How to use Ethinylestradiol Levonorgestrel? (Microgynon, Stediril, Lovette) - Doctor Explains

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Ethinylestradiol Levonorgestrel also referred to as the pill. This video is part of a video series on sex related medical problems. Find the playlist here:    • Sex Related Medical Problems  

Generic name: Ethinyl Estradiol Levonorgestrel.
Brand names: Lovette, Microgynon and Stediril.
Available as a tablet.

How to use it?
Swallow the tablet completely with half a glass of water. Do not break it and don’t chew on it.
If you want to start using this pill, it is advised to take it for the first time on the first day of your period. If you don’t then it is advised to take additional measures, such as condoms, for the first 7 days of use.
Do you experience severe diarrhea or do you need to vomit within 4 hours after taking the pill. Then you should take a new one when you stomach and intestines calmed down.

When to use it?
Ethinylestradiol Levonorgestrel is a combined pill containing hormones. It is one of the most common used oral contraceptives.
Offlabel it is also used to treat painful menstruations or to prevent severe blood loss during menstruation.

What is the correct dosage?
Always use the dosage and frequency prescribed by your own doctor.
Take the tablet at a fixed time for 21 days, after which follows a pause of 7 days. During this pause you will experience a bleeding resembling a period.
If you forget to take a pill, then always contact your doctor.

What are the side-effects?
Very common (more then 10%): breakthrough bleeding.
Common (1-10%): Nausea, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, mood swings, acne and weight gain.
Uncommon (0.1-1%): vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, migraine, decrease in libido and high blood pressure.

Safety:
This medicine is safe to use with any type of food and even with alcohol. In addition it is also safe to drive while using this drug.
However it can have interactions with other drugs. Therefore always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.

Pregnancy and Lactation:
First of all if you want to become pregnant you should stop using a combined contraceptive pill, however if you accidentally use it once while pregnant there seem to be no adverse effects for your unborn baby.
Regarding lactation, its use is not recommended during the first 6 weeks after delivery. Afterwards this medicine can probably be used safely. Always discuss this though, with your prescribing doctor.

Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

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Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2020). Ethinylestradiol/​levonorgestrel (eenfase).
2: Apotheek.nl. (2020). sub-30-pil met ethinylestradiol en levonorgestrel.

The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

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