| 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 | |
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]
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]
