Drospirenone/ethinylestradiol/levomefolic acid

Ethinylestradiol

Drospirenone/ethinylestradiol/levomefolic acid is a combined oral contraceptive pill that contains three active ingredients: drospirenone, ethinylestradiol, and levomefolic acid. This combination is used primarily for birth control and to provide a supplemental source of folate.

Components

• Drospirenone: A synthetic progestin that mimics the activity of the natural hormone progesterone. It helps to prevent ovulation and causes changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
• Ethinylestradiol: A synthetic form of estrogen that works by inhibiting the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland, thereby preventing ovulation.
• Levomefolic acid: The active form of folic acid, a B vitamin that is important for the production and maintenance of new cells. It helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in a developing fetus if pregnancy occurs.

Mechanism of Action

The combination of drospirenone and ethinylestradiol works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). It also causes changes in the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg and to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Levomefolic acid provides a supplemental source of folate to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects in case of pregnancy.

Uses

• Contraception: To prevent pregnancy.
• Acne treatment: Sometimes prescribed to treat moderate acne in women who also want to use an oral contraceptive.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Can be used to treat symptoms of PMDD.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain
• Mood changes

Serious side effects may include:

• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart attack

Contraindications

• History of blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Breast cancer

Related Pages

• Combined oral contraceptive pill
• Progestin
• Estrogen
• Folic acid
• Birth control