Levlen is used for:

Preventing pregnancy. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Levlen is a combination birth control pill. It works by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus, and changing the lining of the uterus.

How to use Levlen:

Use Levlen as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Levlen . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Levlen by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Begin taking Levlen on the first Sunday following the start of your period, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If your period begins on a Sunday, begin taking Levlen on that day. Try to take Levlen at the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart. After taking the last pill in the pack, start taking the first pill from a new pack the very next day.
• For Levlen to be effective it must be taken every day. Do not skip doses.
• If you miss a dose of Levlen and remember it on the same day, take it as soon as possible and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you do not remember until the next day or if you miss more than 1 dose of Levlen , see the additional patient information leaflet that comes with Levlen or contact your doctor for further instructions. You may need to use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms). If you are not sure about how to handle missed doses of Levlen , use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms) until you talk with your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Levlen.

Possible side effects of Levlen:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Acne; breast tenderness or enlargement; changes in appetite; changes in sexual interest; changes in weight; dizziness; hair loss; headache; nausea; stomach cramps or bloating; unusual spotting or bleeding; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast discharge; breast lumps; calf/leg pain, swelling, or tenderness; change in amount of urine produced; change in vaginal secretions; changes in vision or speech; confusion; coughing of blood; crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest; dark-colored urine; depression; difficulty sleeping; difficulty wearing contact lenses; fainting; fluid retention (swelling of the fingers and ankles); lack of energy; light-colored bowel movements; mental or mood changes; missed menstrual period; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; persistent headache or migraines; persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding; persistent or severe dizziness; severe pain or tenderness in the stomach; sudden partial or complete loss of vision; sudden severe headache or vomiting; shortness of breath; tiredness; vaginal irritation or discharge; weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Proper storage of Levlen:

Store Levlen at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Levlen out of the reach of children and away from pets.