Levora is just one of almost twenty different marketing names for the same drug combination in an oral contraceptive: ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel.
In short, Levora is 'the pill'. Just like Portia, Lutera, Altavera, Nordette, Alesse, and many more product names.
Levora contains these drugs, which act as female hormones, in order to function as a contraceptive. Like other birth control pills, Levora works in a few ways:
- Levora creates changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, thickening it so that it is more difficult for sperm to reach the woman's uterus
- Levora also makes it more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Levora Instructions
All birth control should be taken exactly as prescribed by one's doctor.
Typically Levora is prescribed accordingly: The patient takes the first pill on the first day of their period or on the first Sunday after their period begins. (Keep in mind that other forms of birth control may be required during the early stages of taking Levora—ask for instructions from one's doctor.)
Following the first pill, the patient should take one pill every day, 24 hours apart.
Levora is prescribed in 28 day packs. Seven of the pills are placebo or 'reminder' pills that function only to keep the patient on a regular schedule of taking a daily pill. During these seven days of reminder pills, the patient's period typically begins.
During the initial months on Levora, breakthrough bleeding may occur. If it does, as with any potential side effect, the patient should inform their health care provider.
Levora Side Effects
The most serious and immediate potential (though rare) side effect of Levora is an allergic reaction. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. It is characterized by swelling of the face, tongue, throat or lips, difficulty breathing and possibly the presence of hives.
Other side effects that are considered serious include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Chest pain that spreads to the arm and causes sweating or nausea
- Pain or swelling in one or both legs
- Sudden coughing or rapid breathing
- Migraine headaches
- Sudden swelling in the hands, ankles or feet
- A lump discovered in a breast
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes
- Severe fatigue
- Upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools
Women on oral contraceptives—or any contraceptive—should always inform their health care provider of every noticeable side effect, even minor ones, so that a professional can evaluate the patient and assure that Levora or any contraceptive is the right one for them.