Levest

Levest is a combined contraceptive pill that prevents unwanted pregnancies. It is one of the most effective forms of contraception and is very easy to use.

As a combined pill, Levest contains synthetic versions of progesterone (levonorgestrel) and oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) - these are two sex hormones naturally produced by your body.

When taken correctly, Levest is up to 99% effective. It also leads to lighter, more regular and less painful menstruation.

Please note, no combined contraception will protect you against STIs. You should use a condom, especially with any new partners.

During a normal menstrual cycle, the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone cause your body ovulate (release an egg) every month.

They also prepare the lining of the womb for a potential pregnancy. If an egg hasn't been fertilised at the end of each month, hormone levels fall and the lining is shed as a period.

Levest contains synthetic hormones (0.15mg ethinylestradiol and 30mcg levonorgestrel) which override the natural menstrual cycle and stop your body from ovulating (releasing eggs).

The pill also thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.

Thirdly, the womb lining is altered so that a fertilized egg cannot implant itself there.

These combined effects make it highly unlikely that you will become pregnant - less than one per cent.

The hormones also make the mucus at the neck of the womb become thicker, making it harder for sperm to enter the womb and reach an egg. They also change the womb lining to make it less likely that a fertilized egg will implant there.

Always follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist when starting any new medication.

Levest is a monophasic pill, meaning each tablet contains the same amount of hormones.

• tablets should be taken around the same time every day with a small amount of water
• tablets can be taken with food
• do not break, crush or chew tablets
• you should take one tablet every day for 21 days, before a seven-day break.
• during this seven-day break you may experience some withdrawal bleed similar to a period. You are still protected during the break
• after seven days you should start the next pack of tablets, even if a bleed is still in progress

Missed pills

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you are more than 24 hours late at taking a dose, it counts as a missed pill.

After missing a pill, you should take a tablet as soon as possible, even if that means two tablets at the same time. Continue to take the rest of the pack as normal.

If two or more doses are forgotten, take them as soon as possible even if it means taking two at once. Continue to take the rest of the pack as instructed.

You should use another method of contraception (condoms) during the next seven days, as there will be no protection from pregnancy.

Vomiting or diarrhoea

Vomiting within two hours of taking your pill means that it might not have been properly absorbed into the bloodstream. You should take another pill as soon as possible.

If you are vomiting for over 24 hours, it may make the pill less effective. Keep taking doses according to the schedule, but treat each day as if you have forgotten to take a tablet. Refer to the instructions in the patient leaflet.

All combined hormonal contraceptives all cause similar adverse effects, however, the frequency and severity will differ between. You may also react differently to others on the same pill - this is due to the hormones’ unique affect on your body.

The most common side effects include:

• nausea
• abdominal pain
• headache/migraine
• breast tenderness
• weight change
• change in menstrual bleeding

Please note, combined pills increase the risk of blood clots. You should seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you are experiencing one. Symptoms include cramping and unusual sensations in the limbs, chest pain, breathlessness and coughing.

Cases of breast cancer are more highly reported in women taking combined contraceptives. For this reason, you should regularly check your breasts. If you discover any lumps or abnormalities, see your doctor as soon as possible.

This treatment is not advised for women who:

• are breastfeeding
• have had a blood clot or a condition that increases the risk of suffering one
• have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• have heart conditions
• have very high blood pressure (hypertension)
• smoke more than 40 cigarettes per day
• are over 50 years of age
• are over 35 years of age and who smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day
• have severe diabetes
• have migraines with aura
• have a history of breast cancer
• have abnormal vaginal bleeding
• have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• have liver conditions
• have allergies to any of the ingredients

Whenever you start to take new medication, you should tell your doctor about any other medicines you take already. This includes herbal medicines and over-the-counter medicines.

The emergency contraceptive ulipristal (Ellaone) can make the pill less effective. If you use ellaOne while you are using Levest, make sure to use an additional method of contraception.

Patients with epilepsy who use lamotrigine to treat the condition should be aware that Levest can reduce its effectiveness in preventing seizures.

Before you buy Levest online, you must first complete a free online consultation. This is a medical requirement and will be reviewed by our doctor. Any websites selling prescription contraception and medication without a consultation are operating illegally. It is dangerous to buy Levest online from these vendors.

Once your consultation is approved, your details will remain on your profile, making reordering even faster. All orders include next-day delivery.