Lutera is one of the brand names in the United States used for a combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol as an oral contraceptive. Lutera 28 refers to the fact it is taken for 28 days with seven placebo pills used as a reminder to continue to take the medication. Lutera 28 contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. While oral contraceptives prove one of the most effective forms of birth control, they are not effective 100 percent. They also offer no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Menstrual Changes
While it is the job of Lutera 28 to prevent ovulation and thus create a regular menstrual cycle, the most common serious side effect of taking this contraceptive, the Mayo Clinic reports, includes the changes in the cycles of the woman. She may, for example, have heavier bleeding during menstruation than she usually does with Lutera 28 or the bleeding may become lighter. She may bleed longer during her cycle and she may bleed between cycles. She may experience disruptions in her normal cycles, meaning she may occasionally not menstruate, or she may have a cessation of bleeding for several months. All of these problems with menstruation should be reported to her gynecologist or physician as soon as possible, the Mayo Clinic recommends.
Bloating and Cramps
The woman using Lutera 28 also may experience non-serious common side effects of the contraceptive. She may feel cramps in her abdominal area when she starts taking Lutera 28. She also may feel a sensation that feels similar to having eaten too much food called bloating. These problems do not often require medical aid unless they become severe or continue more than several days following commencement of Lutera 28 use.
Breast Problems
Because Lutera 28 contains two female hormones, they also may affect a woman's breasts when she starts taking it. She may feel pain in one or both breasts or she may experience tenderness there. Her breasts may also swell. These effects often end within a few days, but she may want to contact her gynecologist if they continue or become severe.
Nausea and Vomiting
Lutera 28, like many other forms of medicine, can cause a disturbance in the woman's digestive system. Nausea may occur during the initial use of Lutera 28, and it may be followed by vomiting. These problems, too, are classified as non-serious common side effects that most often will be temporary.
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