Lybrel® is an oral contraceptive, or birth control pill, that is meant to be taken every day to prevent pregnancy. It is marketed int he US by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. Lybrel was approved by the FDA on May 22, 2007 and was made available to the public in the United States at the end of July 2007. Unlike other birth control methods, Lybrel is an extended cycle combined oral contraceptive pill, which means the hormones in the pills prevent menstruation.

Most women can take oral contraceptives safely. When Lybrel is taken correctly, without missing any pills, it is 98-99% effective. Traditional contraceptive pills are taken for three weeks followed by one week of hormone free-placebos, whereas Lybrel is taken continuously. You should not take oral contraceptives if you have any of the following conditions: history of heart attack or stroke, blood clots in the legs or lungs, known or suspected pregnancy, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. You should also keep in mind that cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects from oral contraceptive use. Lybrel also has side effects you should be aware of, such as unscheduled bleeding and spotting or fluid retention.