Ethinyl Estradiol + Levonorgestrel + Ferrous Fumarate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Ethinyl Estradiol Levonorgestrel Ferrous Fumarate

Other Names

  • Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
  • Oral Contraceptive
  • Birth Control Pill

Drug Class

  • Contraceptive
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy

Chemical Formula

C26H30O3 + C21H27NO2 + C4H2FeO4

Molecular Weight

Unknown

Mechanism of Action

  • Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel prevent ovulation
  • Ferrous Fumarate provides iron supplementation

Indications

  • Contraception
  • Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Common Dosage Forms

  • Oral Tablets

Typical Dosage

  • One tablet daily for 21 days followed by a week of placebo or iron-only tablets
  • Repeat for 3 weeks and then take a week break

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not recommended for use in children

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustment may be required in elderly patients

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Breast Tenderness
  • Irregular Bleeding
  • Weight Gain
  • Mood Changes

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • History of Blood Clots
  • Liver Disease
  • Certain Types of Cancer

Pregnancy Category

  • X - Contraindicated in pregnancy

Lactation Safety

  • L3 - Moderately Safe

Drug Interactions

  • Antibiotics like Rifampin can reduce the effectiveness
  • Antiepileptic drugs may reduce the efficacy

Overdose Symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Breast Tenderness
  • Menstrual Changes

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, symptomatic treatment

Storage Conditions

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration
  • Distribution: Metabolites are distributed in tissues
  • Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel
  • Excretion: Excreted in urine and feces

Precautions

  • Smokers over 35 years old are at higher risk of serious cardiovascular side effects

Warnings

  • Increased risk of blood clots
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular events in women with certain risk factors

Others

  • Regular monitoring of iron levels may be necessary during treatment