Levest is a pill used for contraception. It’s more than 99% effective when used right and is in the safest class of combined pills.
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The Levest pill is a combined contraceptive pill. It has two hormones in it: a progestogen and an oestrogen. So how do these hormones work? Well, pretty much by tricking your body into thinking ovulation has already happened. Without ovulation, there’s no egg to be fertilised. And even if an egg does sneak out, these hormones also make cervical mucus thicker so sperm can’t find a way through to them. Bonus: these hormones also stop the lining of the womb from getting thick. This means a fertilised egg can’t implant as easily, and that your periods are probably going to be lighter.
How effective is the Levest pill?
Very. It’s one of the most effective ways of protecting against pregnancy and it’s completely reversible. As long as you take it correctly (every day at the same time), your chances of getting pregnant are minimal. If you make the odd mistake, like missing a pill, the chances of you getting pregnant rise a bit to around 9% over a whole year. If you miss more than one pill in a pack (two days in a row for example) your protection is lowered and you’ll need to use condoms for a week. So it’s always a good idea to take it as close to perfectly as you can.
Is Levest safe?
Yes. It’s in the safest category of combined pills. All contraceptive pills go through rigorous testing to make sure they’re safe before they go anywhere near consumers. But there are some pills that carry a slightly higher risk of causing a blood clot than others. Levest is among the contraceptive pills with the lowest risks.
Does Levest come in a low dose?
Not exactly. There are lower dose alternatives, but they’ll be called something else. Levest 150/30 (so that’s 150 micrograms levonorgestrel and 30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol) is the only dose of Levest pill there is at the moment. You can get a pill called Logynon. It’s almost the same as Levest but with a lower dose given in phases. There’s another pill called Gedarel that is slightly different but has a lower oestrogen dose. So if you take Levest and you feel like it might be giving you side effects, there are alternatives.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
LevestEthinylestradiol/Levonorgestrel
How should I take Levest?
Take one Levest tablet each day, for the first 21 days of your cycle (there’s a little set of arrows on the strip to help you keep track of the days). Then, have seven pill-free days, before starting on your next pack, and repeat.
It’s best to take it at the same time each day, so it can be helpful to set yourself a reminder or include taking your Levest pill in your bedtime or morning routine.
When can I start taking Levest?
If you’re not already using hormonal birth control, you can start it any time. You’ll be covered against pregnancy straight away if you take it on the first day of your period. If you start on another day, you should use condoms for the first week of taking it while the pill takes effect.
Switching from another pill to Levest? You can start taking Levest the day after the last pill in your previous pill pack.
When starting Levest pills after pregnancy and giving birth, it’s best to check with your GP or midwife first. Levest isn’t suitable for use during breastfeeding.
What happens if I miss a Levest pill?
It increases the chances of you getting pregnant. You should take the pill at the same time each day. If you’re more than 12 hours late taking Levest, it’s a missed pill.
Your protection might be reduced if you miss one or more pills, so you should use a barrier contraceptive (like a condom) for a week if this happens, and refer to the leaflet for more info on what to do next. If your missed pill happens when there’s fewer than seven pills in the pack, you should skip the seven day break and start the next strip after finishing your current one.
What if I want to conceive?
If you want to try for a baby, you can stop taking Levest any time. But it’s recommended that you wait until you’ve had at least one normal menstrual cycle after stopping before trying to conceive. Remember that it’s a good idea to start taking folic acid before you start trying to conceive.
Can I take Levest without a break?
You can, but you should check with our clinician before doing this. This is called ‘pill-stacking’ or continuous pill use, and some women prefer it because it means they don’t have a withdrawal bleed. It’s also thought that it offers a slightly higher level of protection than regular or ‘typical’ use.
But it’s an off-label use not licensed by the manufacturer, so it’s better to get advice before doing this.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
LevestEthinylestradiol/Levonorgestrel
LevestEthinylestradiol/Levonorgestrel
FAQ: Levest
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is Levest like other combined pills?
Answer:
Yes. It’s very similar to Microgynon and Rigevidon. It has exactly the same hormones, in similar amounts, as these two pills.
While most combined pills are effective at stopping pregnancy in the same way, they are different in other ways. Some are better at controlling menstrual symptoms than others, and some are less likely to cause certain side effects than others.
The reason all combination pills aren’t the same is because women react differently to them depending on the hormonal balance in their bodies. Sometimes, it can take a little while to settle on one that harmonises with your cycle and doesn’t cause side effects.
Does the Levest pill stop your period?
Answer:
Sort of, yes. It’s normal to get some bleeding during your pill-free week, but technically it’s not a period. This is called a ‘withdrawal bleed’. It’s usually much lighter than a period.
Stacking the combined pill (taking it without a break) can help you skip periods. But you should check with our clinician before taking the pill in this way.
Does the Levest pill cause weight loss?
Answer:
Some women who use the combined pill find their weight fluctuates. For some this might be losing a bit of weight, for others it might be gaining weight.
There’s no proven link between pills like Levest and weight gain or weight loss. It’s a difficult connection for scientists to confirm though, because there are so many different factors that can contribute towards a change in weight.
If you notice that your weight is changing and you think it may be due to Levest, let us know.
What should I do if I’m not happy with Levest?
Answer:
That’s simple. Just let us know.
Our clinical experts will help you with other alternatives that might be better for you (or less likely to cause side effects if you’re getting them).
There are plenty of other combination pills which are just as effective but have a different amount of hormones in them. Logynon is very similar to Levest only with a phased, lower dose.
If you’re having more noticeable side effects on the combined pill, there’s also the progestogen-only (mini) pill. This doesn’t contain any oestrogen, so it doesn’t have the same risk of side effects caused by this hormone.
When switching to another pill, it’s advisable to finish the pack you’re using before starting your new one.
Is Levest the same as Rigevidon?
Answer:
Pretty much. The main differences are the name, the manufacturer and the non-active ingredients. But the level of hormones in them is exactly the same, so there should be no difference in how they work.
Levest and Microgynon: What’s the difference?
Answer:
Just the manufacturer really. So the pills and packaging won’t look the same. Morningside make Levest, while Bayer makes Microgynon. Otherwise, they’re very similar. They have the same hormones in the same amounts in them, so they should do the exact same job.
Why should I buy Levest with Treated?
Answer:
Well, here’s a scenario. You’re taking your pill, as you do every day. Opening your pack and seeing you only have a couple left. Then realising you’ll need to go to your clinician for a fresh prescription. And then pick it up from the pharmacy.
We all get busy from time to time, and sorting a prescription the old-fashioned way can feel like a last-minute dash.
At Treated, we take the hassle out of getting your contraception. You can get Levest delivered right to your door, regularly and when you need it. We can suggest contraception options for you if you’re unsure what to take, and getting refills is easy.
So what sets us apart? The power of choice that we give you.
You can take your pick from treatments that we think are safe for you. You can also choose a schedule and we’ll send your birth control to you regularly, so you never run out. You’ll get follow-ups from our clinicians to make sure your contraception is working well for you, and you can opt to change, pause or cancel any time.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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