Aviane, Lessina, Afirmelle, Marlissa, Levonorgestrel Ethinyl Estradiol, Larissia, Altavera, Chateal Eq, Sronyx, Falmina, Lillow, Chateal, Aubra, Orsythia, Lutera, Levora 0.15 30-28, Vienva, Aubra Eq, Ayuna, Delyla, Kurvelo, Portia-28
Generic Tyblume
Vienva is a brand-name birth control medication prescribed to help prevent pregnancy. Vienva belongs to a group of drugs called hormonal birth control.
Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP on May 30, 2023
Written by Amber Watson, PharmD
Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Vienva to help prevent pregnancy in females* of reproductive age.
This article describes Vienva’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of Vienva.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Boxed warning: Risk of heart and blood vessel problems in some people
Vienva has a boxed warning about the risk of heart and blood vessel problems in some people. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for Vienva” section below.
Uses of Vienva
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Vienva for certain conditions. Approved uses for Vienva are described below.
Use for birth control
Doctors may prescribe Vienva oral tablet to help prevent pregnancy. It’s used for birth control in females* of reproductive age. The drug is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Females are usually able to become pregnant after their first period and before menopause. With pregnancy, an egg is fertilized by sperm. Each month, eggs are released from an ovary during ovulation. After an egg has been fertilized, it travels to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. Pregnancy results when a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus.
Vienva works in several ways to help prevent pregnancy. For more information, see the “Common questions about Vienva” section below.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Side effects of Vienva
Vienva may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Vienva and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of this birth control drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about Vienva’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for Vienva.
* To view Vienva’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with Vienva are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Vienva’s side effects, see the prescribing information* for this drug.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Vienva oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- weight gain
- nausea or vomiting
- irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
- breast tenderness
- mild allergic reaction†
* To view Vienva’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Vienva” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Vienva are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Vienva’s side effects, see the prescribing information* for this drug.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, Vienva’s serious side effects include:
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- gallbladder problems
- increased triglycerides or cholesterol
- increased blood sugar level, which may lead to prediabetes
- high blood pressure
- eye problems, such as bulging eyes and vision loss
- noncancerous liver tumors
- depression
- blood clots and related problems, such as heart attack and stroke
- boxed warning: risk of heart and blood vessel problems in some people†
- severe allergic reaction†
* To view Vienva’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Vienva” section below.
Common questions about Vienva
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Vienva.
Is Vienva similar to Larissia or Lutera?
Yes, Vienva is similar to Larissia and Lutera.
Vienva, Larissia, and Lutera are kinds of hormonal birth control. They’re used to help prevent pregnancy. Each drug contains the same active ingredients, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, in the same strengths. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Note that Larissia is no longer available for use.
To learn more about how Vienva compares with Larissia or Lutera, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
When is the best time to start taking Vienva?
When you’ll start taking Vienva depends on certain factors. These include whether you’ve:
- been taking another kind of hormonal birth control
- recently started your period
- recently given birth
- experienced a recent pregnancy loss
- recently had an abortion
In general, you can start taking Vienva on or after the first day of your period. Your doctor will recommend the best time to start taking Vienva.
Does Vienva cause your period to stop?
It’s possible. Vienva may cause irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, which could include a stopped period.
Keep in mind that stopped periods can be a symptom of pregnancy. Vienva is used to help prevent pregnancy, but no birth control option is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.
If you’re concerned about a stopped period while taking Vienva, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you take a pregnancy test. Doing so can show whether Vienva has been effective in preventing pregnancy.
What do I do if I miss a dose of Vienva?
It depends on certain factors. These include whether you’ve missed an active tablet or an inactive tablet* and how many doses you’ve missed.
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what to do about a missed dose of Vienva. If you cannot reach them right away, keep taking the tablets until a doctor or pharmacist gives you instructions.
Keep in mind that missing doses of Vienva can make the drug less effective at helping prevent pregnancy. For this reason, it’s important to use a backup method of birth control for at least 7 days after you’ve missed taking an active tablet. If you’ve missed taking an inactive tablet, you will not need to use any backup birth control.
* Active tablets contain the ingredients that help prevent pregnancy. Inactive tablets do not contain any active ingredients. They’re taken so that you have a period. This helps confirm that the drug is working to help prevent pregnancy. It also helps you stay in the habit of taking doses.
How does Vienva work? And how long does it take to start working?
Vienva works to help prevent pregnancy* in several ways. These include:
- blocking ovulation (release of an egg from the ovaries)
- thickening your cervical mucus so that sperm cannot enter your uterus
- thickening the lining of your uterus to help prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to it
* For details about how pregnancy occurs, see the “Uses of Vienva” section above.
How long it takes Vienva to work depends on when you start taking the drug.
If you start taking Vienva during the first 24 hours of your period, the drug works to help prevent pregnancy right away. You will not need to use any kind of backup birth control, such as condoms, to help prevent pregnancy while you’re taking the drug.
If you start taking Vienva more than 24 hours after your period begins, the drug will help prevent pregnancy after you’ve taken it for 7 days. To help prevent pregnancy during this time, you’ll use a backup method of birth control for at least 7 days. After that, Vienva should be working to help prevent pregnancy.
To learn more about how Vienva works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage of Vienva
The dosage of Vienva your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.
Taking Vienva
Vienva oral tablet is taken by swallowing it. You can take it with or without food.
Your doctor will talk with you about how to take Vienva. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
See the “Common questions about Vienva” section above for information on missed doses and the best time to start taking this drug.
Overdose of Vienva
You should not take more Vienva than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much Vienva, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Interactions and warnings for Vienva
Below, you’ll find information about Vienva’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of Vienva
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take Vienva, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription medications
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Vienva” section below.
Warnings for Vienva
Some people should not take Vienva, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warning: Risk of heart and blood vessel problems in some people
Vienva has a boxed warning about the risk of heart and blood vessel problems in people who smoke. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This risk is particularly high in people who smoke and are over the age of 35 years.
With heart and blood vessel problems, you may have a blood clot that leads to a heart attack or stroke. These side effects weren’t reported in studies of Vienva. But heart and blood vessel problems are known risks of hormonal birth control when used by people who smoke. (Vienva is a kind of hormonal birth control.)
Some symptoms to watch for are listed below:
- Blood clot symptoms include trouble breathing, pain or swelling in the affected area, and skin that’s warm or discolored.
- Heart attack symptoms include nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, or pain in your arm, neck, shoulder, or chest.
- Stroke symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, and weakness or numbness on one side of your face or body.
If you smoke and are older than age 35 years, talk with your doctor before taking Vienva. They may prescribe a different kind of birth control for you.
If you have symptoms of a blood clot while taking Vienva, tell your doctor right away. But if your symptoms seem life threatening or related to a heart attack or stroke, you or a bystander should call 911 or a local emergency number immediately.
To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other warnings
Vienva could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Vienva is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Vienva, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Vienva can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Vienva or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Vienva. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to Vienva, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Vienva
Information about Vienva and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Vienva and pregnancy
Vienva should not be taken during pregnancy. The drug is used to help prevent pregnancy. If you can become pregnant, your doctor may suggest Vienva as a birth control option. But if you’re planning a pregnancy, you should not take this medication.
Vienva and breastfeeding
Taking Vienva while breastfeeding is not recommended. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest other birth control options to use while you’re breastfeeding.
Vienva coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for Vienva by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for Vienva, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes Vienva’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about Vienva or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Can Vienva cause mood swings?
- How effective is Vienva?
- Does Vienva cause acne or breast growth?
Article resources
- Larissia (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP). (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/e12e6737-9b7b-4348-89c6-c412629a350b/spl-doc
- Lutera (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP). (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/b91ad328-f2f4-4f7d-82d3-daaada95f509/spl-doc
- Vienva (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP) 0.1 mg/0.02 mg. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f6825c1a-ba78-47aa-9622-12e59517ab1a/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
- Generic
- Tablet
- 28 of
- 1 Dispenser Pack
Dosage settings
Name
Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel Tablets
Pronunciation
(ETH in il es tra DYE ole & LEE voe nor jes trel)
Brand Names: US
Afirmelle, Altavera, Amethia, Amethia Lo, Amethyst, Ashlyna, Aubra, Aubra EQ, Aviane, Ayuna, Balcoltra, Camrese, Camrese Lo, Chateal, Chateal EQ, Daysee, Delyla, Enpresse-28, FaLessa, Falmina, Fayosim, Introvale, Jaimiess, Jolessa, Kurvelo, Larissia, Lessina, Levonest, Levora 0.15/30 (28), Lillow, LoJaimiess, LoSeasonique, Lutera, Marlissa, Orsythia, Portia-28, Quartette, Rivelsa, Seasonique, Setlakin, Simpesse, Sronyx, Trivora (28), Vienva
Warning
Smoking cigarettes while using this drug raises the chance of very bad heart and blood-related side effects. This chance is raised with age (mainly in women older than 35 years of age). It is also raised with the number of cigarettes smoked. It is strongly advised not to smoke. Do not use this drug if you smoke and are older than 35 years of age.
What is this drug used for?
It is used to prevent pregnancy. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you have had any of these health problems: Blood clots, blood clotting problem, breast cancer or other cancer where hormones make it grow, diseased blood vessels in the brain or heart, disease of a heart valve with problems, heart disease, chest pain caused by angina, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, liver tumor, very bad headache or migraine, or diabetes that affects blood flow. If you have had any of these health problems: Endometrial cancer, cancer of the cervix or vagina, or vaginal bleeding where the cause is not known. If you turned yellow during pregnancy or with estrogen-based or hormone contraceptive use. If you are taking ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir (with or without dasabuvir). If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take this drug if you are pregnant. This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. This drug may need to be stopped before certain types of surgery as your doctor has told you. If this drug is stopped, your doctor will tell you when to start taking this drug again after your surgery or procedure. This drug may raise the chance of blood clots, a stroke, or a heart attack. Talk with the doctor. Talk with your doctor if you will need to be still for long periods of time like long trips, bedrest after surgery, or illness. Not moving for long periods may raise your chance of blood clots. If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor. This drug may raise blood sugar. Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit. High blood pressure has happened with drugs like this one. Have your blood pressure checked as you have been told by your doctor. Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor. Be sure to have regular breast exams and gynecology check-ups. You will also need to do breast self-exams as you have been told. This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this drug. Certain drugs, herbal products, or health problems could cause this drug to not work as well. Be sure your doctor knows about all of your drugs and health problems. If you are allergic to tartrazine, talk with your doctor. Some products have tartrazine. This drug may cause high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Talk with the doctor. This drug does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. If you have questions, talk with your doctor. Do not use in children who have not had their first menstrual period. If you have any signs of pregnancy or if you have a positive pregnancy test, call your doctor right away. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes. Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; change in stools; dark urine or yellow skin or eyes; or fever with chills. Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight. Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight. Depression or other mood changes. A lump in the breast, breast pain or soreness, or nipple discharge. Vaginal itching or discharge. Spotting or vaginal bleeding that is very bad or does not go away. Eyesight changes or loss, bulging eyes, or change in how contact lenses feel. This drug may cause you to swell or keep fluid in your body. Tell your doctor if you have swelling, weight gain, or trouble breathing. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Feeling more or less hungry. Dizziness or headache. Weight gain or loss. Upset stomach or throwing up. Stomach cramps. Bloating. Enlarged breasts. Tender breasts. Period (menstrual) changes. These include spotting or bleeding between cycles. Back pain. This drug may cause dark patches of skin on your face. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Do not skip doses, even if you do not have sex very often. After starting this drug, you may need to use a non-hormone type of birth control like condoms to prevent pregnancy for some time. Follow what your doctor has told you to do about using a non-hormone type of birth control. Take this drug at the same time of day. Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach. If you also take colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours before or after you take this drug. If you throw up or have diarrhea, this drug may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use an extra form of birth control, like condoms, until you check with your doctor. If your monthly cycle is 28 days and you miss 2 periods in a row, take a pregnancy test before starting a new dosing cycle. If you have a cycle longer than 91 days and you miss one period, take a pregnancy test before starting a new dosing cycle.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
If a dose is missed, check the package insert or call the doctor to find out what to do. If using this drug to prevent pregnancy, another form of birth control may need to be used for some time to prevent pregnancy.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.