Brand Names for Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel Combination
The ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel combination is available under numerous brand names, with the most commonly referenced being Levlen, Nordette, Tri-Levlen, Triphasil, Alesse, Aviane, Lutera, Seasonale, Jolessa, Portia, Trivora, Seasonique, Empresse, Lessina, Levlite, Cryselle, Levora, Low-Ogestrel, Lo/Ovral, and Quasence 1.
Monophasic Formulations
The monophasic versions (where all active tablets contain the same hormone dose) include:
- Levlen or Nordette: 4 light-orange pills per dose for emergency contraception 1
- Alesse, Lessina, or Levlite: 5 pink pills per dose 1
- Aviane: 5 orange pills per dose 1
- Lutera: 5 white pills per dose 1
- Cryselle, Levora, Low-Ogestrel, Lo/Ovral, or Quasence: 4 white pills per dose 1
- Neovletta (also known as Microgynon 30): Contains 30 μg ethinyl estradiol + 150 μg levonorgestrel 2
Triphasic Formulations
The triphasic versions (containing three different hormonal combinations per cycle) include:
- Tri-Levlen or Triphasil: 4 yellow pills per dose 1
- Trionetta (also known as Triquilar, Trigynon, and Logynon): Contains varying doses across the cycle (6 tablets with 30 μg EE + 50 μg LNG, 5 tablets with 40 μg EE + 75 μg LNG, and 10 tablets with 30 μg EE + 125 μg LNG) 2
Extended Cycle Formulations
Extended regimen products include:
- Seasonale, Jolessa, or Portia: 4 pink pills per dose 1
- Seasonique: 4 light blue-green pills per dose 1
- Trivora: 4 pink pills per dose 1
Transdermal Formulations
TWIRLA® is the transdermal delivery system containing levonorgestrel 120 μg/day and ethinyl estradiol 30 μg/day 3, 4. This patch formulation is FDA-approved for women with BMI <30 kg/m² and provides stable serum hormone levels throughout the week 4.
Important Clinical Considerations
The FDA has declared 22 brands of oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel as safe and effective for emergency contraception when used in appropriate doses 1. The specific dosing varies by brand based on the hormone content per tablet.
Common pitfall: Not all formulations are interchangeable—the dose of ethinyl estradiol ranges from 15-50 μg, and levonorgestrel doses vary from 50-150 μg depending on the specific brand and whether it's monophasic or multiphasic 2, 5. Higher estrogen doses (≥50 μg) are associated with increased thrombotic risk 6.