Elevin

Elevin is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol.

It provides reliable contraception when taken correctly and works through three complementary mechanisms: inhibiting ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration, and altering the endometrium to reduce the likelihood of implantation.

Levonorgestrel is a well-established second-generation progestogen with a long track record of safety and efficacy in hormonal contraception.

The combination with ethinylestradiol, a synthetic oestrogen, provides good cycle control with predictable withdrawal bleeds during the pill-free interval.

Elevin is a monophasic pill, meaning each active tablet contains the same dose of both hormones. This simplifies the regimen and means that all active tablets in the pack are interchangeable.

It is taken for 21 consecutive days followed by a seven-day pill-free interval, during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs.

Take one tablet daily at the same time each day for 21 days, then have a seven-day tablet-free break.

Your withdrawal bleed will usually start within two to three days of taking the last active tablet. Start the next pack after seven pill-free days, regardless of whether the bleed has finished.

If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember and continue with the next pill at the usual time.

If you miss two or more pills, follow the advice in the patient leaflet or contact your prescriber, as additional contraception may be needed.

One tablet daily for 21 days, followed by seven tablet-free days. Each active tablet contains levonorgestrel 150 micrograms and ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms.

The pill should ideally be started on the first day of the menstrual cycle for immediate contraceptive protection.

If started on day two to five, additional barrier contraception is needed for the first seven days.

Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 users) include headache, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, and breakthrough bleeding or spotting in the first few cycles.

Uncommon effects include weight change, decreased libido, and migraine.

Rare but serious risks include venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the legs or lungs), arterial thromboembolism (heart attack or stroke), and very rarely, liver tumours.

The absolute risk of these serious events remains low, particularly in women without additional risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or a family history of clotting disorders.

Combined oral contraceptives carry a small increased risk of blood clots.

This risk is higher in the first year of use, after restarting following a break of four weeks or more, and in women who smoke, are significantly overweight, or have a personal or family history of thrombosis.

Stop taking Elevin and seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a blood clot (leg swelling, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or severe headache with visual disturbance).

The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Elevin is contraindicated in women with a current or past venous or arterial thromboembolism, known thrombophilic disorders, migraine with aura, diabetes with vascular complications, severe or multiple cardiovascular risk factors, active liver disease or liver tumours, known or suspected hormone-sensitive malignancies, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, and hypersensitivity to any ingredient.

It should not be used in smokers over 35 years of age.