Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel

Alesse, Levlen, Nordette, Trivora

Contraceptive • Combined oral contraceptive

Hepatotoxic

Half-life

EE: 12-23 hours; LNG: 24-32 hours

Protein Binding

97%

Metabolized By

CYP3A4, UGT

External

Suppresses ovulation via negative feedback on hypothalamus; thickens cervical mucus

Drug Class

Contraceptive

Subclass

Combined oral contraceptive

AlesseLevlenNordetteTrivora

Half-life

EE: 12-23 hours; LNG: 24-32 hours

Time for plasma concentration to decrease by 50%

Protein Binding

97%

Fraction bound to plasma proteins

Therapeutic Index

Wide

Margin between therapeutic and toxic doses

•Cigarette smoking increases risk of serious cardiovascular events — contraindicated in smokers >35 years
•VTE, stroke, MI risk