Combined oral contraceptive (hormonal birth control)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combined oral contraceptive pill (birth control pill) that contains two hormones, ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, which work together to prevent pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs and making it harder for sperm to reach the womb.
Suppresses ovulation by binding to estrogen and progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, inhibiting GnRH and gonadotropin secretion; additionally thickens cervical mucus and alters the endometrium to prevent sperm penetration and embryo implantation.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Is Ethinylestradiol; safe to take with another drug?
Check with multiple drugs →Explore this drug
If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day, then continue as normal. If you miss two or more pills, take the last missed pill immediately, continue the pack, but use a condom or avoid sex for the next 7 days as you may not be protected from pregnancy. If in doubt, consult your pharmacist.
Always buy from a reputable pharmacy and avoid buying from roadside vendors or market sellers as you may get fake or expired pills that won't protect you. Taking the pill at a different time each day or missing pills reduces its effectiveness, so set a daily alarm on your phone. This pill does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, so use a condom for that.
Some antibiotics like rifampicin (used for TB treatment) can make this pill less effective, so use extra protection. Anti-seizure medicines like carbamazepine and phenytoin can also reduce how well the pill works. Some herbal remedies and supplements, including St. John's Wort, can interfere with this medicine.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Ethinylestradiol; with your other drugs?
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant; if you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using it as it may reduce your breast milk supply.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep the pack away from children and do not remove tablets from the blister pack until you are ready to take them.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.