Skip to main content

Ethinyl Estradiol / Levonorgestrel Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 8, 2024.

Applies to the following strengths: 30 mcg-0.15 mg; 20 mcg-100 mcg; 20 mcg-90 mcg; triphasic; biphasic extended cycle; quadriphasic extended cycle; low dose biphasic extended cycle; 0.05 mg-0.25 mg; extended cycle 30 mcg-0.15 mg; with iron 20 mcg-100 mcg; 30 mcg-120 mcg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Usual Pediatric Dose for:

Additional dosage information:

Usual Adult Dose for Contraception

Oral tablets: 1 tablet orally once a day at the same time each day in the order directed on the blister pack

Transdermal System:
Four week cycle: Apply 1 patch once a week for 3 consecutive weeks; no patch is to be worn during week 4, cycle is then repeated

Comments:


Use: To prevent pregnancy.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Contraception

For postmenarchal females:
Oral tablets: 1 tablet orally once a day at the same time each day in the order directed on the blister pack

Transdermal System:
Four week cycle: Apply 1 patch once a week for 3 consecutive weeks; no patch is to be worn during week 4, cycle is then repeated

Comments:


Use: To prevent pregnancy.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Use with caution; monitor blood pressure closely.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Contraindicated

Dose Adjustments

Elderly patients: Not indicated in postmenopausal women.

Changing from another oral contraceptive:
Tablets: Start on the same day that a new pack of the previous oral contraceptive would have started.
Patch: Apply first patch on day the next pill cycle would start

Changing from another transdermal patch:
Tablets: Start on the day when the next application would have been scheduled.
Patch: Apply on the day the next patch cycle would normally start.

Changing from a vaginal ring:
Tablet: Start on the day when the next insertion would have been scheduled.
Patch: Apply on the day the next vaginal ring would have been scheduled.

Changing from an injectable formulation:
Tablet: Start on the day when the next injection would have been scheduled
Patch: Apply on day when next injection would have been scheduled

Changing from an intrauterine system (IUS) contraceptive:
Tablet: Start on the day of the removal of the IUS; if the IUS is not removed on the first day of the menstrual cycle, additional nonhormonal contraceptives (e.g., condoms and spermicide) is needed for the first 7 days of the first cycle pack.
Patch: Apply on the day of the IUS removal

Changing from an implant:
Tablet: Start on the day when the implant is removed.
Patch: Apply on the day of implant removal

Following a first trimester abortion or miscarriage:
Tablet: May be started immediately; an additional method of contraception is not required if started immediately.

Patch: May be started immediately; an additional method of contraception is not required if started within 5 days.

Following a second trimester abortion or miscarriage:

Following childbirth:

Precautions

US BOXED WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR ADVERSE EFFECTS:

US BOXED WARNING: TRANSDERMAL SYSTEM: Contraindicated in Women with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater:

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic disease, including:

Safety and efficacy have been established in female patients of reproductive age; use prior to menarche is not indicated.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration Advice:
Tablets:


Sunday Start:

Day 1 Start:

Missed Pills:

Transdermal System:

Storage Requirements:

General:

Monitoring:

Patient Advice:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.