Should Previous Birth Control Pills Be Completely Weaned Off Before Starting Levlen?

Hi, Welcome to Healthcare Magic Forum. I have gone through your Query & I really appreciate your concern about the problem you are facing. Brief Answer : You can start it as prescribed by your prescribing physician Detailed Answer : The drug is Levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol is a combination birth control pill and folate supplement kit. The birth control pill works by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus, and changing the lining of the uterus. The folate supplement works by improving nutrition status. This product can be administered in two ways. When initiating a Sunday start regimen, the first tablet may be taken on the first Sunday after menstruation begins. If a period begins on a Sunday, the first tablet may be taken on that day. When initiating a Sunday start regimen, another contraceptive method should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration. For a 28 day package, one tablet is taken daily for 28 days and a new package begun on the following day. For a 21 day package, one tablet is taken daily for 21 days followed by 7 days with no medication. A new package of contraceptives is begun on the following day. For a 91 day package, one tablet is taken daily for 91 days and a new package begun on the following day. The manufacturer of the 91-day preparation recommends only the Sunday start regimen. When initiating a Day 1 start regimen, the first tablet is taken on the first day on menstruation. Such initiation may increase the risk of spotting and breakthrough bleeding but decrease the risk of early ovulation and pregnancy. For a 28 day package, one tablet is taken daily for 28 days and a new package begun on the following day. For a 21 day package, one tablet is taken daily for 21 days followed by 7 days with no medication. A new package of contraceptives is begun on the following day. Many clinicians recommend that additional contraceptive methods be used during the first cycle of hormonal therapy in order to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Missed Doses If a woman misses one dose of active tablets, the missed dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered and the normal schedule should be resumed. If a woman misses two doses in week 1 or week 2 of the cycle, 2 tablets may be taken as soon as they are remembered and 2 tablets taken the next day and the normal schedule may be resumed. (Additional contraceptive methods should be used for 7 days.) If a woman misses two doses in week 3 or three doses at any time in the cycle, Day 1 starters should discard the current package and begin a new package that same day. Sunday starters should take 1 tablet daily from the current package until Sunday, when the current package is discarded and a new package begun. (Additional contraceptive methods should be used until the woman has taken at least 7 days of hormonal therapy from the new package.) Thanks for Trusting & Posting your Query on this forum. Hope this will help you. Feel free to ask any further question. Have a nice Day. Regards, Dr.Abhijeet