Elevin Contraceptive Pill

About Elevin Contraceptive Pill

Elevin is a combined oral contraceptive pill (often referred to as “the Pill”) used to prevent pregnancy. Each tablet contains two active ingredients: levonorgestrel (150mcg), a progestogen, and ethinylestradiol (30mcg), an oestrogen. These hormones work together to prevent an egg from being released, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, and thin the womb lining to prevent a fertilised egg from implanting. Elevin is a 21-day contraceptive. You take one pill daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval during which you will typically experience a withdrawal bleed similar to a period.

What Is Elevin Used For?

Elevin is primarily used as a highly effective reversible method of birth control. Aside from preventing pregnancy, many women use Elevin to help manage heavy, painful, or irregular periods, as the hormones often result in lighter and more predictable withdrawal bleeding. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs); condoms should be used for STI protection.

Who Is Elevin Suitable For?

Elevin is suitable for most healthy women of childbearing age. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Do not take Elevin if you:

• Have (or have ever had) a blood clot in a blood vessel of your legs, lungs, or other organs.
• Have a disorder affecting blood clotting (e.g., protein C deficiency).
• Have ever had a heart attack or stroke.
• Suffer from migraines with aura.
• Have severe liver disease or liver tumours.
• Have or suspect you have breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs.
• Are allergic to levonorgestrel, ethinylestradiol, or any other ingredients.

Consult a healthcare professional if you:

• Smoke (especially if over 35 years of age).
• Are overweight (BMI over 30).
• Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
• Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

How to Take Elevin

1. Take one pill daily, following the direction of the arrows on the blister strip.
2. Try to take your pill at the same time each day to maintain effectiveness.
3. After 21 days, stop taking the pills for exactly 7 days.
4. Start your new pack on the 8th day, even if you are still bleeding.

If you miss a pill or vomit within 3-4 hours of taking it, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for “Missed Pill” instructions or consult a pharmacist.

Possible Side Effects of Elevin

Like all medicines, Elevin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects:

• Nausea and abdominal pain.
• Weight gain or changes in appetite.
• Headaches or mood swings.
• Breast tenderness or soreness.

Rare but serious side effects:

• Harmful blood clots in a vein or artery.
• Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face/tongue).
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Warnings and Precautions

• The Pill slightly increases the risk of blood clots compared to non-users.
• Regular check-ups and cervical smear tests are recommended while on the Pill.
• If you are going to have surgery or will be immobile for a long period, you may need to stop taking Elevin temporarily.

Storage Instructions

• Store in the original packaging to protect from light.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date stated on the pack.