What is Leona?
Leona is a combined birth control pill containing levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol. It belongs to the group of low-dose pills with a proven 2nd-generation progestin.
The pill is available in various dosages and offers protection against pregnancy while at the same time carrying a low risk of thrombosis compared with pills containing newer progestins.
Leona is offered by various manufacturers.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Levonorgestrel, Ethinylestradiol
Leona prevents pregnancy through several mechanisms:
Suppression of ovulation: The hormones inhibit the release of FSH and LH, so that no egg matures and no ovulation takes place.
Barrier in the cervix: The cervical mucus becomes thicker and forms a barrier to sperm.
Uterine lining: The endometrium builds up less.
Who is it suitable for?
Leona is suitable for:
- Women looking for proven contraception
- Women without an increased risk of thrombosis
- First-time users of hormonal contraception
- Women who value a well-researched progestin
Available Dosages
Leona HEXAL:
- 0.1 mg levonorgestrel + 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol
- 21 film-coated tablets
The exact composition may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Dosage form and pack sizes
The medicines catalogue lists 3 pack variants: one strength in 3 pack sizes. Pack sizes range from 21 to 126 units.
- Dosage form
- Überzogene Tablette
- Strengths
- 0,10 mg/0,02 mg
- Pack sizes
- 21 units, 63 units, 126 units
| Strength | Pack | PZN | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0,10 mg/0,02 mg | 21 units | 05991515 | 28 days |
| 0,10 mg/0,02 mg | 63 units | 05991521 | 84 days |
| 0,10 mg/0,02 mg | 126 units | 05991538 | 168 days |
Packs listed in the German medicines catalogue. Which of them are currently available and what they cost is shown in the price overview.
The Pharmazentralnummer (PZN) is the nationwide unique identifier of a pack in Germany.
Duration is the catalogue value for the usual dosage. How long a pack actually lasts depends on the dose your doctor prescribes.
How to Take
- One tablet daily at the same time
- Take for 21 days, 7-day break
- Withdrawal bleeding during the break
- Start a new blister pack after the break
If a dose is missed, take it within 12 hours.
After more than 12 hours, protection may be reduced. What to do next depends on the week of use:
- Week 1: take the last missed tablet immediately, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time, and take the remaining tablets at the usual time. Use a condom as additional contraception for the next 7 days. If sexual intercourse took place in the previous 7 days, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered.
- Week 2: take the missed tablet as in week 1. If the tablets were taken correctly on the 7 days before the first missed tablet, no additional protection is needed. Otherwise, or if more than 1 tablet was missed, use a condom as additional contraception for 7 days.
- Week 3: if the tablets were taken correctly on the 7 days before the first missed tablet, no additional protection is needed as long as one of two options is followed. Either take the missed tablet as in week 1 and start the next blister pack straight away without a tablet-free break. Or stop taking the tablets from the started blister pack, take a 7-day break, counting the days on which tablets were missed, and then start a new blister pack. Otherwise, take the missed tablet as in week 1, start the next blister pack without a break and use a condom as additional contraception for 7 days.
- If several tablets were missed and no bleeding occurs in the following tablet-free break, the possibility of pregnancy must be considered.
Contraindications
Do not use in cases of:
- Thromboses or an increased risk of thrombosis
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Hormone-dependent tumors
- Severe liver diseases
- Unexplained bleeding
- Pregnancy
- Smokers over 35 years of age
Possible Side Effects
Common:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
Rare:
- Thromboses
- Increased blood pressure
Pills containing levonorgestrel have the lowest risk of thrombosis among combined pills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, pills with levonorgestrel are well researched and have a low risk of thrombosis.
An extended cycle is possible but should be discussed with the doctor beforehand. In this case, several blister packs are taken without a break.
Similar Medications
Is Leona right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.