse Reactions

Thromboembolic and thrombotic disorders
Myocardial infarction
Stroke
Breast changes
Cervical erosion and secretion
Cholestatic jaundice
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

None

Prevention of pregnancy

Adult Dose

One tablet daily, taken at the same time each day, with no tablet-free interval

Pediatric Dose

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

The drug is contraindicated in pregnant women

Nursing Mothers

Small amounts of oral contraceptive steroids and/or metabolites have been identified in the milk of nursing mothers

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy have been established in women of reproductive age, but not in postpubertal adolescents under the age of 16

Geriatric Use

This product has not been studied in women over 65 years of age and is not indicated in this population

Similar Drugs

Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol

NORETHINDRONE ACETATE AND ETHINYL ESTRADIOL TABLETS AND FERROUS FUMARATE TABLETS

Xiromed, LLC

Similarity: 79.2%

Activella

ESTRADIOL/NORETHINDRONE ACETATE

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

Similarity: 61.3%