Estinyl and Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel

• Generic Name: conjugated estrogens / medroxyprogesterone
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Premphase, Prempro

Estrogens and progestins are female hormones. They are produced by the body and are necessary for the normal sexual development of the female and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle during the childbearing years.

The ovaries begin to produce less estrogen after menopause (the change of life). This medicine is prescribed to make up for the lower amount of estrogen. Estrogens help relieve signs of menopause, such as hot flashes and unusual sweating, chills, faintness, or dizziness. Progestins help to regulate the effects of estrogens.

Estrogens are prescribed for several reasons:

• to provide additional hormone when the body does not produce enough of its own, such as during menopause. They can also help to relieve a genital skin condition called vaginal or vulvar atrophy.
• to help prevent weakening of bones (osteoporosis) in women past menopause.

Estrogens may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

There is no medical evidence to support the belief that the use of estrogens will keep the patient feeling young, keep the skin soft, or delay the appearance of wrinkles. Nor has it been proven that the use of estrogens during menopause will relieve emotional and nervous symptoms, unless these symptoms are caused by other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes or hot flushes.

Estrogens and progestins are available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Amethyst, Aviane, Balcoltra, Falmina, Levlen, Lillow, Orsythia, Vienva, Afirmelle, Altavera, Amethia, Amethia Lo, Ashlyna, Aubra, Aubra EQ, Ayuna, Camrese, Camrese Lo, Chateal, Chateal EQ, Daysee, Delyla, Enpresse-28, FaLessa, Fayosim, Introvale, Jolessa, Kurvelo, Larissia, Lessina, Levonest, Levora 015/30, LoSeasonique, Lutera, Marlissa, Myzilra, Portia-28, Quartette, Quasense, Rivelsa, Seasonique, Setlakin, Simpesse, Sronyx, Trivora, Alesse, Enpresse, Levora, Lybrel, Nordette, Portia, Tri-Levlen, Triphasil-21, Triphasil-28, Trivora-28, Seasonale, Preven EC, Triphasil

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. There are many brands and forms of this medicine available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.