Levest - dosage, use, contraindications, side effects

Levest is a combined oral contraceptive pill that contains two types of hormones, ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. These are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.

Levest works by overriding the menstrual cycle. The daily dose of hormones 'tricks' the body into thinking that ovulation has already happened. This prevents an egg from being released from the ovaries each month (ovulation).

The hormones in Levest also: increase the thickness of the natural mucus at the neck of the womb, making it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb and reach an egg; and thin the womb lining (endometrium), making it more difficult for any successfully fertilised eggs to implant there.

Levest is a very effective contraceptive when it is taken correctly (without missing pills), but no contraceptive is 100% effective. It's also not effective if you don't take it as directed.

Levest is a combined oral contraceptive pill that serves as an effective method of preventing unwanted pregnancy. It contains two active substances, ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, which are synthetic versions of the naturally occuring female hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

Levest is specifically indicated for the following conditions:

• Prevention of pregnancy: As a hormonal contraceptive, Levest is highly effective in preventing ovulation and thereby preventing pregnancy.
• Treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding: Levest can also be used in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, provided that organic pathology has been excluded.
• Management of painful periods: The pill can aid in reducing the severity of menstrual cramps, making periods more manageable for women.
• Regulation of menstrual cycle: Levest is also indicated for women who have irregular menstrual cycles. By taking this pill, women can predict when they will get their period every month.

It is important to note that Levest does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. A barrier method of contraception should be used to prevent transmission of such infections.

Levest is a combined oral contraceptive pill, but like all medications, it is not suitable for everyone and some individuals should avoid its use due to certain contraindications. Contraindications are conditions or factors that serve as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause to the patient.

One of the main contraindications of Levest is a history or risk of venous or arterial thrombosis, which refers to the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. Factors that can increase this risk include smoking, obesity, advanced age, prolonged immobilization, and certain genetic conditions.

Levest is also contraindicated in women who have or have had breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers, as the hormones in Levest can potentially promote cancer growth. Other contraindications include liver diseases, such as liver tumours and active liver disease, and undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Women with a history of migraines with aura should also avoid Levest.

Pregnancy is another major contraindication for Levest. It should not be used by women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. It is also not recommended for women who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, as it can decrease milk production.

Before starting Levest, it is important for the healthcare provider to thoroughly evaluate the patient's medical history and current health status to identify any potential contraindications. If any contraindications are identified, other contraceptive methods should be considered.

It's crucial to be aware of the potential side effects when taking any medication, and Levest is no exception. Although not everyone will experience these effects, it's important to be informed about what could potentially occur.

Common side effects of Levest include, but are not limited to:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Weight changes
• Changes in menstrual bleeding, e.g., spotting, heavier bleeding, or skipped periods
• Mood changes

More serious side effects, although rare, can also occur. These include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Chest pain or heavy feeling
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Pain spreading to the arm or shoulder
• Swelling in one or both legs
• Migraine headaches
• Sudden vision changes
• Slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body

If you experience any of these side effects or any other unusual symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately. While Levest is generally well-tolerated, any serious side effects should be reported to a healthcare professional promptly.

Understanding the proper dosage of Levest is critical for its effectiveness and safety. The dosage of Levest is usually determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications they may be taking.

As a general guideline, the standard dosage for contraceptive purposes is one pill per day. The pills are taken orally and it's recommended to take them at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body. It's important to follow the order indicated on the blister pack, starting with the pill in the top left corner.

Generally, the 28-day pack of Levest contains 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills. The active pills, containing hormones, are taken daily for three weeks, followed by one week of inactive pills. During the week of inactive pills, a withdrawal bleed similar to a period occurs.

If you miss a dose, it's crucial to take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you miss more than one dose, it's advisable to refer to the patient information leaflet or consult a healthcare professional.

Remember, it's important to take Levest exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Do not increase or decrease the dose without professional advice. Misuse or overuse can lead to serious health problems, including blood clots and unwanted pregnancy.

Levest is primarily used as a hormonal contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. It is a combined oral contraceptive pill, containing two hormones, Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel, which are similar to the naturally occurring sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone in women.

It's crucial to adhere to a consistent schedule when taking Levest, as skipping doses may increase the risk of pregnancy. The pill should be taken once a day, at the same time every day, for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day pill-free period. During this pill-free week, a withdrawal bleed similar to a period should occur.

Levest can also be used for cycle control. It can help to regulate periods, particularly for women who have irregular menstrual cycles. Moreover, it can also reduce the frequency of periods for women who experience them more often than usual.

Additionally, Levest may be used for managing symptoms of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body. The pill can help to control the growth of this tissue and alleviate symptoms such as pain and heavy bleeding.

It's important to note that Levest does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms should be used in conjunction with Levest for protection against STIs.

Precautions while using Levest

Levest is a type of contraceptive pill that is commonly used. However, like all medication, there are certain precautions that need to be taken when using Levest. These precautions are necessary to ensure that the pill works effectively and that any potential side effects are minimized.

Firstly, Levest should not be used if you have any of the following conditions: blood clots, heart diseases, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe migraines, liver disease or liver cancer, or if you smoke and are over 35. These conditions can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Secondly, Levest may interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about all the drugs you are currently taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Your doctor will then be able to advise you appropriately.

Lastly, while taking Levest, regular check-ups are recommended, especially if you have any of the conditions mentioned above. These check-ups will allow your doctor to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment if necessary.

In conclusion, while Levest is a commonly used contraceptive pill, it is crucial to take certain precautions when using it. These precautions will ensure that the pill is as effective as possible and that the risk of side effects is minimized.

Levest, like many other medications, can interact with other drugs, which can alter how your medication works or increase your risk for serious side effects. It's essential to keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with Levest include aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole, exemestane), ospemifene, tamoxifen, tizanidine, tranexamic acid, certain combination products used to treat chronic hepatitis C (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir).

Some drugs may cause hormonal birth control to work less well by decreasing the amount of birth control hormones in your body. This effect can result in pregnancy. Examples include griseofulvin, modafinil, rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as barbiturates, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate), HIV drugs (such as nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir), among others.

Tell your doctor when you start any new drug or when you start or stop using birth control pills so your therapy can be re-evaluated.

When considering the cost of Levest, it's important to note that prices can vary depending on various factors. These factors may include the pharmacy you visit, your location, and whether or not you have health insurance.

On average, the price of Levest can range from $20 to $50 for a one-month supply. This includes 21 tablets, which is the usual amount prescribed for a month. However, this is a general price range and costs can vary. It's always best to check with your local pharmacy or online providers for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.

Some health insurance plans may cover the cost of Levest, making it more affordable. If you don't have insurance, or if your insurance doesn't cover this medication, there are still options available to help you reduce the cost. Some pharmacies offer discount programs or generic versions of Levest that can be significantly cheaper.

It's crucial to remember that while the price is an important factor, it should not be the only consideration when choosing a contraceptive. The effectiveness, side effects, and your personal medical history should also be taken into account. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.

There are several substitutes for Levest available in the market. It's important to note that the efficiency and safety of substitute medicines may differ from the original. Therefore, always consult your healthcare provider before switching to a substitute.

• Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol: This is a generic oral contraceptive that can serve as a substitute for Levest. It is a combination hormone medication that prevents pregnancy by causing changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
• Ortho-Cyclen: Another viable alternative, Ortho-Cyclen, is a monophasic birth control pill containing the hormones ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. These substances inhibit ovulation and make the body less likely to accept a fertilized egg.
• Tri-Cyclen: Tri-Cyclen is a triphasic pill that varies the dosage of progestin throughout the menstrual cycle. It contains norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, much like Levest.

Remember, while these substitutes might have similar compositions, they might not have the same dosing schedule. Therefore, it's important to follow the directions given by your healthcare provider while using these substitutes.