Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel
Pharmaceutical combination
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (EE/LNG) is a combined birth control pill made up of ethinylestradiol (an estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestin).[3] It is used for birth control, symptoms of menstruation, endometriosis, and as emergency contraception.[1][3] It is taken by mouth.[1] Some preparations of EE/LNG additionally contain an iron supplement in the form of ferrous bisglycinate or ferrous fumarate.[4]
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Ethinylestradiol | Estrogen |
| Levonorgestrel | Progestogen |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Altavera, Alysena, Amethyst, others[1] |
| Other names | EE/LNG |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a601050 |
| Routes of administration | By mouth |
| ATC code | |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
| KEGG | |
Side effects can include nausea, headache, blood clots, breast pain, depression, and liver problems.[3] Use is not recommended during pregnancy, the initial three weeks after childbirth, and in those at high risk of blood clots.[3] However, it may be started immediately after a miscarriage or abortion.[5] Smoking while using combined birth control pills is not recommended.[1] It works by stopping ovulation, making the mucus at the opening to the cervix thick, and making the uterus not suitable for implantation.[1]
Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel has been approved for medical use in the United States since 1982.[1] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[6] It is available as a generic medication.[7] It is marketed under many brand names.[1] In 2023, it was the 138th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions.[8][9]
