Description of Lutera

Lutera is a combination drug made up of the medicines levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. These two drugs are synthesized forms of 2 female hormones- estrogen and progesterone. You can buy Lutera as a hormonal birth control measure.

Lutera works in three ways. Firstly, it prevents ovulation, so the egg is not released by the ovaries. Secondly, it prevents sperm from entering the uterus by changing the cervical mucus. Thirdly, it changes the uterine lining, making it incompatible with a fertilized egg.

This three pronged method makes Lutera effective as a contraceptive drug, but it may also be prescribed for certain other medical purposes not mentioned above.

Indications & Dosage of Lutera

Lutera is available in 28-day packs that contain 28 pills- one for each day. If your doctor has prescribed this medicine, then the method and duration of dosage would be explained fully to you. If you have any doubts about this drug, you may ask your doctor or pharmacist about the method of usage. Alternatively, you may also refer to the patient information leaflet that comes with the package. You can only buy Lutera with a prescription from your doctor.

Each package of Lutera contains 21 tablets containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. The other 7 tablets are inactive, and are called ‘reminder’ tablets. The varying dosage of hormones in Lutera tablets in the pack is designed according to the different hormonal levels in a woman’s body during the menstrual cycle. In most cases, the first active tablet of Lutera would be taken on the first day or Sunday after your period.

When you first start taking Lutera, you would need to use other non-hormonal birth control measures (such as condoms) during the initial week of Lutera usage, since the drug would not be at its peak efficiency.

Side Effects & Interactions of Lutera

Lutera may cause severe side effects, such as those given below:

• Depression symptoms like weakness, sleeping problems and mood changes
• Swollen feet, ankles and hands
• Change in the severity or pattern of migraine headaches
• Confusion, sudden headache, vision, balance and speech problems
• Weakness and pain that suddenly sets in on one side of the body

Lutera may also cause certain mild side effects:

• Nervousness, headache, tiredness, dizziness
• Reduced sex drive and change in menstrual periods
• Vaginal discharge and itching
• Contact lens problems
• Appetite and weight loss
• Vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating
• Loss of scalp hair and increased hair growth

Lutera may interact with the following drugs:

• HIV/AIDS medicines
• Barbiturate sedatives like Phenobarbital, secobarbital
• Seizure medicines
• Antibiotics
• Cyclosporine
• Prednisolone
• St. John’s wort
• Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen

Warnings & Precautions of Lutera

You must not buy Lutera if you have recently delivered a baby or if you are already pregnant, or if you have a history of heart and circulation problems or hormone related serious conditions like uterine cancer and breast cancer.