Altavera (Oral)
Generic name:levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (oral route) [ lee-voe-nor-JES-trel, ETH-i-nil-es-tra-DYE-ol ]
Drug class:Contraceptives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 30, 2022.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptives (COC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women older than 35 years, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Alesse
- Alesse-28
- Altavera
- Amethia
- Amethia Lo
- Aviane
- Camrese
- CamreseLo
- Enpresse
- Introvale
- Jolessa
- Lessina
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
- Tablet, Chewable
Therapeutic Class: Contraceptive
Pharmacologic Class: Progestin
Uses for Altavera
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.
No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control pills. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.
This medicine will not prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Altavera
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination have not been performed in the pediatric population. However, pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of this medication in teenagers are not expected. This medicine may be used for birth control in teenage females but should not be used before the start of menstruation.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination in geriatric patients. This medicine is not indicated for use in elderly women.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Altho..
