Levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate (Oral)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2022.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive (COC) use. The risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs are contraindicated in women who are over 35 years of age and smoke .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Balcoltra
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Uses for levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate
Levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a birth control pill that contains two types of hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, and when taken properly, prevents 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.
Levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate also contains ferrous bisglycinate. Ferrous bisglycinate is an iron supplement.
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.
Levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate will not prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.
Levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate
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 levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate 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, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate combination have not been performed in the pediatric population. However, pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate in teenagers are not expected. Levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate may be used for birth control in teenage females but should not be used before the start of menstruation.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous glycinate combination have not been performed in the geriatric population. Levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous bisglycinate is not indicated for use in elderly women.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate ..
