Levonorgestrel: View Uses, Side Effects and Medicines

Levonorgestrel

INFORMATION ABOUT LEVONORGESTREL

Levonorgestrel Uses

Levonorgestrel is used for emergency contraception. It provides a safe and effective way to prevent an unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

How Levonorgestrel works

Levonorgestrel is a progestin-only, levonorgestrel-containing emergency contraceptive pill. It works primarily by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (a process known as ovulation). Hence, the sooner it is taken the better.

Common side effects of Levonorgestrel

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common

Depression, Diarrhea, Breast tenderness, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea, Dizziness, Breast pain, Abdominal pain, Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), Lighter menstrual bleeding, Vomiting, Vaginal discharge, Nervousness, Vaginal inflammation, Pain during periods, Weight gain, Decreased libido, High blood pressure

CONTENT DETAILS

Last updated

15 Feb 2024 | 11:19 AM (UTC)

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Medicine brands for Levonorgestrel

Orange Biotech Pvt Ltd

1 variant(s)

Leedoz

₹70 to ₹70

Johnlee Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

Axis Life Science Pvt Ltd

1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Levonorgestrel

As an emergency contraceptive: This medicine can be taken only by women aged 16 years and over. This medicine is intended for occasional use only and is recommended to not use more than once in a monthly cycle. It is not a substitute for long-term contraception.

If you throw up within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you will need to take another tablet.

Do not take:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine.
If you are pregnant.
If you have ever had a disease called salpingitis (inflammation of the Fallopian tubes).

Talk to your doctor before taking levonorgestrel:

If you have severe liver problems.
If you have severe digestive problems (e.g. Crohn’s disease).
If you have ever had an ectopic pregnancy (where a baby develops outside the womb), fallopian tube surgery or pelvic inflammatory disease.
If you are under 16 years of age (your local family planning clinic may also be able to help)
If you are breastfeeding.
This medicine can sometimes disturb your normal monthly cycle (period). If delayed by more than 5 days late, or is unusually light or heavy you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible and have a pregnancy test. This medicine may make you feel dizzy or tired.
Do not drive or use machines until you are sure you are not affected. A pregnancy will not normally be affected by taking this medicine, however there is a risk that a pregnancy may continue outside of the womb (ectopic pregnancy). It is important that you talk to your doctor about it. As an IUD: You should not use this device if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, silicone, silica, silver, barium, iron oxide, or polyethylene.

Do not use this device if you have:

abnormal vaginal bleeding.
an untreated or uncontrolled pelvic infection (vaginal, cervical uterine, or bladder).
a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), unless you have had a normal pregnancy after the infection treated uterine fibroid tumors past or present breast cancer, known or suspected cervical or uterine cancer;liver disease or liver tumor (benign or malignant);if you have another intrauterine device (IUD) in place. After each menstrual period you should check to make sure you can still feel the removal strings. Wash your hands with soap and water, and insert your clean fingers into the vagina. You should be able to feel the strings at the opening of your cervix.
Call your doctor at once if you cannot feel the strings, or if you think the device has slipped lower in your uterus or out of your uterus. A sudden increase in menstrual flow may be a sign that the device has slipped out of place.

Frequently asked questions for Levonorgestrel

Q. What is Levonorgestrel?

It is an emergency contraceptive pill which is used in case of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, to prevent an unintended or unwanted pregnancy.

Q. When is it appropriate to take Levonorgestrel tablet?

You should take it only in emergency situations such as unprotected sex (no contraceptive use), contraceptive failure (e.g. broken condom), or irregular use of your birth control pills.

Q. How should I take Levonorgestrel?

Take one tablet as soon as possible, not later than 72 hours (3 days) after the first episode of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

Q. How effective is Levonorgestrel?

Levonorgestrel significantly reduces your chances of becoming pregnant if used within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.

Q. What are the side effects of Levonorgestrel?

It is almost safe for all women. Some common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and lower abdominal pain may occur. Your breasts may become more tender than usual. There is a possibility of unexpected vaginal bleeding, but this should clear up by the time you get your next period. Your periods may become irregular. Go for a pregnancy test if they are delayed by more than a week.

Q. Can I take Levonorgestrel during breastfeeding?

Yes, it is safe during breastfeeding. It is unlikely to cause any significant effect on milk quantity that can affect the infant adversely.

Q. How often can I use Levonorgestrel?

It can be taken more than once in a month but it is advised only for emergency contraception. Keep using regular contraception like condoms, regular birth control pills, IUDs etc. for avoiding unwanted pregnancy.

Q. Is a pregnancy test required after taking Levonorgestrel?

Although Levonorgestrel significantly reduces your chances of pregnancy, if your periods are delayed by more than a week, a pregnancy test is recommended. However, if you decide on continuing the pregnancy, you may do so as Levonorgestrel does not work if pregnancy has already been established. It will not cause harm to the foetus.

Q. Can Levonorgestrel be taken for regular birth control?

No, it is not indicated for regular birth control. It is used only as an emergency measure after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

Q. Can Levonorgestrel protect against Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs) and HIV / AIDS?

No, it does not offer any protection from HIV / AIDS or other Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs). You can use condoms to protect yourself from STDs and HIV / AIDS.

Q. What is the difference between 'emergency contraceptive pill' and 'abortion pill'?

Pregnancy starts once the fertilized egg gets attached to the lining of the uterus (womb). Abortion pills contain medicine, which hinders the development of a pregnancy after it has occurred and also alters the character of the womb lining in a way that the fertilized egg gets detached, hence causing abortion. On the other hand, emergency contraceptive pills like Levonorgestrel contain female hormones which delay the release of egg or prevent movement of sperm towards the egg. This prevents fertilization and hence pregnancy. Levonorgestrel does not have any effect on a fertilized egg and hence does not cause abortion.

Q. Is Levonorgestrel effective if frequent acts of intercourse have occurred in a short duration of time?

Yes. It is effective if you have had several acts of intercourse in a short span of time. However, it is important that these acts have occurred within 72 hours before taking Levonorgestrel. Also, since there is a chance of unintended pregnancy after frequent acts of unprotected sex in the same cycle, it is advisable to use a barrier contraceptive method (e.g. condom) until the next period even after using Levonorgestrel.