Important information on the birth control pill, Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol)
Levlen ED, also often known as ‘the Pill’, is a prescribed hormonal contraceptive that combines levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol as its primary active ingredients.[1]
Just like any women’s health drug, it’s crucial to have a discussion with your doctor to find out whether taking Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) is suitable for your situation. As such, this Chemist2U article serves as an additional source of information, covering topics like side effects, interactions with other medications, and more.
In this article

How does Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) work?
Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) works as a prescribed reversible birth control. Its primary function is to inhibit the maturation of eggs within the ovaries, a process that typically occurs each month. By doing so, it ensures that eggs don’t progress to a stage where they can be fertilised.
In addition to this, Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) keeps the cervical mucus thick, forming a barrier that impedes sperm entry into the womb. It also keeps the womb’s lining from being adequately primed to host a fertilised egg, potentially furthering pregnancy prevention.[2]
It shares similarities with other oral contraceptives like Micronelle 30 ED and Femme Tab ED 20 100, as they also have levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol as the main active ingredients.
However, there are other combined oral contraceptive pills like Zoely (nomegestrol acetate + estradiol) with different active ingredients. These may be prescribed by your doctor as a tailored plan to meet your individual needs and circumstances.
How do you take Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol)?
Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) is one of the prescribed birth control pills in Australia, and it is orally administered with or without water on an empty or full stomach.
Generally, when it comes to Levlen ED dosage (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol), one tablet is taken daily, ideally at the same time each day. This consistent routine is crucial, regardless of the frequency of sexual activity, and it assists in remembering to take the pill.
What’s more, the blister pack serves as a guide, with each day of the week clearly marked. Start with the tablet in the red area, corresponding to the current day of the week. Afterwards, follow the arrow direction on the pack until you’ve taken all the tablets.
Your period typically starts two to three days after the white, inactive tablets are taken, and it may continue into the next pack. However, remember to begin a new pack on the same day of the week as the previous one.
Above all, it’s vital to follow any specific or specialised directions in your prescription, which may differ from the general instructions. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your doctor.
Who can take Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol)?
Only those who have a Levlen ED prescription (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) are able to take it.[3] Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP), such as Levlen ED, are generally prescribed for cycle control, with contraception as an added benefit. Some doctors may also prescribe them for menstrual cramps relief.[4]
Side effects of Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol)
The common physical side effects of Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) include bloating, nausea, and breast tenderness.[5] There is also some evidence linking it with mental side effects such as mood shifts and depression.[6]
However, both the common physical and mental side effects may lessen over time.
As for the more serious side effects, this may include jaundice, lumps on the breast, coughing up blood, or unexpected vaginal bleeding.
There are also some potential warning signs of thrombosis or blood clots, which may include:
- chest, arm, or below-the-breastbone pain
- back discomfort
- difficulty breathing
- swelling, tenderness, or pain in the leg
- sudden weakness or numbness
- pins and needles, particularly on one side of the body
- trouble with walking (dizziness, lack of balance, etc.)
- sudden and severe stomach pains
- fainting or collapse
- unusual headaches or migraines
- difficulty speaking or comprehending[7]
Should any of these side effects bother you, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor immediately or visit a nearby hospital.
Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) and other medications
Taking contraceptive hormone pills such as Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) alongside other prescribed medications can impact how your body processes or metabolises these drugs. Such interactions can affect medication concentration levels in both your tissues and plasma, either increasing in cases of medications like cyclosporine or decreasing in cases of medications like lamotrigine.
Medicines you should not use with Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol)
Interactions between certain medicines and prescribed Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) can lead to changes in the clearance of sex hormones. This may then result in breakthrough bleeding or, in some cases, reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive.
Medicines that induce microsomal enzymes, like phenytoin, barbiturates, primidone, carbamazepine, rifampicin, and potentially oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate, and griseofulvin, as well as St John’s wort, are known to interact in this way.
Moreover, your overall hepatic metabolism can be affected if you take Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) with HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors like nevirapine.[8]
With this in mind, it’s essential to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about all the medications you’re taking – all to ensure that you can take Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) safely.
How to order Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) through Chemist2U
At Chemist2U, we’re making medication easy. With just a few easy clicks, you can upload your scripts online using our user-friendly mobile app or by simply clicking here. Aside from your prescribed eScript medications, you can also add over-the-counter medications and general pharmacy products to your order.
Once you’ve placed your order, a pharmacy in your local area will carefully prepare and dispense it with precision before we deliver it to your door with same-day and next-day delivery options available.
We will send you reminders when it’s time to reorder your Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol). Plus, we also have an Ask a Pharmacist service if you have any general questions about Levlen ED (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) or other medicines.
Have your medications home delivered by Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/84258206-0547-41e8-91cd-a53300fefe2f-reduced.pdf
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/
[3] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,700023311000036106/levlen-ed
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1324554/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10715366/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27680324/
[7] https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/84258206-0547-41e8-91cd-a53300fefe2f-reduced.pdf
[8] https://medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/l/levlenedtab.pdf