Loette (Ethinylestradiol 0.02 mg & Levonorgestrel 0.1 Mg)
Uses
Synthetic compound with Estrogenic activity.Menopause (Hormone replacement therapy).Oral contraception.Threatened or habitual abortion.Dysmenorrhea.Dysfunctional uterine bleeding.Failure of ovarian development.Hirsuitism.Senile osteoporosis.Post menopausal osteoporosis.Breast cancer.Prostatic carcinoma.Suppression of post partum lactation.Senile vaginitis.Delayed puberty in girls.Acne (Not usually given). Levonorgestrel, is an emergency hormonal contraceptive used to help prevent a pregnancy when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of having had unprotected s** or if usual method of contraception has failed. It is also i available as a T-shaped intrauterine delivery system (IUD) which is used for the prevention of pregnancy (contraception) for up to three years.
How it works
Estrogens diffuse into their target cells and interact with a protein receptor. Target cells include the female reproductive tract, the mammary gland, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary. Estrogens increase the hepatic synthesis of s** hormone binding globulin (SHBG), thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), and other serum proteins and suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary.
- • Stopping ovaries from releasing an egg.
- • Preventing sperm from fertilizing any egg that may have already released.
- • Stopping a fertilized egg from attaching itself to womb lining.
What is Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol
Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol also sold under the brand name Seasonique and Loette is a birth control pill that contains a mix of female hormones levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol. It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation (release of egg from ovary) as well as thickening the cervical mucus and uterine lining thereby making it harder for the fertilized egg to the attach to the wall of the uterus.
Important Information about Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol
Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol is not recommended strictly if you are pregnant or if you delivered a baby recently. You must also avoid this pill if you have these conditions: uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting disease, heart condition, circulatory problems, problems related to diabetes like eye and kidney problem, unusual bleeding from vagina, liver disease or liver cancer, extreme migraine headaches, smoker above 35 years of age, breast or uterine cancer, jaundice due to birth control pills, or if you ever had a heart attack or stroke.
When you start with levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol initially, you may require a backup contraceptive method such as a condom or other non pill birth control measures. Take and follow your doctor’s advice.
Before taking Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol
Do not take this pill if you are pregnant. Let your doctor know immediately if you become pregnant in the course of taking this pill, or if you have missed two menstrual periods in a row. Wait at least 4 weeks before starting this pill if you have recently delivered a child. Levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol can pass into breast milk or slow its production which can be detrimental to your baby’s health. Hence it’s not advised for a new mother.
You must strictly not take levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol if you are suffering from untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure; heart disease or condition; blood clotting disorder; diabetic problems in eyes or kidneys; a history of hormone related cancer like that in breast and uterus; irregular or unusual vaginal bleeding; liver disease or liver cancer; severe headache or migraine; past jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills; or if you smoke and are over 35 years old.
To ensure safety and good health while taking this pill, let your doctor know if you have any of these pre existing conditions: high blood pressure, varicose veins; high triglycerides (cholesterol) levels; obesity; depression in the past; hypothyroidism; gallbladder disease; diabetes; fits or epilepsy; irregular menstrual cycles in the past; tuberculosis; previous fibrocystic breast condition, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.
How should I take Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol?
Take this pill strictly as directed by your doctor. Don’t alter the prescribed amount of dosage at any point of time. For more details, see the prescription label. Always store the pills in a cool and dry place
Normally, you will start taking this pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period starts. You may be required to use a backup contraception like condom or spermicide in the initial days of starting the course. Anyhow, consult your doctor for the same.
You have to take one pill every 24 hours, maintaining the correct schedule. Don’t go more than 24 hours without a pill. You may get pregnant if you miss a dose so be sure to have reserved pills handy before you order a new lot. You will not get a period every month while you are on an extended cycle birth control measure. Instead you should get your periods once every 12 weeks. You will need to see a doctor more often while using this contraceptive method.
While taking levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol pills, you may experience breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first quarter. Contact your doctor if it continues or is considerably heavy.
If you are scheduled for a surgery or medical test, or if you are advised a bed rest, you may need to discontinue these pills. All healthcare providers treating you must know that you are using levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol pills.
What if I miss a dose?
Missing a dose of levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol tablets increases your risk of pregnancy
If you forget to take an ‘active’ pill, take two on the day you remember. Then take one pill everyday for the rest of the pack. If you miss tow tablets in a row, take two per day for two continuous days and one pill each day for the rest of the pack. Use an alternative contraceptive for minimum one week following missed pills. If have missed three pills in a row, don’t take the missed pills. Continue taking 1 pill each day for the rest of the package and leave the missed pills as it is. You may witness some bleeding and spotting. Again use backup birth control method for the next full week at least.
What happens if I overdose?
Get emergency medical attention in case of an overdose. You may get nauseous, bleeding from vagina and have vomiting.
What should I not do while taking Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol
Avoid smoking, especially if you are above 35 while taking this pill. It can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke or heart attack. Also, you will not be protected from STDs so ensure proper protection while indulging in s**ual practices and avoid any unsafe s**ual practices.
Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol Side Effects
Discontinue these pills if you see these serious side effects: unexpected numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; unexpected and extreme headache added with confusion, vision and speech problems or imbalance; chest pain or heavy feeling, pain advancing to arm or shoulder; nausea; sweating; swelling in limbs; unexpected bloody cough, wheezing, rapid breathing; breast lump; mood disorders.
Some non threatening effects are: mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, breast tenderness, darkening of facial skin; hair loss; facial hair; weight and appetite changes; itching in vagina and discharge; menstrual period changes, or decreased s** drive.
All the above are not a complete list of side effects which you may experience. If you see any other side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drugs
Some medications may interfere with levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol and render it ineffective. So let your doctor know if you are taking these medications: bosentan, an antibiotic or tuberculosis medication, hepatitis C, HIV, or AIDS medications, St. John’s wort, seizure medications, dantrolene, tizanidine, or tranexamic acid. Again, this list is non exhaustive and other medicines may interact with these pills. Let your doctor know about any prescriptions, OTC pill or herbal products you may be using. Don’t take a new medicine without proper medical advice.
