Manufacturer: Wyeth Ltd
Pharmaceutical name: Levonorgestrel, Ethinylestradiol
Pack: 21 pills (0.03 mg / 0.15 mg)
Ovral-L is an oral contraceptive pill that serves as an effective and reversible method for women who wish to postpone their first pregnancy or space out their next child. Each package of Ovral-L contains 21 tablets, with each tablet comprising hormones (30 mg of Ethinylestradiol and 150 mg of Levonorgestrel) that work to prevent pregnancy.
Ovral-L functions by inhibiting the release of the ovum (egg cell) from the ovaries. If you are taking the oral contraceptive pill for the first time, it's recommended to wait until your next menstrual period starts. Then, consider the first day of bleeding as Day 1 and take your first tablet on this day.
Be sure to take your pill at the same time each day, preferably during dinner or at bedtime. If you have been using another oral contraceptive, begin Ovral-L the day after you take the last active (hormonal) tablet from your previous pill.
After finishing your first pack, refrain from taking Ovral-L for the next 7 days (your period typically starts about 3-4 days after your last tablet).
Commence your next pack on Day 8 after the last active (hormonal) tablet, even if you are still bleeding. Always begin a new pack on the same day of the week as when you initiated taking Ovral-L. For instance, if you start your first pack on a Monday, your next pack will also begin on a Monday, four weeks later. Your regimen will then consist of taking 1 tablet daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days without a tablet.
Ovral-L is meant to safeguard you from pregnancy, but this protection is contingent upon adhering closely to the schedule. However, if you forget to take 1 or more pills or start a new package late, your body might not have sufficient hormones to prevent pregnancy. In such instances, utilize an alternative birth control method (other than oral contraceptive tablets) until you have taken a tablet for 7 days or finished the package if fewer than 7 tablets remain. For example, if you miss Wednesday's pill and remember on Thursday, take the missed pill when you recall on Thursday and then take the Thursday pill at your usual time. In this instance, you will have taken 2 pills on Thursday. Continue with your regimen until finishing the current package. Remember to implement a supplementary contraceptive method for 7 days following the last tablet if you miss any.
If you happen to forget 2 tablets in succession, take the 2 missed pills when you remember, along with the pill for that day at your normal time. In this case, you would take 3 pills on the day you remember. Follow your schedule until you complete the package, and remember to use an additional contraceptive method for the duration specified above for 7 days after the last tablet if missed.
In the event that you forget 3 tablets in a row, do not take them when you remember, nor should you finish the package. Refrain from taking any tablets for the next four days, resulting in one week without any tablets. After this week, start a new package 8 days after the last tablet you took, regardless of whether you are still experiencing bleeding. During the 7 days without tablets and until you have taken a tablet for 7 days from the new Ovral-L package, utilize an alternative birth control method.
A missed period rarely indicates pregnancy, provided you have adhered to the schedule. Occasionally, oral contraceptives can lead to missed menstruation. If you miss a period despite regular tablet intake, consult your doctor prior to starting your next Ovral-L package. If you have missed any pills or started a package late, or do not menstruate during the 7 days, seek medical advice. Avoid taking more Ovral-L until your doctor advises you to do so. Use an alternative contraceptive method (not oral contraceptive tablets) until pregnancy has been ruled out.
Side effects may include irregular vaginal bleeding; if you wear contact lenses and experience changes in vision or discomfort, please consult your doctor or health-care professional; Fluid retention: Oral contraceptives can cause edema (fluid retention), leading to swelling in fingers or ankles, and may elevate blood pressure. If you experience fluid retention, contact your healthcare provider.
Melasma: Darkened spots on the skin, particularly on the face, may occur.
Other side effects can include nausea, breast tenderness, changes in appetite, headaches, nervousness, depression, dizziness, hair loss, rashes, vaginal infections, inflammation of the pancreas, and allergic reactions.