Levonorgestrel

Uses	Emergency contraception
Therapy	Drugs Acting On Uterus
Side Effects	nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, excessive vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness or pain, weight gain, menstrual period changes, headache, spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods, diarrhoea, tiredness

100% Authentic
Medicines

Cash on delivery
available

Delivery across
19k pincodes

Molecule Description

Levonorgestrel is used by women as an emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It should not be used as a regular contraceptive method. This medication can be used when other contraceptive method fails (broken condom) or when contraception is not used. Levonorgestrel should be consumed within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse for it to work.

Uses

As per CDSCO, Levonorgestrel should be used as emergency contraception (to prevent unwanted pregnancy).

Contraindications

When should one not use Levonorgestrel

If you are allergic to any ingredient of Levonorgestrel
If you are having an episode of abnormal vaginal bleeding
If you are already pregnant
If you have a certain type of breast cancer
If you have a blood clotting disorder, this medicine increases the chances of blood clots
If you have a certain blood disorder like Porphyria
If you had a history of stroke or a bleeding disorder

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Heavy bleeding from the vagina
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
Tiredness
Breast pain or tenderness
Headaches
Diarrhoea

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

No, Levonorgestrel is to prevent pregnancy. It is not helpful if you are already pregnant. Hence, this medicine is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Consult your doctor before using Levonorgestrel if you are a breastfeeding mother. There are limited studies in humans, and they have shown that a small amount of the medicine might pass through breast milk to the baby. Those studies suggested this medicine to be safe in breastfeeding mothers 12 weeks after delivery.

Driving

No, do not drive after taking Levonorgestrel. It can cause side effects like dizziness and blurred vision that can affect your ability to drive and can be dangerous during driving.

Alcohol

Yes, you can consume alcohol after using Levonorgestrel. Alcohol has not shown any interference with the functioning of this medicine. However, try to avoid drinking alcohol, as this medicine can cause side effects like dizziness in some people.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You experience changes in onset and duration of the menstrual period after using Levonorgestrel. It can increase or lower the bleeding.
You experience weight gain.
You are obese, this medicine may not work.
You are planning a surgery.
You have an infection and are using antibiotics.
You have a sexually transmitted disease; this medicine does not protect you from them.
You are feeling dizzy or tired.
You have a liver or kidney problem, this medicine should be used with caution to prevent side effects.
You have diabetes, use caution and monitor the blood sugar levels
You have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
You have been diagnosed with asthma, migraine, seizure disorder, heart condition, etc.
You have been diagnosed with depression. This medicine should be used with caution.
You have an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus); this medicine does not prevent it.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Levonorgestrel belongs to the progestins class of medications. It works by binding to receptors of progesterone and androgen (hormones). This slows down the release of certain hormones that are responsible for ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary). Once the levels of these hormones fall, ovulation does not occur, which prevents pregnancy. This medicine also prevents fertilisation of the egg and the sperm. It also causes changes in the lining of the uterus to prevent the development of the pregnancy.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Some medications can interfere with the functioning of Levonorgestrel, which may cause this medicine to not work. This can result in an unwanted pregnancy.
A few of such medicines are:
Certain antibiotics
Medicines for seizure disorder
HIV medicines
Herbal medicines like St. John's wort, etc.
Consult your doctor to know more.

Interactions with food items

Grapefruit and its juice may increase the blood levels of Levonorgestrel. You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit related products during treatment with Levonorgestrel.

Dosage

Overdose

Overdose of Levonorgestrel can cause symptoms like excessive nausea, vomiting, dizziness, menstrual cycle changes, changes in bleeding during menstruation, etc. This medicine should only be taken in emergency situations. It is not for regular use. Overdose of this medicine can be rare.

Missed a Dose

Levonorgestrel should only be taken in case of an emergency after the failure of birth control. Since it is used only when needed, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose. If you forget to take this pill within 72 hours after the intercourse, it can result in a pregnancy. If you have any doubts, consult a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Levonorgestrel works better if you take it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the higher are chances of getting pregnant. Please consult a doctor if it has been longer than 72 hours.

No, it is not safe to take Levonorgestrel more than once in a single menstrual cycle. Also, it is recommended to have at least a 6 months gap to prevent any unwanted side effects.

No, Levonorgestrel does not result in any infertility issues. This will not affect the chances of getting pregnant in the future. Even using Levonorgestrel more than once won't lower the chance of getting pregnant in the future. However, it can cause some side effects for a few days after using the pill.

Articles

View All

Did you find this helpful?

References:

Explore More at Pharmeasy

Why trust PharmEasy?

# ONE OF INDIA'S MOST TRUSTED HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

CODAvailable

100%Genuine Medicine

30 DAYReturn Policy

Making medicines affordable, authentic, and easily accessible across India

700+100% Genuine & verified medicines

70,000+Medicine orders everyday

70 MillionTotal customer served

70 MillionDelivery hubs & fulfillment centre

7000Trained & trusted delivery partners