It has been a rough three months for the Levest contraceptive pill. For most of the time, Levest has been out of stock. During that time Levest came back in stock only once with stock lasting only a few days due to a backlog of prescriptions which needed fulfilment. This post lists Levest alternative contraceptive pills which are currently available in pharmacies.
Table of Contents
What is Levest?
Levest is a brand name for a combined contraceptive pill containing a combination of ethinylestradiol with levonorgestrel. Each active Levest contains 150 micrograms of levonorgestrel and 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol (a combination of oestrogen and progesterone). A combined contraceptive pill is one form of oral contraceptive.
Combined contraceptive pills are taken continuously for 21 days with a subsequent cycle starting after 7-days tablet-free interval.
Is Levest discontinued?
Levest is not discontinued. There is no official information suggesting that Levest was discontinued. Levest most likely is going through temporary supply problems.
Levest gained its popularity mainly due to one of the lowest costs amongst combined contraceptive pills containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.
How to get Levest alternative contraceptive pills?
Women who are prescribed Levest and need a contraceptive pill urgently (running out) may try a couple of pharmacies to see if Levest is in stock. Most pharmacies in England use the same 2-to 3 main pharmaceutical wholesalers, therefore the majority of pharmacies are affected by the same shortage. Independent pharmacies may use an additional 1-2 wholesalers which larger chains such as Boots or Lloyds do not use, therefore when calling around make sure you contact an independent pharmacy, which may increase the likelihood of finding Levest.
If unsuccessful, women seeking Levest should contact their GP to arrange an alternative prescription. It is always best to get an alternative prescribed in generic form. Issuing a prescription for 150 micrograms of levonorgestrel and 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol allows pharmacies to dispense any Levest alternative brand of the contraceptive pill.
Levest alternatives
Contraceptive pills below have the same combination of levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, therefore are the best alternative contraceptive pills to Levest.
1. Rigevidon – most popular Levest alternative contraceptive pill
Rigevidon is a brand of the contraceptive pill, which combined levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol (same as Levest). Rigevidon is a popular contraceptive pill, and a great Levest alternative, since it has the same active ingredients as Levest.
2. Ovranette 150microgram/30microgram tablets
Drugs produced by a ‘big pharma’ do not need to be expensive. This is the case with Ovranette produced by Pfizer. Ovranette has the same active ingredients as Levest, making it a prime example of a combined contraceptive alternative.
3. Maexeni 150microgram/30microgram tablets
Although not commonly prescribed, the Maexeni combined contraceptive pill is a great Levest alternative. Maexeni contraceptive resembles the same combination of active ingredients as Levest.
4. Microgynon 30
Microgynon has been on the market for many years. Slightly less popular nowadays, probably due to its slightly higher price than other combined contraceptives containing levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol. Nevertheless, Microgynon 30 is a perfect match as Levest alternative contraceptive.
5. Elevin 150microgram/30microgram
Another Levest alternative. Elevin is a brand name which contains the same active ingredients as Levest. Elevin contraceptive pill is expensive, about 16 x more expensive than Levest, therefore this alternative is not commonly prescribed. GP may consider prescribing other, cheaper alternatives.
6. Ambelina 150microgram/30microgram
Ambelina contraceptive pill contains the same active ingredients as Levest. Ambelina contraceptive pill is not commonly prescribed or dispensed. At this time Ambelina contraceptive pill I out of stock.
Conclusion
Despite the supply issues with the Levest contraceptive pill, patients have a good selection of other combined contraceptive pills, which contain the same active ingredients. Women affected by the shortage of Levest should try to get information about Levest availability from a couple of pharmacies. Ringing the number of pharmacies may not be the best option since most pharmacies use the same pharmaceutical wholesalers in the UK. Getting an alternative prescribed in a generic form is the best option of getting any alternative, since prescriptions written for generic drug(s) allow to supply of any other contraceptive, as long as it contains the same active ingredients.
References:
BNF (2022). ETHINYLESTRADIOL WITH LEVONORGESTREL. Available at: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/medicinal-forms/ethinylestradiol-with-levonorgestrel.html Accessed on 13/04/2022
