ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel at a glance
Medicine class
Combined hormonal contraceptive containing an oestrogen and a progestogen
Main role
Prevention of pregnancy
Administration
Swallow tablets in the order shown on the pack and distinguish active tablets from any placebos
STI protection
Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections; condoms provide additional protection
What is ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel used for?
Licensed uses differ between products.
Oral contraception.
Ovranette is additionally licensed for endometriosis, spasmodic dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual tension and functional uterine bleeding, including emergency treatment of acute uterine bleeding.
Microgynon 30 ED is licensed for contraception and recognised gynaecological indications for oestrogen–progestogen combinations.
How does ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel work?
It suppresses the hormonal surge that triggers ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to hinder sperm passage and changes the endometrium.
ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 30 micrograms + 150 micrograms, 150 micrograms + 30 micrograms
How to take ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel
Swallow the tablets in the order printed on the blister. Some packs contain only active tablets, while everyday packs also contain placebos; follow the leaflet for your product. Vomiting soon after an active tablet or prolonged diarrhoea may reduce absorption.
Do not interchange active and placebo tablets.
Check with a pharmacist or prescriber before starting prescription, over-the-counter or herbal products.
If vomiting or diarrhoea may have affected absorption, follow the product leaflet and seek prompt advice.
ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel side effects
Common or expected effects
- Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
- Headache
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Mood changes, including depressed mood
- Dizziness
- Reported weight changes
Get urgent medical advice
- Pain or swelling in one leg, sudden breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood: possible venous blood clot
- Sudden weakness, speech or vision disturbance, severe unusual headache or crushing chest pain: possible arterial blood clot
- Severe depression, suicidal thoughts or marked mood deterioration
- Jaundice or severe upper-abdominal pain
- Breathing difficulty or swelling of the face, tongue or throat: possible severe allergy
ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel in pregnancy
This combination is not indicated during pregnancy. Stop it if pregnancy is confirmed and contact a healthcare professional. Accidental exposure in early pregnancy has not been shown to harm the baby and does not usually require additional fetal monitoring solely for that reason.
ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel while breastfeeding
Combined hormonal contraception can reduce milk production, and small amounts of hormone may enter breast milk. Product-specific advice may favour another contraceptive method or stricter caution; discuss your product with a midwife, prescriber or pharmacist.
ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel interactions
Check all medicines and herbal products because interactions may reduce contraceptive effectiveness or alter another medicine’s concentration.
Enzyme-inducing antiseizure medicines, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates, oxcarbazepine and topiramate
Can lower contraceptive hormone exposure, causing breakthrough bleeding or contraceptive failure.
Rifampicin, rifabutin and griseofulvin
Can reduce contraceptive effectiveness; seek contraceptive advice before concurrent use.
Common questions about ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. Condoms provide STI protection.
Can it cause spotting?
Yes. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding is common. Persistent bleeding or bleeding beginning after previously regular cycles should be assessed.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.