AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
Expert: Barbara Judge Date: 12/2/2007 Subject: Levlen 28
Question Hello!
I started taking birth control about a month ago, and I was just wondering how long it takes for Levlen 28 to be fully effective. I'll have been on it for about 2 months by the time I get married and since my fiance and I are abstinent, we're not concerned about pregnancy before the wedding, just afterward. Someone mentioned to me that we'll need to use a condom when we get married because it may not be effective yet. I take my pills regularly; I haven't missed anything yet, and I've heard that the pill takes a week to be effective and I've heard it takes 3 months to be effective. Could you help clear this up for me please? Thanks!
Answer Birth control pills should be effective after the first 2 weeks of continuous use. I usually do recommend that my patients use an additional form of birth control for the first entire package, or 4 weeks, just to be absolutely sure since there are some very low dose oral contraceptives now available. You should be protected since you have completed at least one full cycle and are careful about taking your pills faithfully every day. It is also important to take them at the same time every day.
