Levonorgestrel
Description
Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive. It is used in the prevention of pregnancy following unprotected sexual intercourse. It is also used in case of known or suspected contraceptive failure. It works by suppressing the release of ova (eggs) from the ovary (the female reproductive organ in which eggs are produced), thus preventing the fertilization of the egg with the sperm.
Levonorgestrel shows common side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, stomach upset, irregular periods, or breast soreness. These side effects usually subside with time. However, if they persist or worsen, consult your doctor for further assistance. Avoid driving vehicles or operating heavy machines while taking this medication, as it can cause dizziness, weakness, or tiredness.
Levonorgestrel can be taken with or without food. It should be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse as it may not be effective after the given time frame. Do not take the tablet on a regular basis.
Levonorgestrel is not recommended if you are allergic to it. It is not recommended if you have a known or suspected pregnancy, abnormal uterine bleeding, liver tumours, intracranial hypertension (increased pressure around the brain), thromboembolic condition (presence of blood clots in the veins), breast cancer, or liver conditions. Also, inform your doctor if you have other medical conditions and about your ongoing medications.
Levonorgestrel is not recommended during pregnancy. It can pass into breast milk in small amounts. Hence, consult your doctor before taking the medicine while breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Levonorgestrel
- Stomach pain
- Irregular periods
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Dizziness
- Breast pain and tenderness
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
Uses of Levonorgestrel
What is it prescribed for?
- Emergency contraception
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time at which Levonorgestrel starts working is clinically not established.
- Duration of effectLevonorgestrel is effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Levonorgestrel.
- Usage in pregnancy?Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy in near future. This medicine should be taken only after chances of being pregnant are ruled out.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Levonorgestrel should be used while breastfeeding only upon your doctor's recommendation.
Allergy
Avoid taking Levonorgestrel if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use if you have episodes of abnormal bleeding from the vagina.
Breast cancer
Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use if you have or have had breast cancer.
Liver Tumours
Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use if you have or have had liver tumours.
Intracranial Hypertension
Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use if you have intracranial hypertension (increased pressure around the brain).
Thromboembolic condition
Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use if you have thromboembolic conditions (presence of blood clots in the veins).
Known or suspected pregnancy
Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use if you have a known or suspected pregnancy.
Liver Disease
Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use if you have liver problems, as it may worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy in near future. This medicine should be taken only after chances of being pregnant are ruled out.
Breast-feeding
Levonorgestrel should be used while breastfeeding only upon your doctor's recommendation.
General warnings
Effective use of this medicine
Levonorgestrel is effective if taken at the earliest. It should be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex or contraception failure. It should not be used as a routine birth control method.
Effect on menstrual cycle
Levonorgestrel can impact the onset and duration of periods after use. It may also cause heavy or light menstrual bleeding. Any unusual effect of this medicine that lasts for more than five days should be reported to the doctor.
Sexually transmitted disease
Levonorgestrel does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Use of contraception after uptake
Use of Levonorgestrel is followed by certain changes that may increase the chances of getting pregnant. It is advised to use effective birth control methods until the start of the next period.
Dizziness and tiredness
Levonorgestrel can cause dizziness and tiredness in some cases. Avoid driving vehicles or operating heavy machines if you experience such symptoms.
Weight gain
Levonorgestrel should be used with caution as it can cause moderate to significant weight gain.
Ectopic pregnancies
Levonorgestrel can cause ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in which the foetus develops outside your womb). Hence contact your doctor if you become pregnant.
Depression
Levonorgestrel has been associated with an increase in the symptoms of depression. Hence it should be used with caution if you have a history of depression.
Other medicines
Levonorgestrel may interact with certain medicines and cause undesired effects. Hence inform your doctor about all your current medicines, including herbs and supplements, before beginning the treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Levonorgestrel is usually intended for one-time use, so the chances of missing a dose are unlikely. However, if you are taking this medicine in two divided doses, do not forget to take the second dose. In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the delay is more than 72 hours, there is a chance that you might get pregnant. Consult your doctor in such cases.
Overdose
Do not take more than the recommended dose of Levonorgestrel. Consult your doctor in case of an overdose of this medicine.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Carbamazepine
Griseofulvin
Phenytoin
Tranexamic Acid
Disease interactions
Fluid retention and oedema
Levonorgestrel should be used with caution if you have oedema (swelling caused by excess accumulation of fluid in your body's tissues). Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Visual Defect/Disturbance
Levonorgestrel should be used with caution if you have ocular (eye) problems as this medicine may cause retinal thrombosis (blood clots in the veins of the eye). Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Food interactions
Avoid consumption of grapefruit juice while taking Levonorgestrel as it may increase the blood levels of this medicine.
Lab interactions
Thyroid function tests
Use of this Levonorgestrel can potentially interfere with thyroid function tests and give false values. Report the use of this medicine to the doctor before undergoing a thyroid function test.
Levonorgestrel can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Swallow it as a whole with an adequate amount of water.
Take the tablet within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It should not be used as a routine birth control method.
If you vomit within two hours of taking the tablet, take another pill as soon as possible. Vomiting can decrease the effectiveness of the medicine.
The medicine is not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and does not work if pregnancy has already occurred.
Consult your doctor if your period is delayed for more than seven days.
Levonorgestrel does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Hence use condoms to protect yourself and your partner against STDs.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Levonorgestrel works by preventing the fertilization of the egg with the sperm.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Contraceptives, Progestins
Schedule
Schedule H
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 21 July 2022].
Drugs, H., 2022. Levonorgestrel: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: [Accessed 21 July 2022].
Vrettakos, C. and Bajaj, T., 2022. Levonorgestrel. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: [Accessed 21 July 2022].
Information on this page was last updated on 14 Sep 2022
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