Afrodita

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Afrodita

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel
Form Oral Tablet
Pharmacological Class Estrogens/Progestins (combination), Oral Contraceptive
Common Use Prevention of Pregnancy (Contraception)
Origin Synthetic Hormones

Afrodita: Definition and Pharmacological Class

Afrodita is a prescription-only pharmaceutical product classified as a Combined Hormonal Contraceptive (CHC), specifically indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to achieve the prevention of pregnancy. It is formally categorized within the Estrogens/Progestins (combination) drug group, which is a subdivision of the larger pharmacological class known as Oral Contraceptives.

Composition and Distinctive Features of the Combination

The active composition of Afrodita features two synthetic hormones: Ethinyl Estradiol (a synthetic estrogen) and Levonorgestrel (a synthetic progestogen). These compounds are synthetic in origin and are widely utilized active ingredients in contraceptive products globally. Supplied as an oral tablet and administered by the oral route, this formulation is particularly notable because it is frequently used in specialized regimens, such as extended-cycle or continuous dosing, offering a unique approach to managing the menstrual cycle beyond standard 21/7 regimens.

Primary Purpose: Contraception and Physiological Action

The primary and indicated purpose of Afrodita is effective contraception. The drug achieves this benefit through its core physiological action, which centers on the suppression of gonadotropins, primarily resulting in the inhibition of ovulation. The medication fundamentally works by stopping the release of an egg from the ovaries each month. Furthermore, the combined agents also cause a critical change in the cervical mucus and modify the uterine lining, which adds robust, secondary layers of protection against conception.

Regulatory References

  1. Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Prescribing Information (DailyMed)

What side effects are possible with Afrodita?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Afrodita, a combined hormonal contraceptive, is structured according to official regulatory documentation, classifying adverse reactions by frequency and the body systems affected (System-Organ Classes).

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most commonly documented reactions, classified as very common, include headache and breakthrough bleeding/spotting, particularly during the initial months of use. Common reactions often listed in regulatory documents involve the gastrointestinal system (nausea, abdominal pain), reproductive system (breast tenderness), and psychiatric/metabolic systems (mood changes, weight gain).

Documented Serious Adverse Reactions

Official labeling emphasizes the potential for rare but clinically serious adverse reactions. These primarily involve the vascular system, including Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and Arterial Thromboembolism (ATE), such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The risk of VTE is noted to be highest during the first year of use. Additionally, the rare occurrence of benign and malignant hepatic tumors is documented.

Population-Specific Safety Constraints

Regulatory documentation identifies specific patient characteristics that significantly increase risk. Use is subject to safety constraints for women who smoke, especially those over 35 years of age, due to a highly increased risk of serious cardiovascular events. The risk of VTE is also reportedly higher in obese women. Safety limitations exist for individuals with a history of thrombotic events, severe hepatic disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documents define the overdose profile for Afrodita (Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel) based on the acute ingestion of large doses, strictly focusing on documented clinical outcomes.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Following acute overdose, the primary clinical presentations consistently documented in regulatory sources are:

  • Nausea and Vomiting (Gastrointestinal effects).
  • Withdrawal bleeding (Vaginal bleeding, which may also affect prepubertal females).

Regulatory data from multiple authorities indicates that the acute ingestion of large doses of this combined hormonal contraceptive is generally not likely to be life-threatening, and no serious undesirable effects have been widely reported in these scenarios.

Immediate Medical Action Required

When an overdose is suspected, immediate action is mandated by government guidance. Individuals must seek immediate medical attention and contact the Poison Control Center. This urgency is required because no specific antidote is known for this combination.

  • Management Protocol: The officially described treatment involves providing symptomatic and supportive treatment to manage the specific manifested clinical signs.
  • Observation: The emergency response includes the need for monitoring of vital signs as part of standard procedural management.

The regulatory structure emphasizes that professional medical evaluation must be sought for all suspected overdose scenarios, regardless of the classification of severity.

Therapeutic Uses of Afrodita

What Afrodita Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Afrodita, a combination hormonal therapy, is fundamentally indicated for fertility control, providing women of reproductive potential with reversible contraception. This use is associated with therapeutic domains where support for fertility planning is appropriate. The medication is commonly used across conditions presenting with symptoms that become more disruptive during flare-ups linked to the menstrual cycle.

The treatment helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, including the management of symptoms such as severe menstrual pain (Primary Dysmenorrhea), excessive menstrual blood loss (Menorrhagia), and certain mood/physical symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). This provides the practical benefit that may assist with easing the overall symptom load and contributing to improved comfort during symptomatic periods.

“Applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, this therapy assists with maintaining functional stability when symptoms are more noticeable.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Cyclical Discomfort

Therapeutic Focus Benefit to the Patient
Fertility Control Contributes to managing reproductive planning and reduces pregnancy risk.
Symptom Management Helps ease severe cramping and may assist with managing excessive flow volume.
Cycle Stability Contributes to a more predictable, regulated menstrual cycle.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Afrodita?

Afrodita is officially indicated and established for use only in females of reproductive potential, including postpubertal adolescents. Its use is strictly defined by regulatory guidelines that outline specific populations for whom the medicine is contraindicated.

Absolute Contraindications (Must Not Use)

Afrodita is absolutely prohibited for use in individuals who meet certain criteria, including:

  • Age and Smoking: Females over 35 years of age who smoke.
  • Thrombotic Risk: Those with a history of, or high risk for, arterial or venous thrombotic diseases (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, stroke, or pulmonary embolism).
  • Oncology and Hepatic Status: Women with current or history of breast cancer, other hormone-sensitive malignancies, liver tumors, or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis.
  • Vascular and Metabolic Conditions: Individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes with vascular complications, or migraine headaches with aura.

Population Restrictions

Use is contraindicated during a known or suspected pregnancy. The medicine is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding due to potential effects on milk supply. Furthermore, use is not established for pre-menarcheal females or postmenopausal women. The medicine must also be discontinued prior to and following major surgery due to increased risk of clotting.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Afrodita (Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel) is defined by official regulatory documentation detailing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic pattern modifications when co-administered with other substances.

Official Interaction Classifications

Category Interaction Restriction Example Interacting Substance/Class
Contraindicated Combinations Co-administration is formally prohibited. Certain Hepatitis C treatments (e.g., Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir)
Exposure-Decreasing Interactions Reduces Afrodita plasma concentrations via enzyme induction. Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Anticonvulsants like Carbamazepine)
Exposure-Increasing Interactions Increases Afrodita plasma concentrations via enzyme inhibition. Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Azole Antifungals like Ketoconazole)
Pharmacodynamic Interactions May cause loss of efficacy of co-administered drug. Lamotrigine

Regulatory Constraints and Specific Notes

Co-administration with enzyme-inducing substances, such as St. John’s Wort, is officially documented to reduce the contraceptive’s exposure, which may impact its effectiveness. Afrodita itself may also act as an inhibitor, increasing the plasma concentrations of certain co-administered drugs like Theophylline and Caffeine through CYP1A2 inhibition. Furthermore, official labeling requires the mandatory suspension of administration at least four weeks before and through two weeks after major surgery due to the documented risk of thromboembolic events. In women over 35 who smoke or those with decompensated cirrhosis, the use of this combined hormonal contraceptive is formally contraindicated due to population-specific interaction risks.

Mechanism of Action

Core Action: Selective Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) Inhibition

Afrodita functions as a selective inhibitor directly targeting the enzyme Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inside the cell. This molecular interaction occurs via competitive binding at the enzyme's ATP-binding site. This blockade prevents JAK1 from performing its necessary activation step, which forms the cornerstone of its inhibitory effect on immune signaling.

Disruption of the JAK-STAT Pathway Cascade

The primary effect of Afrodita is the functional disruption of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. By inhibiting JAK1, the drug prevents the phosphorylation of STAT proteins, maintaining their inactive state in the cytoplasm. Consequently, the signal transfer required to initiate the transcription of various regulatory mediators, including cytokines and chemokines, is blocked .

Modulating Systemic Inflammatory Signaling

This targeted intracellular blockade is relevant in systems characterized by high pathway activity. This action results in a broad modulation of systemic inflammatory signaling, which helps limit the pathway-driven amplification of inflammation.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

Afrodita is a combined hormonal contraceptive supplied as an oral tablet that is administered once daily. Correct use is governed by a cyclic dosing schedule, which requires the tablet to be swallowed by mouth at the same time every day at intervals not exceeding 24 hours. To achieve the highest level of procedural compliance, tablets must be taken sequentially in the order directed on the blister packaging.

Labeled Dosing Regimens

The official usage dictates two main cycle patterns for the combination of Levonorgestrel (0.15 mg) and Ethinyl Estradiol (0.03 mg):

Regimen Type Active Dosing Phase Hormone-Free/Inactive Phase
Standard Cycle 21 consecutive days 7 days of inactive tablets (or none)
Extended Cycle 84 consecutive days 7 days of inactive or low-dose estrogen tablets

Key Procedural Instructions

Initial administration of the first pack may use a Day 1 Start (first day of menses) or a Sunday Start. If a Sunday Start is chosen, a non-hormonal back-up method is used during the first seven days.

In the event of a missed active tablet, specific protocols are followed to maintain the regimen; if the delay exceeds 12 hours (or depending on the week of the cycle), a non-hormonal back-up method must be utilized for seven consecutive days. Furthermore, initiation of the medicine is restricted to no earlier than four weeks after delivery or second-trimester abortion/miscarriage.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Primary Contraceptive Use (Pregnancy Prevention)

The foundation of research relies on extensive Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and long-term observational studies. Research monitored outcomes related to pregnancy prevention. Studies were conducted in healthy females of reproductive potential and monitored the physiological outcome of inhibition of ovulation. Regulatory submissions described patterns consistent with the measurements of pregnancy rates observed in the study populations. Clinical assessments reported patterns associated with the suppression of ovarian activity which research examined for its relationship to preventing ovulation.

Evidence for Cycle-Related Symptom Management

Research has explored the use of this combined hormonal medication for conditions associated with severe menstrual pain (Primary Dysmenorrhea) and excessive menstrual blood loss (Menorrhagia). Studies were evaluated in populations of women with these specific conditions, often including RCTs comparing the medication against a placebo. For pain, research examined patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. Studies reported differences in pain score measurements and differences in the reported need for analgesic medication when compared to placebo groups. For excessive bleeding, findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to changes in bleeding volume and changes in the number of bleeding days.

Long-Term Research and Uncertainties

The evidence landscape includes both short-term research and intermediate-term studies observing responses over defined time intervals. Follow-up durations were limited in many of the trials assessing non-contraceptive benefits. Consequently, there is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding the maintenance of outcomes monitored for pain or blood loss. Furthermore, comparative evidence is lacking in some areas, meaning there is limited high-quality research directly comparing Afrodita to every available alternative treatment for cycle-related symptoms. The medication's performance in patient groups with specific comorbid conditions has not been uniformly established in public regulatory summaries.

Key Studies & References

  1. Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets (USP) – FDA DailyMed Drug Label
  2. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Clinical Practice Guideline – American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
  3. Evaluation and Management of Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder – ACOG Clinical Practice Guideline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Afrodita (FAQ)

Q: Is Afrodita a natural supplement or a prescription drug?

Official product information confirms that Afrodita is a prescription-only combined hormonal contraceptive. It is a pharmaceutical product made with two synthetic hormones and is not classified as a natural or herbal supplement.


Q: How quickly does Afrodita start working?

Contraceptive protection is not guaranteed immediately upon starting the first pill pack. According to official prescribing information, when beginning with a Sunday start regimen, a non-hormonal back-up method may be required for the first seven days until the medicine’s full contraceptive effectiveness is established.


Q: How long do the effects of Afrodita last?

The medicine is part of a daily dosing regimen. Consistent daily administration is necessary because the contraceptive protection lasts a finite amount of time, and missing a dose may reduce its effectiveness.


Q: Is Afrodita the same as 'the pink pill' I've heard about?

Afrodita is an oral tablet, and the specific color of the active tablets can vary between formulations. For example, some combined hormonal contraceptive formulations are described in official labeling as pink. For accurate identification, reliance should be placed on the prescription label and drug name rather than tablet color alone.


Q: Can men use Afrodita, and if so, for what purpose?

The medicine’s regulatory approval is indicated for use as a contraceptive for females of reproductive potential. The official prescribing information does not approve or list any indications for use by males.


Q: What is the difference between Afrodita and other similar medications?

Afrodita contains the combination of Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel. Differences among combined hormonal contraceptives often involve the specific milligram strength of the hormones and the type of dosing cycle used (standard or extended cycle).


Q: Can Afrodita cause a rash or allergic reaction?

While rare, regulatory labeling for combined hormonal contraceptives includes the possibility of an allergic reaction. If signs of a severe allergic response occur, the product labeling indicates that appropriate medical attention should be sought.


Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks to avoid while using Afrodita?

Official labeling identifies certain substances that can affect how the body processes Afrodita. Some regulatory documents note that grapefruit juice may affect the levels of the estrogen component in the body. Patients are generally advised to discuss all dietary concerns with a healthcare provider.


Q: Does Afrodita work for everyone who tries it?

While oral contraceptives are considered highly effective, regulatory studies indicate that the full contraceptive protection depends significantly on correct and consistent administration. Missing tablets or taking them incorrectly is documented as a factor that can reduce effectiveness.


Q: Does Afrodita affect mood or anxiety levels?

Official safety information for this class of medicine indicates that mood changes are a documented side effect. The adverse reaction section also lists depression in connection with the use of combined hormonal contraceptives.


Q: Is it safe to use Afrodita with herbal supplements like St. John's Wort?

Official prescribing information notes that certain herbal supplements, such as St. John’s Wort, have been documented to interact with the contraceptive hormones. This interaction can decrease the concentration of the contraceptive hormones in the body, which may lead to reduced effectiveness and increased risk of breakthrough bleeding.


Q: How is Afrodita usually packaged and sold?

The medicine is usually supplied in its original packaging, typically a blister pack or wallet. This packaging is intended to maintain the integrity of the medicine and assist in adherence to the required daily sequence of tablets.


Q: Does Afrodita cause changes in sleep patterns?

Changes to sleep patterns are not directly listed as a common side effect. However, the official adverse reaction list includes depression, and symptoms of depression may include disruptions to normal sleep patterns.


Q: Are there different strengths or formulations of Afrodita available?

Yes, the combination of Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol is manufactured in different strengths, measured in micrograms. Additionally, it is available in various dosing schedules, including the standard 21-day active regimen and extended-cycle formulations.


Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Afrodita?

Official labeling contains specific instructions for what to do if an active tablet is missed, and requires that the missed tablet be taken as soon as possible. Because the precise actions required depend on the number of tablets missed and the timing within the cycle, it is important to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional.


Q: Does Afrodita affect blood sugar levels?

Official product labeling notes that combined oral contraceptives may be associated with adverse carbohydrate effects in some users. For this reason, official guidance recommends careful monitoring of blood glucose levels in women who are prediabetic or diabetic while taking this medicine.

How should Afrodita be stored and disposed of?

Storage of Afrodita

Afrodita (sildenafil citrate) tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature, typically between 68^circmathrmF and 77^circmathrmF (20^circmathrmC and 25^circmathrmC). Brief excursions outside this range, from 59^circmathrmF to 86^circmathrmF (15^circmathrmC to 30^circmathrmC), are generally permissible. It is important to keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and protected from excess heat and moisture. Storage in a humid location, such as a bathroom, should be avoided. All forms of this medication must be stored out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Disposal of Unused Medication

The most recommended method for the disposal of unused or expired Afrodita is through a drug take-back program. Many communities and pharmacies offer permanent medication disposal collection sites. If a take-back program is unavailable, follow these steps for disposal in household trash: remove the medicine from its original container, mix it with an undesirable substance (such as used coffee grounds or cat litter), place the mixture in a sealed bag, and discard it in the trash. Do not flush this medication down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so by the manufacturer or a healthcare professional, as this can pose risks to the environment.

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

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