Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

placebo + ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel

placebo + ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel is a Combined oral contraceptive Small molecule drug developed by HRA Pharma. It is currently FDA-approved for Contraception / prevention of pregnancy. Also known as: Microgynon 30.

Ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel work together as a combined oral contraceptive to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, thereby preventing pregnancy.

Ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel work together as a combined oral contraceptive to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, thereby preventing pregnancy. Used for Contraception / prevention of pregnancy.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Ethinylestradiol is a synthetic estrogen and levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin. Together they suppress the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) surges needed for ovulation. The progestin component also increases cervical mucus viscosity to impede sperm transport. The placebo tablets in the pack contain no active ingredients and allow for withdrawal bleeding during the hormone-free interval.

Approved indications

• Contraception / prevention of pregnancy

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Breakthrough bleeding
• Mood changes
• Venous thromboembolism

Key clinical trials

• To Study the Effect of Cenerimod on the Electrical Activity of the Heart, in Men and Women. To Study the Effect of Cenerimod on the Use of Oral Contraceptives in Women. To Study the Effect That Charcoal Has on the Elimination of Cenerimod From the Body, in Women and Men. (PHASE1)
• Contraceptive Hormone and Reward Measurement (CHARM Study) (PHASE4)
• Letrozole in Preventing Recurrence of Endometrioma Following Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy (NA)
• Effects of Cladribine Tablets on the PK of Microgynon® (PHASE1)
• The Pill Project - Oral Contraceptive and Serotonergic Brain Signaling (NA)
• A Phase I Study in Young Healthy Women to Investigate the Effects of Laquinimod on Standard Oral Contraceptive When Both Treatments Are Given Together (PHASE1)
• Stopping Heavy Periods Project (NA)
• Oral Contraceptive Efficacy and Body Weight (PHASE4)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• placebo + ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel CI brief — competitive landscape report
• placebo + ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• HRA Pharma portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about placebo + ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel

Related

• Drug class: All Combined oral contraceptive drugs
• Target: All drugs targeting Estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor
• Manufacturer: HRA Pharma — full pipeline
• Therapeutic area: All drugs in Contraception / Reproductive Health
• Indication: Drugs for Contraception / prevention of pregnancy
• Also known as: Microgynon 30

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing