Levlite Levonorgestrel Tablets
Table Of Contents
- What are Levonorgestrel birth control pills?
- Important Information
- What to know before taking Levonorgestrel tablets
- How to take Levonorgestrel brith control pills
- What happens if I miss a Levonorgestrel pill?
- What if I overdose on Levonorgestrel birth control?
- Things to avoid while taking Levonorgestrel pills
- Side Effects of Levonorgestrel tablets
What are Levonorgestrel birth control pills?
Levlite Levonorgestrel tablets are birth control pills that aid in preventing pregnancy. Levonorgestrel birth control pills also aid in making periods more regular, relieving period pains, decreasing blood loss, and decreasing risk of ovarian cysts.
Levonorgestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol (generic name for Levlite) is a combination hormone medication used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Levonorgestrel tablets also increase the thickness of vaginal fluid to help prevent fertilization (the sperm reaching an egg). In addition, Levonorgestrel pills also change the lining of the uterus to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. A fertilized egg passes out of the body if it is unable to attach to the uterus.
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets might also be used for functions not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
Consult with a doctor before taking Levonorgestrel tablets.
Do not take birth control pills such as Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol if the following concerns have been or are currently apparent: uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, blood clotting disorder, circulation issues, diabetic issues with eyes or kidneys, unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, acute migraine headaches, breast or uterine cancer, jaundice due to birth control pills, depression, gallbladder problems, heart issues, severe headaches or migraines.
Taking Levonorgestrel birth control pills can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. These risks are higher for smokers and people over 35 years of age. Do not use Levonorgestrel birth control if you smoke cigarettes.
Taking Levonorgestrel tablets does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
What to know before taking Levonorgestrel tablets
Taking birth control pills can raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. You’re more at risk if you smoke or have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. As mentioned above, consult your doctor before taking Levonorgestrel birth control pills.
Taking Levonorgestrel pills may affect other medications in your system or create alternative side affects. Keep a list of all medication products you use and ensure your doctor is aware. The doctor should approve Levlite pills prior to use.
Do not use Levlite birth control if currently pregnant or recently had a baby. Birth control pills can be passed through breast milk and can slow down the production of breast milk, so do not use birth control while breast feeding a baby.
Some risks of taking Levonorgestrel tablets include:
- blood clots
- blotchy, dark ares on skin (melasma)
- vision problems
- decreased breast milk production
- difficulty becoming pregnant after stopping the pill
If you have any of the following you should not be taking birth control pills (also see Important Information above):
- gallbladder disease
- uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure
- tuberculosis
- circulation problems or blood-clotting disorder
- diabetes
- liver cancer or liver disease
- varicose veins and/or high blood pressure
- under-active thyroid
- a history of abnormal mammogram, lumps, fibrocystic breast disease or nodules
- problems with kidneys, eyes or circulation caused by diabetes
- severe migraine headaches
- heart disease
- history of irregular menstrual cycles
Please note that the above list is not a full complete list and you should consult your physician or doctor for medical advice before taking any form of birth control.
How to take Levonorgestrel birth control pills
Follow the directions given by your doctor or on the prescription label.
You may have to use backup birth control, like a spermicide or condoms, when you begin using Levlite birth control. The pills take approx. one month to cycle through and begin working in your body. Follow the directions of your physician.
Starting the Sunday after your period ends, take one pill at the same time everyday (no more or less than 24 hours apart) for 21 days straight. After 21 days, there is a 7 day break (or 7 day reminder pill cycle) while the menstrual cycle (period) commences. After those 7 days, begin the next package and 21 day cycle. If you miss one pill during the 21 day cycle, you may be at risk of getting pregnant. You may also take
Your period will normally start and end during the 7 day cycle.
Tell your physician if bleeding is quite significant or continues past the 7 day cycle.
See a physician regularly while taking birth control pills. This will be required to ensure proper health and continued use of the birth control (prescription required).
What happens if I miss a Levonorgestrel pill?
Follow the patient instructions supplied with your medication. If you not understand these directions, ask your physician or pharmacist.
You may need to use back-up birth control (such as condoms) for a short time period to prevent pregnancy.
You may not have a period during the month if you miss a couple of pills. Alternately, your period may arrive at an unscheduled times. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
If you frequently forget to take your birth control pills as directed, contact your doctor and consider switching to another form of birth control.
If you miss a reminder pill during the 7 day cycle it will have no effect, just skip it and continue with the rest of the pack until empty.
What if I overdose on Levonorgestrel birth control?
If required, find emergency medical attention as soon as possible. Otherwise US residents should call the Poison Help line at 1 (800) 222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control centre. Symptoms of overdose may include, but are not limited to; severe nausea, vomiting, or unusual vaginal bleeding.
Things to avoid while taking Levonorgestrel pills
Do not smoke while taking Levonorgestrel birth control pills, particularly if older than 35 years of age.
Levonorgestrel birth control pills will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases–including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to shield yourself from these disorders.
Side effects of Levonorgestrel tablets
If your Physician has recommended and prescribed Levonorgestrel tablets to you, they feel that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of any side effects. Some of these side effects are unlikely, however here is a list of common Levonorgestrel side affects:
- vomiting and nausea
- headaches
- stomach or abdominal pain
- bloating or weight change
- breast tenderness or swelling
- swelling of the ankles or feet
- changes in appetite
- vaginal itching, bleeding or discharge
- changes in menstrual periods or irregular periods
- reduced sex drive
- increased blood pressure
Discontinue using Levonorgestrel pills and call your physician if you have experienced:
- pressure or chest pain
- vision problems
- allergic reactions (rash, fever, itching, dizziness, etc)
This is not a complete list of Levonorgestrel side effects.
Call your physician if you experience any negative side effects or if you miss 2 periods in a row.