Levora is a birth control pill that is available by prescription. It is a combined oral contraceptive that works by preventing ovulation and altering the cervical mucus and endometrium. Each pack of Levora contains 28 pills that must be taken once daily, at the same time each day.

Like most birth control pills, Levora offers the following benefits, in addition to being very effective and easy to use:

Lighter and more regular menstrual bleeding
Less menstrual pain
Decreased risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus).

Levora is only recommended for use in women of reproductive age.

At this time, off-label Levora uses include the treatment of the following conditions:

Acne
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Painful menstrual periods
Irregular menstrual periods
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Levora is also sometimes used off-label for emergency contraception (as a "morning after" birth control).

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to using Levora include the following:

When used properly, Levora is very effective for preventing pregnancy. However, it becomes much less effective if you take it incorrectly. Make sure you understand exactly how to take Levora (including how and when to start it and what to do if you miss pills).

Combined oral contraceptives (including Levora) increase the risk of life-threatening problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. The risk is quite small for healthy, young, nonsmoking women. Make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had a blood clot, stroke, heart attack, or chest pain. Smoking cigarettes greatly increases the risk of these serious Levora side effects. This risk is particularly high for smokers over the age of 35.

Levora can interact with a number of different medications (see Drug Interactions With Levora for more information). Many of these interactions are severe enough to lead to unintentional pregnancy.

Levora does not protect against HIV, AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In many cases, it is advisable to use condoms in addition to Levora.

Combined oral contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer or cervical cancer, although this is an unresolved and controversial issue. However, combined oral contraceptives seem to help protect women against ovarian and uterine cancer.

Oral contraceptives increase the risk of benign (non-cancerous) liver tumors. Very rarely, these tumors can rupture and cause serious problems.

Hormonal contraceptives (such as Levora) may make gallbladder disease worse. If you have had a problem with your gallbladder, Levora may not be the best contraceptive method for you.

Levora may increase blood sugar, particularly in women with diabetes. Your healthcare provider may need to monitor you more closely. Let your healthcare provider know if you have any sudden vision changes, as this may be a sign of a blood clot in the eyes (a possible side effect of Levora and other hormonal contraceptives).

Hormonal contraceptives (including Levora) can increase your blood pressure. This can be a problem if you already have high blood pressure.

Levora can change your menstrual bleeding patterns. Some women have breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods), while others may not have a period at all. It is normal to have shorter and lighter periods while using Levora. If you notice any unusual changes in your bleeding patterns, let your healthcare provider know. If you miss a period, you should make sure you are not pregnant.

Levora can affect your cholesterol. Your healthcare provider may need to check your cholesterol levels after you start Levora, especially if you already have high cholesterol.

Sometimes, hormonal contraceptives may make depression worse. Let your healthcare provider know if you develop new or worsening depression symptoms.

Occasionally, Levora (as well as any other hormonal contraceptives) can cause eye changes that make it more difficult to wear contact lenses.

Levora is considered a pregnancy Category X medication. This means that it should not be used during pregnancy.