Altavera
Generic Name: Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl estradiol tablets
Brand Names: Altavera
Ingredients: Levonorgestrel (0.15 mg), a synthetic progestin and ethinyl estradiol (30 mcg)
Drug Class: Contraceptive
Controlled Status: Not a Controlled Substance
Availability: Prescription Medication only
What is Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol)?
Altavera, a combination drug, consists of two key hormones, Levonorgestrel, a progestin, and Ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. It falls under the drug class of combined oral contraceptives and is primarily used to prevent pregnancy. This oral contraceptive functions by employing a blend of synthetic hormones to inhibit ovulation, modify cervical mucus to impede sperm movement, and alter the uterine lining to create an unfavorable environment for the implantation of a fertilized egg.
The medication might induce various side effects, such as breast tenderness, nausea, changes in menstrual flow, and an increased risk of blood clots. Altavera is generally available with a prescription and contains ingredients such as Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl estradiol, among others. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper guidance and dosage adjustments while using Altavera as a contraceptive method.
What is Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol) Used for?
Altavera, containing Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl estradiol, is primarily used as an oral contraceptive, often referred to as a birth control pill. It works to prevent pregnancy by employing a combination of synthetic hormones, ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestin), which collectively inhibit ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary), modify cervical mucus to impede sperm movement and alter the uterine lining to create an unfavorable environment for a fertilized egg. These actions collectively contribute to its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy when taken as directed.
How does Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol) Work?
Altavera works through a combination of two synthetic hormones: ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestin). These hormones operate synergistically to prevent pregnancy by employing several mechanisms within the female body. They primarily suppress ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. Additionally, they modify the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg, and they alter the uterine lining, creating an environment less favorable for the implantation of a fertilized egg. This multi-faceted approach ensures a higher level of contraceptive effectiveness in preventing pregnancy
Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol) Dosage
Dosage guidelines for Altavera involve the administration of one tablet orally every day at the same scheduled time. To ensure the highest contraceptive efficacy, patients should adhere strictly to the prescribed order detailed on the blister pack. Altavera’s safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients remain unestablished. The components of Altavera consist of Levonorgestrel (0.15 mg), a synthetic progestin, and ethinyl estradiol (30 mcg). Classified under contraceptives, this medication is available in tablet and patch forms.
What are the Side Effects of Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol)?
The side effects of Altavera encompass various symptoms such as breast tenderness, nipple secretion, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, alterations in menstrual flow, temporary infertility post-treatment discontinuation, changes in weight, appetite, and vaginal secretions. Additionally, individuals might experience cholestatic jaundice, allergic rash, vaginal infections like yeast infections, contact lens problems, blood clotting issues, reduced serum folate levels, worsening varicose veins, and anaphylactic reactions characterized by hives, skin swelling, and severe respiratory and circulatory symptoms.
Contact your healthcare provider for guidance regarding any potential side effects. You can also report side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
How to Use Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol)?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and review all the medication guides or instructional sheets. Utilize the medicine precisely as directed. Commence by taking the initial pill on the first day of your menstrual cycle or the first Sunday following the onset of your period. Initially using Altavera might necessitate supplementary birth control, like condoms or a spermicide. Always adhere to your physician’s guidance.
Administer one pill each day, ensuring it’s not more than 24 hours apart. Upon finishing the pack, start a new one the next day. Consistent daily pill intake is crucial to preventing pregnancy. Prioritize refilling your prescription before running out of pills.
Certain birth control packs include seven “reminder” pills to maintain your regular cycle. Typically, your period will start during the usage of these reminder pills.
For the chewable tablet, chew and then swallow it with water, or swallow it whole. It is acceptable to take it empty-handed.
In case of severe vomiting or diarrhea, use an additional method of birth control.
Expect breakthrough bleeding, especially in the initial 3 months. Notify your doctor if this bleeding persists or becomes exceptionally heavy.
If undergoing major surgery or extended bed rest, you might need to temporarily discontinue using this medication. Any treating physician or surgeon must be informed of your birth control pill usage. Regularly visit your doctor while taking birth control pills. Store the medication at room temperature, safeguarded from moisture, heat, and light.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose of Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol)?
Educate patients on managing missed doses (for instance, taking individual missed pills promptly) and adhering to the dosing guidance outlined in the FDA-approved patient information.
| If a single active tablet is not taken in Weeks 1, 2, or 3 | Administer the tablet as soon as possible. Keep taking one tablet daily until you finish the pack. |
| If two active tablets are not taken in Week 1 or Week 2 | Administer the two missed tablets without delay, followed by the next two active tablets the following day. Keep taking one tablet daily until you complete the pack. Use additional non-hormonal contraception (like condoms or spermicide) as a backup if the patient engages in sexual activity within 7 days after missing tablets. |
| If two active tablets are not taken in the third week, or if three or more active tablets are missed consecutively in Weeks 1, 2, or 3 | Day 1 start: Discard the remaining tablets and commence a new pack on the same day. Sunday start: Maintain the intake of one tablet daily until Sunday, thereafter, dispose of the remaining pack and begin a new one on the same day. If the patient engages in sexual activity within 7 days after missing tablets, it is recommended to use additional non-hormonal contraception, such as condoms or spermicide, as a backup. |
What Happens if I Overdose Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol)?
Signs of an overdose may involve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
In case of a medical emergency, please seek immediate medical assistance or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at poisonhelp.org. Nevertheless, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, please do not hesitate to dial 911 (or your Local Emergency Number) immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention. Your safety and well-being are paramount.
Pros and Cons of Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol)
| Pros | Cons |
| Convenient once-daily dosing | Contains higher hormone levels compared to some alternatives |
| Demonstrates superior effectiveness in preventing pregnancy when compared to certain birth control methods | Not suitable for females over 35 who smoke |
| Available in a more affordable generic form | This may result in undesirable side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches |
| Can be taken with or without food | Do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) |
| Packaged in an easily followed blister pack | Requires strict adherence to a specific daily dosing schedule for optimal effectiveness |
Interaction between Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol) and other Drugs
- Abametapir Topical
- Abrocitinib
- Acarbose
- Acetaminophen
- Acetohexamide
- Acitretin
- Adagrasib
- Adalimumab
- Albiglutide
- Alefacept
- Alogliptin
- Alprazolam
- Amikacin
- Amikacin Liposome
- Aminoglutethimide
- Aminophylline
- Amitriptyline
- Amobarbital
- Amoxapine
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Amprenavir
- Anakinra
- Anastrozole
- Anisindione
- Apalutamide
- Aprepitant
- Armodafinil
- Asciminib
- Ascorbic Acid
- Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi
- Asparaginase Escherichia Coli
- Atazanavir
- Atorvastatin
- Avacopan
What are the Risks and Warnings for Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol)?
Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol) and Allergy Warning
If you encounter signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek prompt medical attention.
Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol) and Alcohol Warning
There is a possibility of increased central nervous system effects and ethanol blood levels in individuals using oral contraceptives, although available data are insufficient and reports present conflicting information. The potential mechanism behind this impact could be linked to enzyme inhibition. It is advisable to provide counseling to women regarding this unpredictable interaction.
Warning with People with Certain Health Conditions
- Untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Heart disease: This includes chest pain, coronary artery disease, a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.
- Increased risk of blood clots due to heart problems or hereditary blood disorders.
- Circulation problems, particularly if caused by diabetes.
- History of hormone-related cancer, breast cancer, uterus/cervix cancer, or vaginal cancer.
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding not evaluated by a doctor.
- Liver disease or liver cancer.
- Severe migraine headaches (with aura, numbness, weakness, or vision changes), especially if over the age of 35.
- Previous occurrence of jaundice resulting from pregnancy or birth control pills.
- Use of hepatitis C medication containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (Technivie).
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of:
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, or a predisposition to blood clots.
- High cholesterol, high triglycerides, or if you are overweight.
- Depression.
- Seizures or migraine headaches.
- Diabetes
- Gallbladder disease.
- Liver or kidney disease.
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Fibrocystic breast disease, presence of lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.
Warning with other Groups
Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol) and Breastfeeding
Hormones from contraceptive medications may be found in breast milk, and these medications could potentially decrease milk production in breastfeeding women. While this decrease can happen at any point, it’s less likely once breastfeeding is well-established. It’s advisable, when feasible, to encourage breastfeeding women to consider alternative contraception methods until they have stopped breastfeeding.
When evaluating the use of medication, it’s essential to consider the developmental and health advantages of breastfeeding, alongside the mother’s clinical requirements for treatment and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child due to the medication or the mother’s underlying health condition.
If possible, it is recommended to suggest to breastfeeding mothers refrain from using oral contraceptives and opt for other forms of contraception until they have entirely stopped breastfeeding.
Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol) and Pregnancy
Contraception is not applicable during pregnancy; thus, this medication must be stopped if a woman becomes pregnant. It is advised that any individual who misses two consecutive menstrual cycles should confirm they are not pregnant before resuming oral contraceptive usage. If the patient hasn’t followed the prescribed schedule, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered at the first missed period; if pregnancy is confirmed, oral contraceptive use should be ceased.
Comprehensive epidemiological studies have demonstrated no increased risk of birth defects in women who used oral contraceptives before conception. These studies also do not indicate any teratogenic effects, especially concerning cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects, if taken unintentionally in early pregnancy. Employing oral contraceptives to induce withdrawal bleeding should not serve as a pregnancy test.
Expiration, Storage and Disposal
- Expiration: Always check the expiration date printed on the packaging. Do not use Altavera beyond the expiration date.
- Storage: Store Altavera at room temperature away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Ensure the medication is kept in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom or areas prone to temperature fluctuations. Store between 20° and 25°C (68° and 77°F).
- Disposal: To discard Altavera or any unused medications, follow safe disposal practices recommended by local guidelines or pharmacies. Unless specifically instructed, do not dispose of them in the trash or flush them down the toilet. Instead, consult a local drug disposal program, pharmacy, or healthcare facility for appropriate disposal instructions.
What are the Alternatives of Altavera (Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl estradiol)?
- Altavera
- Ayuna
- Chateal
- Kurvelo
- Levora
- Marlissa
- Nordette
- Portia
FAQs
Altavera received an average rating of 4.5 out of 10 based on 38 reviews for its effectiveness in managing Birth Control. Among the reviewers, 29% conveyed a positive encounter, while 50% expressed a negative experience with the medication.
No, Altavera birth control does not halt your menstrual periods. Each packet contains 28 tablets, and during the last 7 days of the pack (known as the placebo week), bleeding occurs.
Altavera has not been substantiated to induce weight gain in women. Some women may perceive weight gain due to side effects like bloating and water retention; however, once these effects subside, they are likely to return to their regular size.
If your menstrual cycle starts on a Sunday, initiate this medication on that specific day. During the initial cycle of use, employ an extra non-hormonal birth control method (like condoms or spermicide) for the initial 7 days to avoid pregnancy until the medication becomes fully effective.
This combination hormone medication is utilized to prevent pregnancy and comprises two hormones: progestin and estrogen.
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