Lo/Ovral

Lo/Ovral is a prescription-only birth control pill. It is a combined oral contraceptive that contains both an estrogen and a progestin hormone. These hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and altering the cervical mucus and endometrium. This product, which contains 28 pills in each pack, must be taken once daily at the same time each day. Potential side effects include headaches, nausea, and acne.

Lo/Ovral Birth Control Pills

What Is Lo/Ovral?

Lo/Ovral^® (norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription oral contraceptive, also known as a birth control pill, or simply "the pill."

(Click Lo/Ovral Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Lo/Ovral is made by Akrimax Pharmaceuticals (it was previously made by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). It is available in generic form, sold under the following names:

Cryselle^® (made by Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
Elinest™ (made by Novast Laboratories)
Low-Ogestrel^® (made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).

(Click Generic Lo/Ovral for more information.)

How Does Lo/Ovral Work?

Lo/Ovral is categorized as a combined oral contraceptive, the most common type of birth control pill.

Combined oral contraceptives contain a combination of two different types of hormones: an estrogen and a progestin. The hormones in Lo/Ovral prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries).

Lo/Ovral also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, less important ways. It alters the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo. It also changes the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.

Lo/Ovral Article Continues on Next Page >