💊 Ethinylestradiol (0.03 mg) + Levonorgestrel (0.15 mg) Tablet – As Licensed
📄 Description:
This is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing Ethinylestradiol (a synthetic estrogen) and Levonorgestrel (a synthetic progestin). It is one of the most commonly used formulations for preventing pregnancy, regulating menstrual cycles, and treating hormonal imbalances.
💊 Prescription / Use:
- Indications:
- Contraception (prevention of pregnancy)
- Menstrual disorders: dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): for cycle regulation
- Acne and hirsutism (off-label)
- Treatment of hormone-related mood disorders
- Dosage:
- One tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval (or 7 placebo pills depending on brand).
- Start on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle or first Sunday after menstruation begins (as advised).
- Route: Oral
- Form: Film-coated tablet
- Dose per tablet:
- Ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg
- Levonorgestrel 0.15 mg
🔬 Nature:
- Combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC)
- Synthetic estrogen + progestin
- Mechanism of Action:
- Inhibits ovulation
- Alters cervical mucus (prevents sperm penetration)
- Changes endometrial lining (prevents implantation)
🌟 Advantages:
- Highly effective if taken consistently (99% with perfect use)
- Regulates menstrual cycles
- Reduces period pain and heavy bleeding
- Can improve acne
- Decreases risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
- Reversible method—fertility returns after stopping
📦 Common Packaging:
- Blister packs of 21 active tablets or 28 tablets (21 active + 7 placebo or iron pills)
- Calendar-style packs for daily tracking
- Often color-coded (e.g., active vs. placebo)
🧊 Storage:
- Store at room temperature (15–25°C)
- Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight
- Store in original blister until use
- Keep out of reach of children
⚠️ Precautions:
- Not recommended in:
- History of thromboembolic disorders (e.g. DVT, stroke)
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Liver disease or tumors
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast cancer)
- Smokers over age 35
- Use with caution in:
- Migraine with aura
- Diabetes with vascular disease
- Gallbladder disease
- Possible Side Effects:
- Nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes
- Headache, weight changes, irregular bleeding
- Rarely: blood clots (DVT, PE, stroke risk)
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Take at the same time every day, even during travel
- If a dose is missed:
- <12 hours: take as soon as remembered
- >12 hours: follow missed pill guidance and use backup contraception for 7 days
- Does not protect against STIs
- Inform your doctor if you notice vision changes, chest pain, leg swelling, or persistent headaches
- If vomiting/diarrhea occurs within 3–4 hours of taking a pill, repeat dose or use backup
- Report unusual bleeding, mood changes, or any allergic reactions
- Always inform your doctor about other medications (some reduce effectiveness, e.g. antibiotics, anti-epileptics)