To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, LEVONEST™ Tablets (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets-triphasic regimen) must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. LEVONEST™ Tablets (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets-triphasic regimen) are a three-phase preparation plus 7 inert tablets. The dosage of LEVONEST™ Tablets is one tablet daily for 28 consecutive days per menstrual cycle in the following order: 6 yellow tablets (phase 1), followed by 5 green tablets (phase 2), followed by 10 light brown tablets (phase 3), plus 7 white inert tablets, according to the prescribed schedule.

It is recommended that LEVONEST™ Tablets be taken at the same time each day, preferably after the evening meal or at bedtime. During the first cycle of medication, the patient should be instructed to take one LEVONEST™ Tablet daily in the order of 6 yellow, 5 green, 10 light brown tablets, and then 7 white inert tablets for twenty-eight (28) consecutive days, beginning on day one (1) of her menstrual cycle. (The first day of menstruation is day one.) Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3 days following the last light brown tablet. (If LEVONEST™ Tablets are first taken later than the first day of the first menstrual cycle of medication or postpartum, contraceptive reliance should not be placed on LEVONEST™ Tablets until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration. The possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of medication should be considered.)

When switching from another oral contraceptive, LEVONEST™ Tablets should be started on the first day of bleeding following the last active tablet taken of the previous oral contraceptive.

The patient begins her next and all subsequent 28-day courses of LEVONEST™ Tablets on the same day of the week that she began her first course, following the same schedule. She begins taking her yellow tablets on the next day after ingestion of the last white tablet, regardless of whether or not a menstrual period has occurred or is still in progress. Any time a subsequent cycle of LEVONEST™ Tablets is started later than the next day, the patient should be protected by another means of contraception until she has taken a tablet daily for seven consecutive days.

If spotting or breakthrough bleeding occurs, the patient is instructed to continue on the same regimen. This type of bleeding is usually transient and without significance; however, if the bleeding is persistent or prolonged, the patient is advised to consult her physician. Although the occurrence of pregnancy is highly unlikely if LEVONEST™Tablets are taken according to directions, if withdrawal bleeding does not occur, the possibility of pregnancy must be considered. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed schedule (missed one or more tablets or started taking them on a day later than she should have), the probability of pregnancy should be considered at the time of the first missed period and appropriate diagnostic measures taken before the medication is resumed. If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, pregnancy should be ruled out before continuing the contraceptive regimen.

The risk of pregnancy increases with each active (yellow, green, or light brown) tablet missed. For additional patient instructions regarding missed pills, see the "WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS PILLS" section in the DETAILED PATIENT LABELING below. If breakthrough bleeding occurs following missed active tablets, it will usually be transient and of no consequence. If the patient misses one or more white tablets, she is still protected against pregnancy provided she begins taking yellow tablets again on the proper day.

In the nonlactating mother, LEVONEST™ may be initiated postpartum, for contraception. When the tablets are administered in the postpartum period, the increased risk of thromboembolic disease associated with the postparturn period must be considered (see “Contraindications”, “Warnings”, and “ Precautions ” concerning thromboembolic disease). It is to be noted that early resumption of ovulation may occur if Parlodel® (bromocriptine mesylate) has been used for the prevention of lactation.