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Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel
Pharmaceutical combination From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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 2022, it was the 128th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions.[8][9]
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