Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (Transdermal)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 5, 2021.
Warning: Cigarette Smoking and Serious Cardiovascular Events and Contraindicated in Women with BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m(2)Cigarette Smoking and Serious Cardiovascular EventsCigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, CHCs, including levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol, are contraindicated in women who are over 35 years of age and smoke.Contraindicated in Women with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m(2)Levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol is contraindicated in women with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m(2). Compared to women with a lower BMI, women with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m(2) had reduced effectiveness and may have a higher risk for venous thromboembolism events (VTEs) .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Twirla
Available Dosage Forms:
- Patch, Extended Release
Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-Metabolic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Progestin
Uses for levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination is used to prevent pregnancy in women who can get pregnant with a BMI less than 30 kilograms (kg) per square meter (m2). It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.
No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control patches. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol will not prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination have not been performed in the pediatric population. However, pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of this medication in teenagers are not expected. Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol may be used for birth control in teenage females with a BMI of less than 30 kg/m2, but should not be used before the start of menstruation.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship o..
