Lutera is brand name for a combination of 2 active ingredients, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It is a medicinal combination of hormones that can be effectively used for the prevention of an unwanted pregnancy. The combination comprises of the synthetic analogues of 2 major hormones, estrogen and progestin. Lutera produces its effect by inhibiting the release of eggs, a process known as ovulation, during ovarian cycle. In addition, it also causes the vaginal fluid to become thicker; thereby preventing the process of fertilization by inhibiting the interaction of sperm with the egg. It also causes alteration in the uterus lining so that the fertilized egg may not get attached to it. Aside from preventing pregnancy, it also performs the following actions:

• Makes menstrual cycle more regular
• Minimizes too much loss of blood
• Minimizes pain during periods
• Minimizes the chances of ovarian cysts
• Assists in treating acne

However, it must be noted that Lutera will not provide protection against any sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV.

Can I Use Lutera to Prevent Pregnancy?

Yes, you can use it to prevent pregnancy unless:

• You are hypersensitive to the ingredients found in Lutera dosage form such as ethinyl estradiol or levonorgestrel.
• You are already pregnant or you think you might be.
• You had blood coagulation problems in the past, or a history of severe blood clotting in the eyes, legs or the lungs, or breast cancer or blood vessel issues like stroke, heart attack or nervous bleeding.
• You have risks of developing heart problems or blood coagulation diseases such as irregular heartbeat or heart valve problem.
• You experience chest pain due to angina, headache and migraine with aura, uncontrolled hypertension, and vaginal, endometrial or cervical cancer, circulation affecting diabetes, abnormal undiagnosed vaginal bleeding and growth that are estrogen dependent.
• You have been diagnosed with liver cancer, tumor or some other hepatic disease. You must avoid Luteraif in the past you had yellowing of skin or eyes due to pregnancy or before using the birth control.
• You underwent a surgery that requires bed-rest for a prolong time period.
• You are above 35 years of age and smoke greater than 15 cigarettes each day.

Consult your doctor before starting using the Lutera if you have any of the above conditions.

How to Use Lutera Safely

• To ensure safe use of Lutera, follow the directions of your doctor. Avoid consuming it in too small or too large doses or for a greater time period than recommended.
• Take the first dose on the first day of period, or on the Sunday that comes first once the period starts. For a safe side, a back–up birth control will be required; you may either use a spermicide or a condom. Take a pill daily with a time interval of 24 hours between two doses. Pregnancy might be the problem if you don’t take one pill each day. Make sure your prescription stays refilled so that you won’t run out of your daily Lutera dosage.
• At times birth control packs may comprise of 7 reminder pills so that you stay regular on the cycle. Period usually starts while you are on these reminder doses.
• You are more likely to experience a breakthrough bleeding particularly during the initial 3 months. Inform your doctor if it becomes heavy or continues even after then. If you become sick with diarrhea or excessive vomiting, be sure to use back-up birth control just for the safe side.
• If you are suggested bed rest or you need to get some medical tests or a surgery done, discontinue the pill for short period of time.
• For effective results, store Lutera at room temperature keeping it from heat and moisture.

What to Do If I Miss a Dose

Missing a dose will put you at risk of becoming pregnant. If you miss a dose one day and remember it the next day then take two pills on that day, but switch back to one pill/per day for the rest of the duration.

In case you miss 2 pills in a row in the first or second week, then take 2 pills each day for 2 days consecutively, but switch back to one pill/per day for the rest of the duration. Don’t forget to use the back-up birth control for 7 days at least, after missing the pills.

In case you miss 2 pills in a row in the third week, discard the remaining pack and begin with the new one on the same day, provided that you start from the first day of the period. But if you are a Sunday starter, continue taking a pill daily until Sunday. On Sunday discard the remaining pack and start with the new one at the same day.

In case you miss 3 pills in a row in the first, second or third week, discard the remaining pack and start with the new one on the same day, provided that you start from the first day of the period. But if you are a Sunday starter, continue taking a pill daily until Sunday. On Sunday discard the remaining pack and start with the new one the same day.

Missing period for 2 consecutive months might suggest that you are pregnant. Consult your doctor immediately.

Possible Side Effects of Lutera

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any following allergic symptoms after using Lutera.

• Hives
• Difficulty in breathing
• Swollen face, throat, tongue or lips

Upon experiencing the following serious side effects, stop using the pills and seek medical help:

• Depression symptoms like mood swings, tiredness, weakness, sleep problems
• Lump in the breast
• Swollen ankles, hands or feet
• Nausea, anorexia, dark colored urine, clay colored stools, jaundice like symptoms, itching, pain in the upper stomach
• Altering pattern or severe headaches or migraines
• Redness, warmth, pain or swelling in both or one leg
• Sudden wheezing, cough, cough with blood or tachypnea (rapid breathing)
• Chest pain radiating to shoulders and arms, sweating and overall ill feeling
• Problem with balance, vision, speech and confusion
• Sudden weakness or numbness

Less serious side effects include:

• Altered sex drive
• Altered menstrual cycle
• Vaginal discharge or itching
• Problems associated with contact lenses
• Changes in the appetite or weight
• Loss of scalp hair, elevated hair growth, darkening of facial skin and freckles
• Nipple discharge, breast swelling or tenderness
• Stomach cramps, bloating, vomiting and nausea