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Lessina
Lessina is a combined oral contraceptive that contains both an estrogen and a progestin. It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and changing the cervical mucus and endometrium. Lessina, which is available by prescription only, comes in a pack of 28 pills that must be taken in order. Most people tolerate this form of birth control well, but potential side effects include nausea, headaches, and acne.
Lessina® (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription oral contraceptive (birth control pill). It is used to prevent pregnancy. Lessina is a generic version of Levlite®. It contains a low dose of hormones, compared to traditional birth control pills.
(Click What Is Lessina Used For? for more information on the drug's uses, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Lessina. However, not everyone who uses the contraceptive will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Lessina include, but are not limited to:
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Acne
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Breakthrough bleeding or spotting (between periods)
- Headaches.
(Click Lessina Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD