What should you know about levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol?

Levonorgestrel is a progestogen and ethinylestradiol is an oestrogen. Together they suppress the hormonal signals that lead to ovulation, thicken cervical mucus and change the womb lining. Depending on the product, the combination may be prescribed for contraception and may make bleeding more predictable or period pain easier to manage. It is not the same as emergency contraception and does not prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Follow the product instructions and take tablets consistently. Tell a clinician about migraine with aura, smoking, blood-clot history, high blood pressure, liver problems, pregnancy, breastfeeding and every medicine or supplement you use. If a tablet is missed, vomiting or diarrhoea occurs, check the product advice promptly because protection may be reduced. A clinician can compare this option with a progestogen-only method or a hormonal coil when an oestrogen-containing medicine is unsuitable.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, coughing blood, a painful swollen leg, sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or a severe headache with vision changes. Contact a clinician about persistent severe headaches, troublesome mood changes, very high blood pressure, or bleeding that is heavy or does not settle. Do not stop or restart hormonal treatment without advice if you may be pregnant.

Ask which formulation you have, how to manage a missed dose, whether your medicines interact with it, and which contraceptive choices fit your health history and bleeding goals.