Lybrel

New age Birth Control Pills- Lybrel

Generic Name: 90mcg levonorgestrel 20mcg ethinyl estradiol
Brand Name: Lybrel
Manufacturer: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA

The new entrant to the oral combination contraceptive drug market is Lybrel. It has invoked a sense of "liberty" among women who want to prevent pregnancy and periods without giving any break, a pill-free period.

An innovative drug from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, this birth control pill is unique as unlike its other brand counterparts, it is a continuous use contraceptive. Means it shall not have any off cycle days (usually of 7 days in a 28 day cycle). It completely eliminates regular menstrual cycles till consumed.

Composition and Functioning

Lybrel birth control pill is a combination drug composed of 90mcg levonorgestrel and 20mcg ethinyl estradiol. Levonorgestrel is a progestin and ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen.

It broadly functions in the same way as other birth control pills by altering the regular monthly cycle and preventing ovulation; the only distinguishing feature is that Lybrel is a 365 day low-dose contraceptive that stops the uterine lining from developing, completely eliminating monthly periods. In conventional birth control pills, the ovulation resumes in the 7 off-days of a normal 28 day cycle and causes completion of menstrual cycle.

Usage Directions

Lybrel pills are prescription pills and require prior medical consultation. It is normally taken once a day. The more regular one is with the Lybrel pills, the more effective results one can get. The pill should be taken EVERY 24 HOURS, that is, at the same time every day.

If you are on another contraceptive already, you can safely switch to Lybrel pills, provided care is taken as directed by a medic.

Side Effects of Lybrel

Taken to prevent pregnancy, the newly approved birth control pill, Lybrel is no exception when it comes to the associated side effects of any birth control pill. The common side effects that may be experienced by women using combination birth control pills are:

• Breakthrough bleeding / unexpected spotting (usually lasts the initial 3-6 months)
  
• Nausea and Vomiting
  
• Dizziness
  
• Breast tenderness
  
• Change in libido
  
• Missing a dose might increase pregnancy risk

In certain rare cases, more severe side effects can also be witnessed like heart strokes, and blood clot.

Taking birth control pills does not protect against AIDS or other STDs.

Missing one or more pills

Missing a dose might render the pill ineffective and one could become pregnant. But the remedial action along with supplementary support like condom might save the case. However, one should not stop taking subsequent doses.

• If you miss 1 pill, take that pill the moment you remember and the next pill on scheduled time.
• If you miss 2 pills, take those 2 pills immediately and return to normal schedule the following day.
• If you miss more than 2 pills, consult a medic immediately, but without stopping to take one pill. The missed pills should not be taken till a meeting with your medic.

Having unprotected sex within 7 days of missing pills can result in unwanted pregnancy.

Who should avoid Lybrel pills

Though safe for most women with normal health, there are females who should avoid taking Lybrel as a birth control pill.

Women who

• Smoke
  
• Have heart disease, cancer of breast or uterus, liver complications, neurological disorders or other diseases related to cholesterol levels

should avoid Lybrel as it might increase risk of fatal or near fatal health problems. Consult your health care professional before starting Lybrel pills.