Other Brand Names Containing the Same Estrogen and Progestin

Alesse, Aviane, Enpresse, Lessina, Levlen, Levlite, Levora, Lutera, Lybrel, Nordette, Portia, Sronyx, 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, Lessina, Levlen, Levora, Lutera, Lybrel, Nordette, Portia, Sronyx
Multiphasic: Enpresse, Levlite, Triphasil, Trivora
Extended Cycle Pills: Jolessa, LoSeasonique, Quasense, Seasonale, Seasonique
Non-pill Methods: Mirena (IUD)

What Makes it Different

• All brands, including Tri-Levlen, contain the progestin levonorgestrel, which has been FDA approved for use as an Emergency Contraceptive.
• Before using Tri-Levlen as Emergency Contraception, speak to a healthcare professional.
• To utilize Tri-Levlen 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 four yellow pills and, exactly 12 hours later, take another four yellow pills.

How it Works

Tri-Levlen (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel) utilizes a combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy in three ways. First, the hormones prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). They also cause the cervical mucus to thicken, which blocks sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. In addition, the hormones cause the uterine lining to thin, making it less hospitable to implantation should an egg become fertilized.

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

How to Use

You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period has begun. Take one pill at the same time each day until the pack is empty. Take your birth control only as your healthcare provider instructs. Effective prevention of pregnancy depends on you taking the birth control exactly as it is intended.

Missing a dose of Tri-Levlen increases your risk of pregnancy. Luckily, there are ways to make up for missing a pill that so you can maintain the effectiveness of your birth control. For further instruction, contact with your healthcare provider immediately upon realizing you’ve missed one or more pills.

Cost

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

Effectiveness

When Tri-Levlen is the only birth control method utilized and it is used exactly as directed, Tri-Levlen has been shown to have over 99% rate of effectiveness.

Benefits

When used correctly, Tri-Levlen is an effective method of birth control. All birth control pills, Tri-Levlen included, have been shown to have the following possible benefits:

• Menstrual cycle regularity improvement
• Lighter blood flow (reducing the chances of anemia)
• Less frequent occurrence of cramps or other pain during menstruation
• Lower likelihood of noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast
• Lower likelihood of acute pelvic inflammatory disease
• Lower likelihood of ectopic pregnancies

Risks

All birth control pills, including Tri-Levlen, can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack. Women who smoke should not take birth control, and women who are older than 35 should consult a doctor before taking a hormonal contraceptive.

Possible side effects include

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