Lybrel

Lybrel is a continuous-use oral contraceptive formulation containing a combination of the synthetic progestogen levonorgestrel (90 mcg) and the estrogen ethinyl estradiol (20 mcg). Developed by Wyeth (now a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer), it was the first combination oral contraceptive approved for daily administration 365 days a year, effectively eliminating the hormone-free interval and the associated withdrawal bleeding. The drug's primary mechanism of action involves the suppression of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone), which inhibits ovulation. Additionally, it induces changes in the cervical mucus to increase viscosity and impede sperm transport, and alters the endometrium to reduce the likelihood of implantation. Lybrel was approved by the FDA on May 22, 2007, but was later discontinued from the market due to low commercial usage.

Brand names

Lybrel

Other names

ethinyl estradiol + levonorgestrellevonorgestrel + ethinyl estradiol