Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel

Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (EE/LNG) is a combined birth control pill made up of ethinylestradiol, an estrogen and levonorgestrel a progestin.^[3] It is used for birth control, symptoms of menstruation, endometriosis, and as emergency contraception.^[1][3] It is taken by mouth.^[1] Some preparations of EE/LNG additionally contain an iron supplement in the form of ferrous bisglycinate or ferrous fumarate.^[4]

Side effects can include nausea, headache, blood clots, breast pain, depression, and liver problems.^[3] Use is not recommended during pregnancy, the initial three weeks after childbirth, and in those at high risk of blood clots.^[3] However, it may be started immediately after a miscarriage or abortion.^[5] 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 since 1982.^[1] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.^[6] It is available as a generic medication.^[7] It is marketed under many brand names.^[1] In 2022, it was the 128th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions.^[8][9]

• Birth control pill formulations
• List of combined sex-hormonal preparations