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Tri-Levlen Side Effects

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 25, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Tri-Levlen Side Effects associated with ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Tri-Levlen.

Applies to ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel: oral tablet, oral tablet chewable.

Other dosage forms:

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptives (COC) use.

This risk increases with age, particularly in women older than 35 years, and with the number of cigarettes smoked.

Women who use oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke.

Serious side effects of Tri-Levlen

Along with its needed effects, ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel:

Incidence not known

  • absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
  • anxiety
  • bloody stools
  • blurred vision
  • breast tenderness, enlargement, discharge
  • changes in skin color, pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • chills
  • clay-colored stools
  • confusion
  • cough
  • dark or cloudy urine
  • decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
  • diarrhea
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • difficulty in speaking
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • double vision
  • dull ache or feeling of pressure or heaviness in the legs
  • fainting
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • fluid-filled skin blisters
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • headache, severe and throbbing
  • inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
  • inability to speak
  • itching of the vagina or outside the genitals
  • itching skin near damaged veins
  • light vaginal bleeding between regular menstrual periods
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • nervousness
  • pain during sexual intercourse
  • pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back or neck
  • pelvic pain
  • pounding in the ears
  • sensitivity to the sun
  • skin thinness
  • slow or fast heartbeat
  • slow speech
  • stomach bloating and cramping
  • stomach pain and tenderness
  • stopping of menstrual bleeding
  • sweating
  • swelling, pain, or tenderness in the upper abdominal area
  • swollen feet and ankles
  • tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over the affected area
  • thick, white curd-like vaginal discharge without odor or with mild odor
  • troubled breathing
  • twitching, uncontrolled movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
  • unpleasant breath odor
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting
  • vomiting of blood
  • yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of Tri-Levlen

Some side effects of ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

  • acne
  • changes in appetite
  • changes in weight
  • decreased interest in sexual intercourse
  • decreased milk production
  • loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
  • mental depression
  • patchy brown or dark brown discoloration of the skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ethinyl estradiol / levonorgestrel: oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, transdermal film.

General

The most frequently reported side effects were headache, heavy/irregular vaginal bleeding, nausea/vomiting, acne, dysmenorrhea, weight increased, mood changed, anxiety/panic attack, breast pain, and migraines.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Cardiovascular

Nervous system

Local

Gastrointestinal

Oncologic

Hepatic

Hematologic

Psychiatric

Immunologic

Ocular

Metabolic

Dermatologic

Other

Musculoskeletal

Renal

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Triphasil (ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

4. (2017) "Product Information. Alesse-28 (ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel)." Wyeth-Ayerst Canada Inc

5. (2017) "Product Information. Quartette (ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel)." Teva Pharmaceuticals USA

6. (2017) "Product Information. LoSeasonique (ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel)." Teva Pharmaceuticals USA

7. (2017) "Product Information. Seasonale (ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel)." Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc

8. (2017) "Product Information. Seasonique (ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel)." Teva Pharmaceuticals USA

9. (2021) "Product Information. Twirla (ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel)." Agile Therapeutics, Inc.

Further information

Tri-Levlen side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.