Advertisements

Stediril 30

Quick links to important sections

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.

Advertisements

Overview of Stediril 30

Property Description
Active Ingredients Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel
Form Tablet (Oral Dosage Form)
Pharmacological Class Hormonal Contraceptive (Prescription-Only)
Common Use Prevention of Pregnancy
Origin Synthetic

Stediril 30 is a pharmaceutical preparation historically associated with the former German manufacturer Schering and is a prescription-only medication primarily used for the prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive potential. As a synthetic product, it is manufactured as an oral dosage form (a tablet). It belongs to the high-level pharmacological class of Hormonal Contraceptives, a category clinically recognized for its superior efficacy in preventing conception when used consistently.


What Type of Contraceptive is Stediril 30?

Stediril 30 is defined as a Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC), containing two distinct types of synthetic female sex hormones, distinguishing it from progestin-only pills. This formulation is typically monophasic, meaning every active tablet delivers a constant, uniform dose of both hormones throughout the active part of the monthly cycle. This uniform composition ensures consistent hormonal regulation crucial for highly reliable contraception. While Stediril 30 itself may have limited contemporary branding in some regions, its underlying composition is widely utilized in multiple established brands globally.

Composition: Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel

The active ingredient composition of Stediril 30 involves Ethinyl Estradiol (a synthetic estrogen) and Levonorgestrel (a synthetic progestin). Both components are chemically synthesized small molecules designed for high potency and bioavailability via the oral route of administration. The World Health Organization includes this specific combination on its Model List of Essential Medicines. This classification confirms the drug's established safety and effectiveness profile as a foundational element in essential healthcare systems globally. The remainder of the tablet structure consists of various pharmaceutical excipients used to form the pill matrix.

What is the General Purpose of the Medication?

The sole stated purpose of Stediril 30 is effective contraception, achieved by regulating the female reproductive system's natural cycle. A typical use scenario involves taking the tablet daily to suppress the hormonal signals required for the monthly release of an egg, an effect known as inhibition of ovulation. This fundamental mechanism, coupled with the secondary effect of altering the cervical mucus, ensures a robust physiological block against conception, resulting in the high degree of efficacy for which combined oral contraceptives are known.

Regulatory References

  1. Contraception (StatPearls - NIH)
  2. WHO Essential Medicines List
  3. WHO EML (Ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel)
Advertisements

What side effects are possible with Stediril 30?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Stediril 30 is defined by formal regulatory classification of adverse reactions, which highlight both common events and rare, serious risks.

Serious Adverse Reactions and System-Organ Classes

The most clinically significant and serious risks documented in regulatory sources are related to thromboembolic disorders. This includes venous thromboembolism (e.g., deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolism (e.g., myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident). These are classified under cardiovascular and vascular system-organ classes.

Other serious risks include hepatic disorders, specifically the potential for hepatic adenomas or carcinomas, and severe hypertriglyceridaemia which can lead to pancreatitis.

Common Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions that are frequently documented in clinical data include:

  • Nausea and/or Vomiting
  • Headache (a common nervous system disorder)
  • Irregular uterine bleeding (including metrorrhagia or unscheduled bleeding)
  • Breast pain or tenderness

These common effects are often classified within the regulatory frequency bands such as 'Very Common' or 'Common' (e.g., affecting more than 1 in 100 people).

Safety-Related Restrictions and Contraindications

Official documents define specific patient conditions and characteristics where the medicine is strictly contraindicated for safety reasons. These limitations include:

  • A current or historical presence of venous or arterial thrombotic events.
  • Known or suspected sex-steroid influenced malignancies (e.g., of the breast or genital organs).
  • Liver tumours (benign or malignant) or severe liver disease.
  • Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes with vascular involvement.
  • A specific type of migraine with focal neurological symptoms or any migraine in women over 35 who smoke.

Regulatory documentation also mandates immediate discontinuation of the drug if a thrombotic event occurs, jaundice develops, or blood pressure rises significantly during use. Other warnings cover effects such as the potential for adverse carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects (requiring caution in diabetic or prediabetic patients) and the risk of gallbladder disease.

Advertisements

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Stediril 30 (Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel) details the expected clinical course and mandated actions following an acute overdose. Documented overdose presentations primarily involve gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. Additionally, individuals may experience tiredness or drowsiness, and the most common hormonal manifestation reported is vaginal withdrawal bleeding, which often presents two to seven days after the acute ingestion event.

Official classifications established in prescribing information confirm that a single, acute ingestion of large doses of this combined oral contraceptive is not likely to be life-threatening; serious undesirable effects have not been reported in this context. Despite the low acute toxicity classification, regulatory guidance mandates that individuals seek medical help right away and contact a Poison Control Center for immediate professional guidance in any suspected overdose situation.

As no specific antidote is known for this medication, treatment is entirely supportive and symptomatic, focused on managing the presenting manifestations. If observed by a healthcare provider, management may include the monitoring of vital signs. No explicit population-specific considerations regarding increased overdose risk or severity are detailed in the available regulatory documents.

Advertisements

Therapeutic Uses of Stediril 30

What Stediril 30 Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The therapeutic application of this combined hormonal medication is relevant for easing multiple symptoms related to systemic imbalance, extending beyond its primary function. Its use may assist with addressing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

Primary Benefit: Contributes to Effective Contraception

This medication's essential purpose is commonly used to help with pregnancy prevention for women of reproductive potential. Consistent, structured use of this combined oral contraceptive offers a foundational benefit, which supports effective family planning and reproductive timing.

Quick Fact: Relief for Painful Symptoms The use of this medication may assist with easing the symptom load related to severe menstrual cramping (dysmenorrhea).

Management of Cyclical and Hormonal Symptoms

Stediril 30 is applied in clinical contexts to manage challenging menstrual symptoms. The formulation is applied to address issues of irregular and unpredictable cycle timing, and is commonly used to help with a sense of predictable cycle management. It plays a role in managing conditions presenting with symptoms of excessive blood loss (menorrhagia), hormonal acne, and severe cyclical mood changes related to PMDD. By addressing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, it may assist with promoting functional stability. The use of this medication may assist with controlling bleeding severity, which contributes to easing the resulting noticeable physiological strain of the menstrual period. Additionally, its use generally supports a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable and contributes to easing discomfort.

Advertisements

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Stediril 30?

Eligibility for Stediril 30, a combined oral contraceptive (COC), is strictly defined by regulatory bodies to manage specific health risks associated with the hormonal components (Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel).

Populations Allowed

Use is officially indicated for females of reproductive potential and is restricted to individuals who have reached menarche (onset of menstruation).

Absolute Contraindications (Must Not Use)

Condition Category Examples of Non-Eligible Populations
Thrombotic Risk History of blood clots (VTE or ATE), including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), Stroke, or Myocardial Infarction.
Vascular Disease Women over 35 who smoke, severe hypertension, or diabetes with vascular symptoms.
Hormone-Sensitive Current or history of breast cancer or other known sex-steroid influenced malignancies.
Hepatic Function Severe liver disease, history of liver tumours, or use with certain Hepatitis C drug combinations.

Age and Physiological Status Rules

Stediril 30 is contraindicated if pregnancy is present or suspected. It is not indicated for use in post-menopausal women. Furthermore, use must be discontinued at least four weeks before and two weeks after any major surgery associated with prolonged immobilization.

Advertisements

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information describes interactions for the active ingredients Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel, primarily involving changes in plasma exposure due to metabolic enzyme activity.


Documented Interaction Categories

Classification Property Official Regulatory Definition
Interaction Severity Contraindicated Combinations; Clinically Significant Interactions
Mechanistic Basis Hepatic Enzyme Induction/Inhibition ( CYP3 A4); Glucuronidation Alteration

Official Interaction Statements

  • Co-administration with specific Hepatitis C drug regimens, such as those containing Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir, with or without Dasabuvir, is formally prohibited due to the risk of significant Alanine Transaminase ( ALT) enzyme elevations.
  • The concurrent use of hepatic enzyme-inducing medicines, including certain anticonvulsants (e.g., Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) and the herbal product St John's wort, results in decreased plasma concentrations and reduced clearance of the hormonal components.
  • Conversely, co-administration with CYP3 A4 inhibiting medicines or substances like Grapefruit Juice may increase the total plasma exposure of the hormonal components.
  • Combined oral contraceptives are documented to decrease the plasma concentrations of certain co-administered drugs, such as Lamotrigine, by accelerating their metabolism.
  • Following the discontinuation of an enzyme-inducing medicine, a non-hormonal contraceptive method must be used for a mandatory period of 28 days, as stated in regulatory documents.
Advertisements

Mechanism of Action

Stediril 30 functions as a combined hormonal contraceptive, containing the synthetic estrogen ethinylestradiol and the synthetic progestin levonorgestrel.

Levonorgestrel acts as an agonist at the progesterone receptor and androgen receptor in target tissues, including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and reproductive organs. This agonism exerts a negative feedback signal on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, leading to the suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency from the hypothalamus. This, in turn, reduces the secretion of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

The suppression of these gonadotropins prevents the mid-cycle LH surge, thereby inhibiting follicular development and ovulation from the ovaries. Levonorgestrel also induces changes in the cervical mucosa, resulting in thickened cervical mucus that impedes sperm migration into the upper reproductive tract. Ethinylestradiol serves to potentiate the suppression of FSH secretion, contributing to the overall inhibition of the HPO axis and the stability of the endometrium.

Advertisements

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines for Stediril 30

Stediril 30 is a monophasic Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) containing 0.15 mg Levonorgestrel and 0.03 mg Ethinyl Estradiol in each active tablet. Its use is governed by a strict daily and cyclic administration pattern, as outlined in standard prescribing information for females of reproductive potential.


Core Usage Structure

Feature Official Instruction
Route of Administration The medication is for Oral use, taken by swallowing the tablet.
Dosing Schedule One tablet daily. The standard regimen involves 21 consecutive days of active tablets followed by 7 days of inactive (placebo) tablets or a hormone-free interval.
Daily Timing The tablet must be taken once daily at approximately the same time every day to maintain a consistent hormonal exposure.
Food Intake The tablets may be taken with or without food

Procedural Use Constraints

Administration for a new cycle can begin using either a Day 1 Start (first day of menses) or a Sunday Start (first Sunday after menses onset). To ensure adherence to the labeled use, the tablet-taking interval must never exceed 24 hours, and the hormone-free interval must not be extended beyond 7 days.

Standard instructions provide specific steps for managing missed doses. For instance, if a single active tablet is missed, it should be taken immediately upon remembrance, even if that results in taking two tablets on the same day. These structured rules for use and adherence are essential to follow the defined administration protocol.

Advertisements

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Stediril 30


Evidence for Use in Pregnancy Prevention (Contraception)

This section will summarize the structure of the official research base, including the Randomized Controlled Trials and Systematic Reviews that examined the method's intended use and documented the primary outcome of pregnancy rates in healthy women. Research explored outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance (ovulation) in healthy women of reproductive age. Studies monitored the resulting pregnancy rates over defined time intervals. Trials measured patterns consistent with a low occurrence of pregnancy among participants. Additionally, research describes the observed phenomenon of ovarian activity suppression. The evidence is described through systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Evidence for Management of Menstrual Symptoms

This part will outline the studies, such as Randomized Trials, that examined this formulation in clinical situations such as excessive menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia) and the severity of menstrual cramping (dysmenorrhea). Research examined these uses in Randomized Controlled Trials applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences. For excessive blood loss, studies monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort and reported measurements of a lower volume of menstrual blood loss after several cycles of observation.

Research on Cycle Regularity and Pain

Trials reported how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, noting decreases in the recorded severity of menstrual pain. The data provide information on patterns consistent with a reduced frequency of using supplemental pain medication. However, follow-up durations were limited for long-term tracking, and data for certain groups remain insufficient, specifically for women whose cramping is due to an underlying condition.


Evidence for Use in Hormonal Acne

Research explored this application in Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials involving female subjects with moderate facial acne. Studies monitored outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states using lesion counts and investigator assessments. Research highlights changes measured during the study period, where trials reported measured outcomes related to lower inflammatory and total acne lesion counts. Long-term effects are not fully established beyond the typical six-month trial period used in research exploring short-term symptom changes.


What is Still Uncertain About the Research Base

This final part highlights areas where the current research base has limitations. The evidence quality varies across studies, and many trials utilized sample sizes that were modest. Overall, research provides context but not individual predictions, and the evidence is limited regarding the full extent of individual variability in response. The specific study results reflect the conditions under which they were conducted and cannot predict whether an individual will respond similarly.

Advertisements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Stediril 30 (FAQ)


Q: What should I do if I miss a pill?

A: Official regulatory documents provide a specific set of rules for managing a missed dose. The specific actions outlined in the product information depend on the number of tablets missed, the time elapsed since the dose was due, and the week of the cycle. It is important to refer to the prescribing information for the detailed steps to help maintain the method's contraceptive efficacy.


Q: Can I use Stediril 30 for acne?

A: Combined oral contraceptives, which share the same hormonal ingredients as Stediril 30, are primarily indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. Some combined oral contraceptives containing these ingredients are formally indicated for the treatment of moderate acne, for women who also desire contraception.


Q: Can I take Stediril 30 if I have a history of migraines?

A: Official product information states that this medication is contraindicated (should not be used) in the presence of migraine with focal neurological symptoms. Furthermore, combined oral contraceptives are generally not advised for women over the age of 35 who smoke and have any type of migraine.


Q: How soon after stopping Stediril 30 can I get pregnant?

A: Studies and official information indicate that the return to normal fertility after discontinuing combined oral contraceptives is not delayed. Most women who stop using this method will typically have a rate of conception similar to those who previously used non-hormonal birth control methods.


Q: Does Stediril 30 offer protection against STIs?

A: No. Official safety warnings clearly state that combined oral contraceptives, including Stediril 30, do not protect against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).


Q: Is it safe to breastfeed while taking Stediril 30?

A: Regulatory documents generally advise against the use of estrogen-containing combined oral contraceptives, like Stediril 30, by mothers who are nursing. These hormones may affect the quantity and quality of breast milk and are generally not advised during the immediate postpartum period, according to regulatory documents.


Q: What should I do if I vomit after taking the pill?

A: According to the official product information, if vomiting occurs within a short window (typically stated as 3 to 4 hours) of taking an active tablet, the absorption of the hormones may be incomplete. Official product information states that a replacement active tablet should be taken immediately and the missed dose instructions should then be followed.


Q: How quickly does Stediril 30 start working for birth control?

A: If the medication is started on the very first day of the menstrual cycle (Day 1 Start), contraceptive protection is considered established immediately. If it is started on any other day, regulatory documents indicate that a non-hormonal back-up method must be used for the first seven consecutive days of taking the active tablets.

Advertisements

How should Stediril 30 be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

Official regulatory documents define strict conditions for the storage and disposal of this medication, which contains the active ingredients levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol.

Requirement Type Official Regulatory Statement
Temperature Control Store below 30°C.
Environmental Protection Store in the original package to protect from moisture and direct sunlight.
Disposal Instructions Dispose of any unused product or waste material in accordance with local requirements.

These official statements specify that the product must be kept in a cool, protected environment below 30°C and shielded from light and moisture to maintain its labeled quality. For disposal, the mandatory instruction is to follow local waste management protocols for unused medicines.

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

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Stediril 30 found in:

A-Z Index: