Levlite

Levlite is a brand-name birth control pill that is available by prescription only. It is a combined oral contraceptive, meaning it contains both a progestin and an estrogen. The hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, changing the cervical mucus, and making the endometrium less receptive to an embryo. Most women tolerate Levlite well, but potential side effects include acne, nausea, and breakthrough bleeding.

 

What Is Levlite?

Levlite® (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription oral contraceptive (birth control pill). It is used to prevent pregnancy. Levlite contains a low dose of hormones, compared to traditional birth control pills.
 
The following generic birth control pills are equivalent to Levlite:
 
  • Lessina® (made by Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
  • Spronyx™ (made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).
     
(Click Levlite Uses for more information on what Levlite is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Levlite?

Levlite is made by Berlex Laboratories. Generic versions of Levlite are made by other manufacturers (see Generic Levlite for more information).
 

How Does Levlite Work?

Levlite is a combined oral contraceptive, the most common type of birth control pill. It is called a combined oral contraceptive because it contains a combination of two different types of hormones. It contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (levonorgestrel).
 
Mostly, the hormones in Levlite prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). Levlite also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, less important ways. It changes the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Lastly, Levlite alters the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;