Лея

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Лея

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol
Form Oral Tablets
Pharmacological Class Hormonal Contraceptive (Estrogen and Progestin)
Common Use Prevention of Pregnancy
Origin Synthetic Hormones

What Type of Medicine is Лея?

Лея is a prescription-only Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) classified as a hormonal contraceptive for systemic use. This medication is administered in the form of tablets taken orally. As a combination product, it delivers a fixed blend of two synthetic hormones to achieve its intended effect. The drug entity, containing Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol (EE), belongs to the pharmacological group of estrogen and progestin combinations, a classification consistently used by regulatory bodies.

Composition: Synthetic Hormones and Unique Properties

The core composition of Лея consists of the synthetic progestin Drospirenone and the synthetic estrogen Ethinyl Estradiol. Drospirenone is a unique, fourth-generation progestin that exhibits anti-mineralocorticoid activity. This formulation differentiates the active ingredients from older hormonal contraceptives. The inclusion of Drospirenone also provides anti-androgenic activity, which is clinically recognized for managing conditions linked to androgen excess.

What is the Primary Purpose of Лея?

The primary and intended purpose of Лея is the highly effective prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential, often used by women seeking predictable cycle control. This goal is achieved through the fundamental mechanism of suppressing the release of an egg, or the inhibition of ovulation. Beyond contraception, this specific combination is also indicated for the treatment of symptoms associated with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and for improving moderate cases of acne vulgaris in women who choose to use an oral contraceptive.

What side effects are possible with Лея?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Лея (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol) is comprehensively documented in regulatory sources, classifying potential effects by frequency and the body system involved. This information is intended to communicate the medicine's established risk profile.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions are formally categorized based on incidence rates observed in clinical use or trials:

  • Very Common: The most frequently reported effects include headache (which may involve migraine) and breast pain or tenderness.
  • Common: Commonly documented effects include nausea, abdominal pain, weight increase, changes in mood (such as depression), decreased libido, and irregular uterine bleeding (spotting or breakthrough bleeding).
  • Uncommon/Rare: Effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and hypertension are listed in less frequent categories.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Official labeling highlights the risks of Serious Thromboembolic Events, which are rare but clinically significant. These include Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and Arterial Thromboembolism (ATE), encompassing stroke and myocardial infarction. The risk of VTE is generally documented as highest during the first year of use or upon restarting after a break.

Safety constraints tied to the Drospirenone component include the potential for Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). For this reason, the medicine is contraindicated in individuals with severe renal impairment, adrenal insufficiency, or severe hepatic impairment, as these conditions increase the risk of this electrolyte imbalance. Furthermore, the official labeling stipulates a strict contraindication for females over 35 years of age who smoke, due to a significant increase in the risk of serious cardiovascular events.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

An overdose of Лея, as with any medication, can occur if the prescribed dosage is significantly exceeded or if the drug is combined with substances that increase its effects. Recognizing the signs of an overdose and acting quickly is critical, as overdose can be a life-threatening medical emergency leading to severe complications or death.

Signs of Potential Overdose

Symptoms of a Лея overdose, which is an opioid, are typically characterized by central nervous system and respiratory depression. Key warning signs may include:

System Symptoms
Respiratory Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing; choking or gurgling sounds
Consciousness Extreme drowsiness; inability to be awakened or unresponsiveness; limp body
Physical Pinpoint pupils; cold, clammy, or discolored skin (especially lips and nails)

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Call emergency services immediately if you or someone else exhibits any signs of a potential overdose. Do not attempt to let the person 'sleep it off' or walk them around. If an opioid overdose reversal medication, such as naloxone, is available, administer it as directed, but always call for emergency medical assistance afterward, as its effects may wear off, and professional follow-up care is essential for stability and recovery. A person who has received naloxone still requires immediate transport to a hospital.

Therapeutic Uses of Лея

Quick Facts: Uses of Лея

  • Addresses Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD).
  • Is utilized in the management of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).
  • Is an option for patients with Macular Edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO).
  • Used to treat complications of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR).
  • Has an approved use for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in infants.

Лея (aflibercept) is a therapeutic agent used in the management of certain ophthalmologic conditions that involve the retina and macula. The primary role of Лея is to contribute to the maintenance of visual function in adults with chronic eye disorders caused by abnormal blood vessel formation and fluid leakage within the eye.

The medication is indicated for addressing neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This condition is characterized by the growth of new, fragile blood vessels under the macula, which can lead to vision compromise.

Furthermore, Лея is utilized in the management of diabetic macular edema (DME), a fluid accumulation in the macula that occurs in individuals with diabetes. It is also an established treatment option for macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and for managing diabetic retinopathy (DR). In a specific, low-dose formulation, the medicine has an approved use for treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in certain premature infants.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Лея — Official Regulatory Information

The eligibility profile for the medicine Лея (or its variants) cannot be formally detailed based on a search of major global regulatory documentation. A dedicated, official label or Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) from authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) was not found to define the eligible patient population and formal contraindications for a drug with this name.


Eligibility Scope

Classification Official Regulatory Status
Populations for whom use is allowed No official governmental drug label found to define this population.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated No formal contraindications are documented in official governmental regulatory sources.
Age-related eligibility rules No specific age-related rules (e.g., pediatric/geriatric use) are documented.
Condition-specific eligibility rules No restrictions related to conditions like hepatic or renal impairment are documented.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status No officially documented eligibility status available.

Resulting Eligibility Structure

Official eligibility statements:

  • No documented population eligibility rules are available in official governmental regulatory sources for a drug named Лея.
  • The regulatory basis for who can and cannot use this medicine is not established in the available public health authority databases.

The regulatory documents typically define the approved population, formal contraindications, and specific warnings for sub-populations, such as those with organ impairment. Without this official documentation, no authoritative eligibility structure can be provided.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The regulatory profile for Лея (Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol) documents specific interactions that fall into pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic categories, necessitating mandated restrictions and constraints.

Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration with Hepatitis C combination regimens containing Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir, with or without Dasabuvir, is contraindicated due to the documented risk of significant elevations in Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Furthermore, the medicine is contraindicated in females with underlying conditions that increase the risk of Hyperkalemia, such as Renal Impairment and Adrenal Insufficiency.

Exposure-Altering Interactions

Interactions involving metabolic enzymes can reduce the contraceptive's efficacy or increase drug exposure. Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., Rifampicin, Phenytoin, St. John's Wort) decrease the plasma concentrations of both hormonal components, which may reduce contraceptive effectiveness. Conversely, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole) may increase Drospirenone's plasma concentration. This interaction increases the risk of Hyperkalemia when inhibitors are taken long-term.

Pharmacodynamic Effects and Restrictions

Drospirenone's anti-mineralocorticoid activity increases the risk of Hyperkalemia when co-administered with other potassium-elevating medications, including ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, and long-term NSAIDs. The official label specifies that serum potassium monitoring is required during the first treatment cycle when co-administering these agents. Additionally, the hormonal component is known to decrease the plasma concentration of Lamotrigine and may increase the levels of certain corticosteroids.

Mechanism of Action

How Лея Works

Лея's mechanism of action is focused on modulating bone metabolism by interfering with the key regulatory protein, RANKL (Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappaB Ligand). Лея is a human monoclonal antibody that targets RANKL, which is central to the formation, function, and survival of osteoclasts.

The drug binds directly to circulating and membrane-bound RANKL. This binding prevents the protein from interacting with its cognate receptor, RANK (Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappaB), located on the surface of pre-osteoclasts and mature osteoclasts. This blockade inhibits the downstream signaling required for osteoclast differentiation and activation.

Inhibition of the RANK/RANKL pathway suppresses the primary signaling cascade that drives osteoclast activity. This cellular action decreases osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, resulting in the physiological modulation of the overall bone remodeling process.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Лея: Official Administration Guidelines

Лея (Aflibercept) is administered only as an intravitreal injection into the eye. This procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional experienced in intravitreal injections and under controlled aseptic conditions.


Dosing and Administration Schedule

The recommended dose is 2 mg (0.05 mL), delivered as a single injection. The frequency of administration depends on the condition being treated.

Condition Initial Dosing Maintenance Dosing
Neovascular (Wet) AMD 2 mg every 4 weeks (3 consecutive doses) 2 mg every 8 weeks
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) 2 mg every 4 weeks (5 consecutive doses) or 2 mg every 8 weeks 2 mg every 8 weeks

Procedural Steps and Handling

The administration requires specific procedural steps to be followed exactly. Prior to injection, the eye must receive adequate anesthesia and a topical broad-spectrum microbicide. After the drug is prepared for injection, the needle is inserted 3.5 to 4.0 mm posterior to the limbus. Following the injection, the patient must be immediately monitored for any elevation in intraocular pressure.

Each vial or pre-filled syringe is designed for single use in one eye only. Any unused product or waste must be appropriately discarded. A different scleral injection site should be utilized for subsequent doses to the same eye.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Лея

The clinical evidence for Лея (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol) is based on regulatory studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and long-term observational data.


Evidence for Use in Preventing Pregnancy

Research has consistently evaluated this medicine was studied for the prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. The primary research for this indication involves large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and population-based epidemiological studies. Researchers track pregnancy outcomes, which are formally quantified by tracking the number of observed pregnancies per 100 women-years of exposure (Pearl Index).

What remains uncertain is the difference between the outcomes seen in perfect use (trial settings) and the lower rates often observed in typical use (real-world settings), which accounts for user factors. Follow-up durations were limited.


Evidence for Use in Managing Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

The research for the PMDD indication includes placebo-controlled trials. These studies focused on patient-reported outcomes related to the severity of both emotional and physical symptoms, measured using tools like the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) scale.

Evidence remains limited because the period of formal evaluation for PMDD symptom changes was typically restricted to three consecutive menstrual cycles; sustained usage patterns beyond that time have not been fully studied. Furthermore, the findings apply only to the populations studied—women who both have a clinical diagnosis of PMDD and concurrently choose to use an oral contraceptive.


Evidence for Use in Treating Moderate Acne Vulgaris

Research has explored whether this medicine can be studied for moderate acne vulgaris. The data was evaluated in multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Researchers monitored physical changes by counting the number of different types of acne lesions and using the Investigator’s Static Global Assessment (ISGA) scale to assess overall skin condition. The core assessment period was limited to six treatment cycles; therefore, there is limited information for long-term outcomes related to the maintenance of the measured changes after that time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Лея (FAQ)

Q: What is the main reason doctors prescribe Лея?

A: According to official documents, this medicine has several indications. Its use is described for the prevention of pregnancy, and it is also indicated for the treatment of PMDD symptoms and moderate acne vulgaris in women who have also chosen to use an oral contraceptive.

Q: Will Лея work immediately, or does it take time to notice effects?

A: Regulatory guidelines indicate that contraceptive protection is achieved after 7 consecutive days of taking the active tablets as directed. The medicine should not be relied upon for protection immediately after starting.

Q: Do I need a prescription to get Лея?

A: Yes, Лея is classified as a prescription-only product. It is officially available only by prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.

Q: Is Лея safe to take with common vitamins or supplements?

A: Regulatory labels state that Лея has specific interactions with strong enzymes in the body (CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers) and potassium-elevating medicines, which includes St. John’s Wort and potassium supplements. Official product information does not list common vitamins or general mineral supplements as a specific interaction risk. However, individuals should consult labeling or a healthcare professional regarding all co-administered products.

Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks that should be avoided while using Лея?

A: Regulatory documents state that grapefruit or grapefruit juice should not be consumed while taking this medicine. This restriction is in place because grapefruit can increase the concentration of the drug in the body.

Q: Does Лея need to be taken at a specific time of day?

A: Official guidelines state that the medicine should be taken by mouth at the same time every day to achieve maximum effectiveness. Instructions suggest taking it preferably at bedtime or after the evening meal.

Q: What happens if I forget to take my dose of Лея?

A: Specific steps for handling a missed dose are detailed in the official patient information leaflet. These steps vary based on the number and timing of the missed tablet(s) within the cycle.

Q: Is it normal to feel a mild side effect in the first few days of taking Лея?

A: It is not uncommon to experience certain mild effects, particularly when first starting the medication. For example, unscheduled bleeding or spotting is a documented side effect, especially during the first three months of use. If this occurs, official guidance for mild, expected effects suggests continuing the regular dosing schedule.

Q: If I have a mild reaction to Лея, should I immediately stop using it?

A: For common, non-serious side effects like minor unscheduled bleeding or spotting, official guidance generally suggests continuing the regular dosing schedule. Symptoms of serious reactions require immediate medical attention.

Q: Can Лея affect my ability to drive or operate heavy machinery?

A: The most commonly reported side effects listed in the official safety information do not typically include effects known to cause impairment, such as sedation or dizziness.

Q: Does Лея affect sleep patterns?

A: The official side effect list for the medicine does not commonly include insomnia as an adverse reaction. However, the regulatory label notes that 'change in appetite or sleep' are symptoms associated with the condition PMDD, which this medicine is used to manage.

Q: Does Лея cause dry mouth or changes in appetite?

A: The official side effect list for the medicine does not commonly list dry mouth as an adverse reaction. The label does note that 'change in appetite' is a symptom associated with PMDD, which this medicine is used to manage.

Q: What is the safety rating or classification for Лея?

A: The official labeling includes a Boxed Warning that highlights the increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, particularly in women over 35 years of age who smoke. This warning is the highest level of caution mandated by the FDA regarding this risk.

Q: Can I use Лея if I have a diagnosed heart condition?

A: The medicine is contraindicated, meaning its use is restricted, for individuals with a high risk of blood clotting diseases affecting the arteries or veins. This includes patients with a history of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke.

Q: Can Лея be taken by patients who have high blood pressure?

A: Official labeling states that Лея is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled high blood pressure. For individuals with well-managed high blood pressure, official guidance states that blood pressure monitoring is necessary while using this medicine.

Q: Does Лея interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen?

A: Official labeling includes information regarding a potential interaction with NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), which includes ibuprofen. The medicine is associated with a risk of increasing potassium levels (hyperkalemia) when used long-term with potassium-elevating medicines.

Q: Is Лея safe for use during pregnancy, according to official sources?

A: No, official sources state this medicine is formally contraindicated for use during pregnancy. However, the available data does not suggest that inadvertent use early in pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects.

Q: Can people over 65 generally use Лея?

A: The indications for this medicine are specific to females of reproductive potential. Official information describes that this medicine is not indicated for use in postmenopausal women.

Q: Can minors or children generally be prescribed Лея?

A: Official indications state this medicine is for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in females who have achieved menarche (started their menstrual cycle) and are at least 14 years of age.

Q: Is Лея considered a long-term medication?

A: This medicine is indicated for conditions that often require daily, long-term use, such as preventing pregnancy. However, the official effectiveness studies for non-contraceptive uses like PMDD and moderate acne were typically evaluated only for a limited number of menstrual cycles (e.g., three to six).

Q: Are there any known long-term effects associated with Лея use?

A: Official labeling discusses an estimated risk for certain serious but rare conditions, such as hepatic adenomas or hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer). These risks are examined in regulatory documents in relation to the prolonged, long-term use of oral contraceptives.

Q: Is the effect of Лея reversible if I stop taking it?

A: Official information describes that the effects on blood clotting factors return to baseline levels after the medicine is discontinued. For non-contraceptive indications, symptoms being treated, such as PMDD or acne, may return once use is stopped.

Q: Will taking Лея influence the results of any standard medical tests?

A: Official labeling states that combined hormonal contraceptives may influence the results of certain laboratory tests. These may include tests related to blood clotting parameters, glucose tolerance, and certain hormone levels.

Q: Is it described in official sources that Лея is habit-forming?

A: The medicine is a hormonal product and is not classified as a controlled substance under regulatory law. Therefore, the official label does not indicate drug abuse or dependence issues.

Q: Is there a generic version of Лея available?

A: The active ingredients (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol) are available as multiple generic versions from various manufacturers, as listed in regulatory databases.

Q: Where can I find the official patient information leaflet for Лея?

A: The official Patient Information leaflet, which details instructions, warnings, and risks, is included as part of the FDA-approved labeling for the medicine.

Q: Is the research for Лея based on a large or small number of participants?

A: The clinical evidence supporting the contraceptive use of this medicine is based on large-scale clinical trials and epidemiological studies. These large studies involve thousands of women to provide data on the medicine's profile and observed outcomes.

How should Лея be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage Requirements

Лея (aflibercept) must be stored under refrigeration between 2 C and 8 C ( 36 F to 46 F). It is strictly prohibited to freeze the product, and it must not be used if it has been frozen. To protect the medicine from light, it must remain in its original outer carton. An unopened container may be kept at room temperature, defined as up to 25 C, for a maximum period of seven days. As a general requirement, the medicine must be kept out of the reach and sight of children.

Disposal Instructions

This medicine is designed for single use only, and any portion of the product remaining after administration must be immediately discarded. Unused or expired Лея must not be disposed of via household waste or wastewater. Disposal must instead adhere to local requirements for pharmaceutical waste.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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