Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel

Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (also ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) is a combined birth control pill made up of ethinylestradiol, an estrogen and levonorgestrel a progestin.[2] It is used for birth control, symptoms of menstruation, endometriosis, and as emergency contraception.[1][2] It is taken by mouth.[1]

Side effects can include nausea, headache, blood clots, breast pain, depression, and liver problems.[2] Use is not recommended during pregnancy, the initial three weeks after childbirth, and in those at high risk of blood clots.[2] However, it may be started immediately after a miscarriage or abortion.[3] 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 at least since 1982.[1] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.[4] It is available as a generic medication.[5] In the United Kingdom three months of medication costs the NHS about 1.80 pounds.[6] In the United States it costs about $25–50 per month.[5] It is marketed under a large number of brand names.[1] In 2016 it was the 117th most prescribed medication in the United States with more than 6 million prescriptions.[7]