Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

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Community data Updated 23 hours ago

Levonorgestrel [For emergency contraception]

Emergency Contraceptive Pill Prescription
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Indications

Contraception

Emergency contraception is a rescue method meant to prevent fertilization after unprotected intercourse. Levonorgestrel [For emergency contraception] should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after the unprotected sex, particularly in the following situations:

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

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.

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.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor 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 & Interactions

Side Effects

No side-effect data recorded yet.