More from Setfree
Other strengths and forms by Nuvista Pharma PLC.
Indications & Uses
Setfree is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Levonorgestrel is a progestin used in oral contraceptives, and it works by suppressing gonadotropins, which stops ovulation. It binds to progesterone and androgen receptors and slows the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. As a result, the normal physiological luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that comes before ovulation is suppressed. Follicles don't rupture, and no viable egg is released from the ovaries. Levonorgestrel has been shown to work better when it is taken before ovulation.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
1.5 mg tablet: The treatment is one tablet. Take it as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days). Levonorgestrel can be taken at any point in the menstrual cycle.
0.75 mg tablet: Take the first tablet within 72 hours of intercourse, and take the second tablet 12 hours after the first. The tablets should be taken within 48 hours of unprotected intercourse and never after 72 hours, because the medicine starts to lose effectiveness after 48 hours. This strength can also be taken at any point in the menstrual cycle.
After using emergency contraception, a local contraceptive method (condom, spermicide or cervical cap) is recommended until the next menstrual period returns. Taking Levonorgestrel does not rule out continuing regular hormonal contraception. If you used this medicine while on the contraceptive pill, keep taking your usual tablets until the end of the treatment. If no period comes in the next pill-free break after using it, do a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.
Side Effects
Undesirable effects which have been observed with levonorgestrel are nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and a feeling of breast tenderness. Bleeding can occur after taking this medicine. Inform the doctor of any unwanted effect which is not mentioned here.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Levonorgestrel [For emergency contraception] should be used only in exceptional situations, for a few reasons. It doesn't prevent a pregnancy every time. The extra hormone dose isn't advisable if the medicine is taken regularly. And it can't replace regular contraception. After taking it, your period usually comes on the expected date, but it can come a few days earlier or later. So a pregnancy test is mandatory to check that you aren't pregnant if you have abnormal bleeding on the date your period is expected, or if your period is more than 5 days late. Emergency contraception doesn't replace the precautions you need against sexually transmitted diseases, or the measures to take if there is a risk of transmission. This medicine is not recommended if you have had an ectopic pregnancy, if you have had salpingitis, or if you have a severe digestive disease that impairs the absorption of medicines. If you vomit within three hours of taking the tablet, take another Levonorgestrel [For emergency contraception] tablet immediately.
Contraindications
Don't take Levonorgestrel if you are hypersensitive to levonorgestrel or to any of the excipients in the Levonorgestrel product.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
This medicine is not meant for use when a woman is already pregnant, and it cannot end an existing pregnancy. If the contraceptive fails and the pregnancy continues, epidemiological studies show no harmful effect of progestogen on the development of the fetus, meaning no increase in malformation. Breastfeeding is possible. Levonorgestrel does pass into breast milk, though, so it is suggested that you breastfeed just before taking each Levonorgestrel tablet and then skip nursing after each dose.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Taking several doses of this medicine has not been shown to cause acute toxicity. But if a dose is missed, the medicine may not work as intended, and its effect can't be guaranteed.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Don't use the levonorgestrel tablet after the expiry date printed on the outer packaging. Keep the tablet in its outer carton, and keep the medicine where children can't reach it. Store it in a cool, dry place, below 30° C.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Setfree 1.5 mg
What is Setfree 1.5 mg Tablet?
Setfree 1.5 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Levonorgestrel [For emergency contraception]. It is made by Nuvista Pharma PLC. It belongs to the Emergency Contraceptive Pill group of medicines.
What is Setfree used for?
Setfree is used for: Contraception.
What are the side effects of Setfree?
Undesirable effects which have been observed with levonorgestrel are nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and a feeling of breast tenderness. Bleeding can occur after taking this medicine.
Can I take Setfree during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
This medicine is not meant for use when a woman is already pregnant, and it cannot end an existing pregnancy. If the contraceptive fails and the pregnancy continues, epidemiological studies show no harmful effect of progestogen on the development of the fetus, meaning no increase in malformation. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Setfree?
Taking several doses of this medicine has not been shown to cause acute toxicity. But if a dose is missed, the medicine may not work as intended, and its effect can't be guaranteed. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Setfree?
Don't use the levonorgestrel tablet after the expiry date printed on the outer packaging. Keep the tablet in its outer carton, and keep the medicine where children can't reach it.
Can I take other medicines with Setfree?
Some medicines can interact with Levonorgestrel [For emergency contraception], for example: Carbamazepine, Rifampicin, Phenobarbitone, Griseofulvin, Primidone, Phenytoin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Setfree?
Setfree is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.