Levlen (Generic)

Use Generic Levlen as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Generic Levlen by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Begin taking Generic Levlen on the first Sunday following the start of your period, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; 
• swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast discharge; 
• breast lumps; calf or leg pain, swelling, or tenderness; 
• change in amount of urine produced; change in vaginal secretions; 
• changes in vision or speech; confusion; coughing of blood; 
• crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest; dark-colored urine; 
• depression; difficulty sleeping; difficulty wearing contact lenses; 
• fainting; fluid retention (swelling of the fingers and ankles); lack of energy

This product does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.

Smoking cigarettes while using this medicine increases your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using this medicine.

Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, headaches or migraines, high triglyceride level in the blood, high blood pressure, recent surgery, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.  

This medicine may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. 

If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Use of this medicine will not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking azole antifungal medicines such as:

• ketoconazole or itraconazole, 
• acitretin, 
• aprepitant, 
• bosetan, 
• barbiturates, 
• griseofulvin, 
• carbamazepine, 
• topiramate, 
• tetracycline antibiotics, 
• hydantoins such as phenytoin, St. John's wort, or rifampin

If you miss a dose of Generic Levlen and remember it on the same day, take it as soon as possible and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you do not remember until the next day or if you miss more than 1 dose of Levlen, contact your doctor for further instructions. You may need to use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms). If you are not sure about how to handle missed doses of Levlen, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms) until you talk with your doctor.

Store Generic Levlen at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Levlen out of the reach of children and away from pets.