Other Brand Names Containing the Same Estrogen and Progestin

Alesse, Enpresse, Lessina, Levlen, Levlite, Levora, Lutera, Lybrel, Nordette, Portia, Sronyx, Tri-Levlen, Triphasil, Trivora

Other Brands of Birth Control that Contain the Progestin Levonorgestrel

Emergency Contraceptives: Plan B, Plan B One Step, Next Choice
Monophasic: Alesse, Aviane, Levlen, Levora, Lutera, Lybrel, Nordette, Portia, Sronyx
Multiphasic: Enpresse, Levlite, Tri-Levlen, Triphasil, Trivora
Extended Cycle Pills: Jolessa, LoSeasonique, Quasense, Seasonale, Seasonique
Non-pill Methods: Mirena (IUD)

What Makes it Different

All brands, including Lessina, containing the progestin levonorgestrel have been FDA approved for use as an Emergency Contraceptive.

To use Lessina as an Emergency Contraceptive, take all pills no more than 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours (three days).

Dosage for emergency contraception: take five pink pills and, exactly 12 hours later, take another five pink pills.

Speak to a healthcare professional before using Lessina as Emergency Contraception.

How it Works

Lessina (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel) prevents pregnancy by utilizing a combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin. First, the hormones prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from one of the ovaries). Lessina also causes the cervical mucus to thicken, inhibiting sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. The hormones also prevent the uterine lining from thickening, which makes it less hospitable to implantation.

Oral contraceptives are only to be utilized as a form of birth control. They do not protect against the transmission of HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How to Use

To begin, take your first pill on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period has begun.  Take one pill per day after that until you reach the end of your pack. Use Lessina as your healthcare provider has instructed. Do not take more often or for longer than your healthcare provider mandates.

If you miss a dose of Lessina, your risk of pregnancy will be heightened. There are ways to make up for missing a pill that will maintain the effectiveness of the birth control. For further instruction, contact with your healthcare provider immediately upon realizing you’ve missed one or more pills.

Effectiveness

Lessina has been shown to prevent pregnancy in over 99% of situations when it is the only birth control method utilized and when Lessina is used exactly as directed.

Cost

Most birth control pills cost $15-50 per pack and each pack lasts one month.

Benefits

When used correctly, Lessina is an effective method of birth control. All birth control pills, Lessina included, have also been shown to possibly have the following benefits:

• Menstrual cycle may become more regular, and blood flow may become lighter (reducing the chances of anemia).
• Cramps or other pain during menstruation may become less intense and/or frequent.
• Noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast may occur less frequently.
• Ectopic pregnancies may occur with less frequency.
• Acute pelvic inflammatory disease may occur less frequently.

Risks

All birth control pills, including Lessina, can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack, especially for women who smoke and/or are older than 35. Women who are taking oral contraceptives should not smoke.

Possible side effects include

• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Mild Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating, stomach cramps
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Changes in menstrual period, decreased sex drive
• Breast pain, swelling or tenderness
• Headache, nervousness, dizziness or tired feeling
• Freckles or darkening of facial skin
• Increased hair growth or loss of scalp hair
• Problems with contact lenses