Lybrel™ (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is an
oral contraceptive (
birth control pill). It is the first combination oral contraceptive that is approved to be taken continuously, with no inactive pills at all. While taking Lybrel, women will not have regular monthly periods, although they will probably experience some unpredictable bleeding and spotting from time to time.
It is made by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lybrel is a combined oral contraceptive, which means that it is a birth control pill that contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (levonorgestrel). It primarily works to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, it also prevents pregnancy in two other, minor ways. Lybrel alters 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. Lybrel also alters the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
There is no reason for women to have a monthly period while taking birth control pills. In fact, the "period" you experience while taking birth control pills isn't really a period at all. Because ovulation does not occur, the body does not prepare for a possible pregnancy by building up the lining of the uterus, so there is no need to shed the lining (as with a regular period). Instead, the "period" that occurs due to birth control pills is actually caused by a withdrawal of the hormones in the pills, which causes bleeding.
Even though you will not have a regular monthly period while taking Lybrel, you will probably have some bleeding from time to time. This bleeding may resemble a menstrual period, but it will not occur at regular intervals.
Lybrel was shown to be an effective birth control method in a large clinical trial. In this study, between one and three out of every 100 women who used it for a year became pregnant. This is very effective, compared to many other methods of contraception. For instance, up to 14 percent of women using condoms for a year will become pregnant.
Studies have also shown that more than half of women taking Lybrel for one year will not have any bleeding or spotting, but it often takes several months for this to occur. Some women will continue to have bleeding and spotting.
When and How to Use Lybrel
Some general considerations for when and how to use the medication include the following:
- Lybrel comes in the form of a tablet that is taken by mouth once a day.
- You can take it with food or on an empty stomach. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Each pack of Lybrel contains 28 pills. Be sure to take them in order. Once you finish a pack, start a new pack right away.
- It is normal to experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting while taking Lybrel. Keep taking it as normal.
- It is very important to take Lybrel every day, at the same time each day. Try to pick a time that is easy to remember (such as at bedtime or breakfast). If you have trouble remembering, please talk with your healthcare provider, as missing pills increases your risk of pregnancy.
- Make sure you know exactly what to do if you miss any pills. In some circumstances, you may need to use a backup method of contraception (such as condoms) for seven days.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
There is only one standard dose of Lybrel, regardless of age, weight, or medical conditions. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Lybrel. 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 Lybrel include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding or spotting (even though you will not have a regular, monthly period)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches.
(Click Lybrel Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Lybrel
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Lybrel if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take a Lybrel Overdose?
Women who take too much Lybrel may experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vaginal bleeding
- Other menstrual irregularities.
Keep the tablets in their original package. The packaging is designed to help you remember to take the tablets each day. Keep the package at room temperature, away from moisture or heat.
Keep Lybrel and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Missing doses of Lybrel increases the risk of pregnancy. What you should do depends on how many tablets you have missed
(see Lybrel Dosage). If you are not sure what to do, refer to the patient information that comes with each pack of Lybrel, or consult your healthcare provider.
Lybrel comes in one strength, containing 0.09 mg (90 mcg) of levonorgestrel and 0.02 mg (20 mcg) of ethinyl estradiol per tablet. Unlike other
birth control pills, Lybrel does not contain any inactive tablets.
Is There a Generic Version of Lybrel?
Currently, there is no generic version of Lybrel licensed for sale
(see Generic Lybrel).
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print