Actions and Spectrum:
drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolate is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) medication for pregnancy prevention. It combines three active ingredients: drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate.
- drospirenone: drospirenone is a progestin (synthetic progesterone) with antiandrogenic and mild antimineralocorticoid properties. It primarily works by inhibiting ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) and altering the cervical mucus to make it less permeable to sperm, thus preventing fertilization. It also affects the endometrium (lining of the uterus) to reduce the likelihood of implantation.
- ethinyl estradiol: ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic estrogen. It acts by suppressing the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, thereby preventing the development and release of eggs from the ovaries. It also helps to stabilize the endometrium, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
- levomefolate: levomefolate is the active form of folic acid, a B vitamin essential for cell growth and replication. In the context of this medication, levomefolate is included to provide additional supplementation of folic acid, which is essential for women of reproductive age to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects in case of an unplanned pregnancy.
The spectrum of activity of drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolate is primarily a contraceptive. It is effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly and consistently.
