Drug Uses

Levlen is a combination birth control pill that works by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus, and changing the lining of the uterus.

How it is taken

Levlen must be taken as directed by your doctor. You may take it with or without a meal. Usually, the recommended dosage of Levlen begins on the first Sunday following the start of your periods. If your period does begin on a Sunday, then start taking levlen on the same day.

Birth Control Pills must be taken carefully according to the recommended dosage for them to be effective. So follow dosage instructions carefully. Take the pills in a pack in their regular order.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Levlen and remember it on the same day, take it as soon as possible and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

If you do not remember until the next day or if you miss more than 1 dose of Levlen, contact your doctor for further instructions.
You may need to use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms) until you know how to handle missed doses.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Overdose

Some of the symptoms of a Levlen overdose include nausea, vaginal bleeding, vomiting.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have endometriosis, growths in the uterus, abnormal mammogram, irregular menstrual periods, heart problems, diabetes, headaches or migraines, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or lipid levels, kidney problems, blood problems, blood in the urine, depression or other mental/mood problems, lupus, chorea, high blood calcium levels, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pancreas problems, seizures, or a history of cancer, if you are overweight, or you are a smoker.

may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you have a history of blood clotting problems, blood vessel problems (eg, blood flow problems in the brain or heart, stroke), endometrial, cervical, or vaginal cancer, estrogen–dependent growths, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, yellowing of the eyes or skin due to pregnancy or prior birth control use, or liver disease or tumors.

If you will bee confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time (such as a long plane flight) or are planning to have a surgery which will leave you bed ridden then notify your doctor 3 to 4 weeks ahead of time. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while taking Levlen.

Levlen may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. Use protective clothing or a proper sunscreen when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths.

Levlen will not protect you against HIV infection or prevent the spread of STDs.

Bleeding or spotting may occur while taking Levlen. Do not stop taking Levlen if this occurs. If bleeding or spotting continues for more than 7 days or is heavy, contact your doctor.

Smoking while using Levlen may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Levlen may interfere with certain lab test so ensure that your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Levlen. Taking certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, or some other medicines, while you are using Levlen may decrease the effectiveness of Levlen.

To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control until your next period. If you miss your period during the week of inactive pills, call your doctor immediately. A missed period may indicate that you are pregnant.

You may not be able to become pregnant for several months after stopping this medicine.

Do not use Levlen in children who have not had their first menstrual period.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are acne, breast tenderness or enlargement, changes in sexual interest, changes in weight, dizziness, hair loss, headache, nausea, stomach cramps or bloating, unusual spotting or bleeding, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions, breast discharge, breast lumps, calf/leg pain, change in amount of urine produced, change in vaginal secretions, changes in vision or speech, confusion, coughing of blood, crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest, dark–colored urine, depression, difficulty sleeping, difficulty wearing contact lenses, fainting, fluid retention, lack of energy, light–colored bowel movements, mental or mood changes, missed menstrual period, numbness of an arm or leg, one–sided weakness, persistent headache or migraines, persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, persistent or severe dizziness, severe pain or tenderness in the stomach, sudden partial or complete loss of vision, sudden vomiting, shortness of breath, vaginal irritation or discharge, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.