Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol is a combined oral contraceptive pill. It is used for contraception and irregular periods. In Pakistan it is available as tablets and injections, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol works

The pill contains two hormones: levonorgestrel, a progestogen, and ethinylestradiol, an oestrogen. Together they stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Levonorgestrel also thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb, making it harder for sperm to get through, and thins the womb lining.

What is Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol used for?

• Contraception and irregular periods

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol is a combined hormonal pill used to prevent pregnancy. When taken correctly it is a highly effective, reversible method of contraception. It is also used to help regulate irregular periods and can make periods lighter and less painful. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms are still needed for that.

Side effects of Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol

Side effects of Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol often settle within the first few months. Common ones include:

• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Bloating

Get urgent medical help for pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain or sudden breathlessness, coughing up blood, a severe or unusual headache, sudden problems with vision or speech, weakness on one side of the body, or yellow skin.

Precautions and warnings

• Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol is not suitable for women over 35 who smoke, or for those with a history of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, migraine with aura, breast cancer or uncontrolled high blood pressure; a health check is advised before starting.
• Vomiting, severe diarrhoea or missed pills can reduce protection, so follow the pack instructions and use condoms if needed.
• Some medicines, including rifampicin, certain epilepsy medicines and St John's wort, make the pill less effective, so tell any doctor or pharmacist that you take it.
• Do not use it if you are pregnant, and speak to your doctor about contraception while breastfeeding, as combined pills are usually avoided in the early months.
• Tell your doctor before major surgery or long periods of immobility, as the risk of blood clots rises.

Frequently asked questions about Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol

What is the price of Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol products currently in stock range from Rs 82 to Rs 233 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Gynorit Tablets . at Rs 82. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol are available in Pakistan?

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Sulvo (Medisure Pharma), Gynorit (Lahore Chemical & Pharmaceutical Works Ltd), Famila (Zafa Pharmaceutical Labortories Ltd), Famila-28f (Zafa Pharmaceutical Labortories Ltd) and Penorit (Sami Pharma Ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol?

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol is generally available without a prescription. Read the leaflet before use and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.

Can Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol be used during pregnancy?

Do not use it if you are pregnant, and speak to your doctor about contraception while breastfeeding, as combined pills are usually avoided in the early months.

Are all Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 5 products containing Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.