Fatima O. Mohammed
Drug Study
Name of Drug: Protec
Drug Order
Generic Name:
Levonorgestrel +
Ethinyl Estradiol
Route, Dosage,
Frequency
Dosage:
150
mcg/ 30 mcg
Route: Oral
Brand Name:
Ferrous fumarate
Classification:
Hormonal
contraceptives
Frequency: OD
Mechanism Of Action
Indication
Contraindication
Drug Effects
Nursing Responsibilities
When LNG (or another
progestin) is used in
combination with EE, the
primary mechanism of
action is prevention of the
surge
of
luteinizing
hormone
thereby
preventing ovulation; but
progestins also thicken the
cervical mucus and alter
the endometrial lining to
help prevent fertilization or
implantation.
A combination of 2
hormones:
levonorgestrel
(a
progestin) and ethinyl
estradiol (an estrogen)
used to prevent
pregnancy. This birth
control pills make
periods more regular,
decrease blood loss
and painful periods,
decrease
risk of
ovarian cysts, and
also treat acne. Using
this medication does
not
protect
an
individual
against
sexually transmitted
diseases (such as
HIV,
gonorrhea,
chlamydia).
levonorgestrel/ethinyl
estradiol may contain
inactive ingredients that
can
cause
allergic
reactions.
It
is
contraindicated to an
individual with allergies to
any estrogens (such as
ethinyl
estradiol,
mestranol); or to any
progestins
(such
as
norethindrone,
desogestrel).
Side effects:
Nausea,
vomiting,
headache,
abdominal
cramps/bloating, breast
tenderness, swelling of
the ankles/feet (retaining
fluid), or weight change
may occur. Increased
blood pressure & vaginal
bleeding/ spotting.
•Note for allergic reactions
including:
rash,
itching/swelling (especially
of the face/tongue/throat),
severe dizziness, trouble
breathing.
•Do not allow this
medication if the client
smokes
cigarettes/use
tobacco and is over 35
years old.
•Smoking raises risk of
stroke, heart attack, blood
clots, and high blood
pressure
•
Medical
history,
especially of: DVT, blood
clotting disorders, high
blood pressure, abnormal
breast exam, endometrial
and breast cancer), high
cholesterol or triglyceride,
depression,
diabetes,
thyroid problems, edema,
Adverse effects:
lumps in the breast,
mental/mood
changes
(such as new/worsening
depression),
unusual
changes
in
vaginal
bleeding
(such
as
continuous
spotting,
sudden heavy bleeding),
severe pain in the
stomach/abdomen/pelvis,
dark urine, yellowing
eyes/skin.
•Inform the client to
continue
taking
the
medication exactly as
prescribed by the doctor.
Start with the first tablet in
the pack, and take them in
the correct order.
•Encourage the client to
not skip any doses.
Pregnancy is more likely if
she miss pills, start a new
pack late, or take pill at a
different time of the day
than usual.
•Taking the medication
after evening meal or at
bedtime may help to
relieve stomach upset or
nausea
with
the
medication.
•Vomiting/diarrhea
stop the tablet
working.
Follow
can
from
the
& others. The client may
need to stop this
medication for a time or
take special precautions.
•This medication should
not be used during
pregnancy
instructions written as if the
client missed dose.
•Most women do not have
regular periods while
taking this medication. If
there is bleeding or
spotting, do not stop taking
the pills.
•If the doctor directs the
client to start the
medication on any other
day, use an additional form
of non-hormonal birth
control (such as condoms,
spermicide) for the first 7
days to prevent pregnancy.
If started on the first day of
period,
back-up birth
control is not necessary in
the first week.
• This medication may
cause blotchy, dark areas
on the face and skin
(melasma). Sunlight may
worsen this effect. Limit
time in the sun. Use
sunscreen and wear
protective clothing when
outdoors.