Drospirenone; Ethinyl Estradiol; Levomefolate oral tablets
Drospirenone; Ethinyl Estradiol; Levomefolate oral tablets
What is this medicine?
DROSPIRENONE; ETHINYL ESTRADIOL; LEVOMEFOLATE (dro SPY re nown; ETH in il es tra DYE ole; lee voe ME FOE late) is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill). This medicine combines two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. This medicine also has levomefolate, a B vitamin. It is used to prevent ovulation and pregnancy. It is also used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), to treat acne, and to raise folate levels in women who want to use birth control.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. To reduce nausea, this medicine may be taken with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breast tissue changes or discharge
changes in vision
chest pain
confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
dark urine
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
right upper belly pain
severe headaches
shortness of breath
sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
unusual vaginal bleeding
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
acne
brown spots on the face
change in appetite
change in sex drive or performance
depressed mood
stomach cramps or bloating
unusually weak or tired
weight gain
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
aminoglutethimide
amprenavir, fosamprenavir
atazanavir; cobicistat
anastrozole
bosentan
exemestane
letrozole
metyrapone
testolactone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
acetaminophen
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
aprepitant
atorvastatin
barbiturates
certain antibiotics like rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and possibly penicillins or tetracyclines
certain diuretics like amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene
certain medicines for fungal infections like griseofulvin, ketoconazole, itraconazole
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
certain medications for high blood pressure or heart conditions like ACE-inhibitors, Angiotensin-II receptor blockers, eplerenone
cholestyramine
cobicistat
corticosteroid like hydrocortisone and prednisolone
cyclosporine
dantrolene
felbamate
grapefruit juice
heparin
lamotrigine
medicines for diabetes, including pioglitazone
methotrexate
modafinil
NSAIDs
potassium supplements
pyrimethamine
raloxifene
St. John's wort
sulfasalazine
tamoxifen
topiramate
thyroid hormones
warfarin
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, refer to the patient information sheet you received with your medicine for direction. If you miss more than one pill, this medicine may not be as effective and you may need to use another form of birth control.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
abnormal vaginal bleeding
adrenal gland disease
blood vessel disease or blood clots
breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
depression
diabetes
gallbladder disease
heart disease or recent heart attack
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
high potassium level
kidney disease
liver disease
migraine headaches
stroke
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
thyroid disease
tobacco smoker
an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, folates, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take these tablets.
If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.
Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking birth control pills, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.
This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.
This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.
In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medicines you are taking.
If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine before the surgery. Consult your health care professional for advice.
This medicine does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018