Preven EC

Generic name:ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel
Drug class:Contraceptives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 18, 2021.

What is Preven EC?

Preven EC contains a combination of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel are forms of estrogen and progesterone, which are both female hormones involved in conception.

Preven EC is used as an emergency contraceptive (EC) to prevent pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse. Preven EC prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), disrupt fertilization (joining of the egg and sperm), and inhibit implantation (attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterus).

Warnings

The first dose of Preven EC must be taken as soon as possible and within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, and the second dose 12 hours following the first, to be effective.

Preven EC does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS.

Before using Preven EC

Before taking Preven EC, tell your doctor if you

• have high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;
• have had a stroke;
• have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
• have breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer;
• have liver disease;
• have undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding;
• have migraines or severe, recurrent headaches;
• have diabetes; or
• smoke.

You may not be able to take Preven EC, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Preven EC should not be used at any time during pregnancy except in an attempt to prevent pregnancy within 72 hours following unprotected sexual intercourse. Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel pass into breast milk and may affect milk production. Do not take Preven EC without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Preven EC?

Take Preven EC exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.Read the entire patient information book before using the ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive kit.

Use the pregnancy test provided to determine if you are already pregnant from sex earlier in the month or in a previous month. Preven EC will not be effective if you are already pregnant.

To use the pregnancy test:

• Remove the test stick from the foil wrapper and take off the protective cap covering the absorbent tip. Hold the test stick with the absorbent tip pointing downward and place the tip into your urine stream for at least five seconds so that the entire tip is wet.
• Do not urinate on the windows of the test stick.
• Remove the test stick from your urine stream and lay the test stick on a flat...