Lutera

What is Lutera?

Lutera is a low-dose birth control pill. It’s just as good at lowering your chances of becoming pregnant as other pills, but is better for women who normally get side effects (win-win). It’s called a “combined” pill because it contains two versions of naturally produced hormones. These are called levonorgestrel (a type of progesterone) and ethinyl estradiol (a kind of estrogen).

When you take Lutera, your hormone levels change, and this stops the body from doing the regular things it does to make you ready for pregnancy. Combined pills like Lutera are one of the most effective methods of birth control.

Does Lutera have a generic name?

Yes, quite a few. Let’s back up a second — generics are pills that have the same ingredients, in the same amounts. Generics for Lutera include Alesse, Aviane, Delyla, Falmina, Larissa, Lessina, Orsythia, Sronyx, Vienva, Evaluna 20, Anulette 20, Prionelle, Leanore, Microlite and Aubra EQ.

Because all of these birth control pills contain exactly the same levels of the same hormones, the way they work and the types of side effects you could get are the same. The main differences are what the pills look like, who makes or markets them (Mayne makes Lutera) and how much they cost. Lutera is pretty cheap for this type of pill, but Vienva is a little cheaper.

How does Lutera work?

There are two hormones in Lutera. They’re pretty much the same as progesterone and estrogen. You have these hormones naturally in your body, and they fluctuate over the course of your menstrual cycle. When they rise and fall, they tell your body to do different things like ovulate and shed your womb lining (that’s when your period happens).

The way the pill works is by supplementing hormone levels in the body. This tricks your body into thinking that ovulation has already happened. The ovaries don’t release an egg, and fertilization can’t take place. These hormones also stop the lining inside the womb from getting thicker, making it less likely that an egg would be able to implant itself there, assuming it somehow got fertilized. For some women, this has the added benefit of making periods lighter.

How to take Lutera

It’s important to take Lutera exactly as the doctor tells you. There’s detailed advice on the package insert that comes with your Lutera pill, which also includes everything you need to know about what to do if you miss a pill. You can always speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure. There are a few different ways to start taking Lutera. They’re listed here, but you should discuss them with the doctor to decide what’s best for you. One way is to start on the first day of your period. This way, you’re protected immediately. Alternatively, you can wait until the Sunday after your period starts. On that Sunday, take the first white pill in the pack. You’ll need to use a back-up birth control method like condoms for a week because this way doesn’t protect you immediately. Make sure you take Lutera at the same time each day. The Lutera pack contains 21 “active” white pills (which contain hormones) and seven inactive pills (which are included to help you get into the routine of taking Lutera every day).

How effective is Lutera?

Lutera is highly effective when taken correctly. Fewer than one in 100 women who take the pill exactly right over a 12 month period will become pregnant. Missing pills makes Lutera less effective. If you’re more than 12 hours late in taking your pill, it’s officially missed. If you do forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next pill at the regular time. If you go to take a pill and realize you forgot your last pill, take two at once. Then return to one pill a day. If you miss more than two pills, speak with a doctor or your pharmacist for more information. You should use barrier methods (like condoms) until a high level of protection has returned. Refer to the package insert for more help on what to do if you miss a pill.