Levonorgestrel: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg is an emergency contraceptive pill taken after unprotected sex, or when another method failed, to lower the chance of pregnancy. It is for emergency use only, not for regular contraception. It is not an abortion pill and does not protect against HIV or other infections.
Also known as: Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive, LNG, Morning-after pill, Plan B
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Levonorgestrel work?
Levonorgestrel is a progestogen. A single tablet mainly delays the release of an egg from the ovary, so there is no egg for sperm to meet. It does not work if an egg has already been released or if you are already pregnant.
How to take Levonorgestrel
Follow the label or the advice of a pharmacist or doctor. It is a single tablet taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, and the label says within 72 hours (3 days). It works better the sooner it is taken.
Side effects of Levonorgestrel
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. They are listed on the pack and leaflet.
Uncommon or mild
- Changes in your next period: earlier, later, heavier or lighter, or spotting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tiredness, headache or dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Lower stomach pain
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Severe lower stomach pain, especially a few weeks after taking it, because pregnancy outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy) is possible. See a doctor urgently
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Vomiting soon after the tablet, because it may not have been absorbed. Ask a pharmacist or doctor whether another tablet is needed
Who should be careful
Emergency contraception is not a replacement for regular contraception. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to levonorgestrel or any ingredient of the tablet
- If you are already pregnant (it will not work and is not an abortion pill)
- It is for emergency use only and is less effective than regular contraception; frequent use can upset periods and cause side effects
- It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections
- If your next period is more than about a week late, do a pregnancy test and see a doctor
- Tell a pharmacist or doctor first if you take medicines for epilepsy, tuberculosis (such as rifampicin) or HIV (such as efavirenz), because they can make it work less well
- If you vomit soon after taking the tablet (within about 2 hours), ask whether you need another
- If more time has passed than the label allows, or for higher body weight, ask a pharmacist or doctor about other emergency options such as a copper coil
Medicines and things that interact with Levonorgestrel
Some medicines can make the pill work less well. Tell the pharmacist what you take.
- Medicines for epilepsy (seizures)
- Rifampicin and other tuberculosis medicines
- Efavirenz and some other HIV medicines
- St John's wort and some other herbal products
If someone takes too much
Taking an extra tablet by mistake is unlikely to cause serious harm, but do not take more than the label says. If someone has taken much more than the label says, ask a doctor or call 112.
Regulatory status in India
Sold in India without a prescription (over the counter). It is not an abortion pill. A Health Ministry draft proposes listing 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg levonorgestrel tablets in Schedule K with boxed warnings; the final position should be checked. Single-ingredient levonorgestrel is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A.
Type of medicine
Levonorgestrel belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Levonorgestrel
These medicines sold in India contain Levonorgestrel. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Unwanted-72 · 1.5 mg tablet
What is Levonorgestrel used for?
Medicines that contain Levonorgestrel are used for these conditions.
Common questions
Is levonorgestrel an abortion pill?
No. It does not end an existing pregnancy. It works mainly by delaying the release of an egg, so it must be taken before ovulation to be useful. It will not work if you are already pregnant.
How soon after unprotected sex should I take it?
As soon as possible. The label says within 72 hours (3 days), and it works better the sooner it is taken. If more time has passed, ask a pharmacist or doctor about other options, such as a copper coil.
Can I take it regularly instead of other contraception?
No. It is for emergencies only and is less effective than regular methods. Repeated use can disturb your periods. Speak to a doctor or health centre about a regular method, and use condoms to protect against infections.
What if I vomit after taking it?
If you vomit soon after taking the tablet, within about 2 hours, it may not have been absorbed. Ask a pharmacist or doctor whether you need to take another one.
Will it affect my next period?
It often does. Your next period may come earlier or later than usual, or be heavier, lighter or spotty. If it is more than about a week late, do a pregnancy test and see a doctor.
Sources
- Emergency contraception. NHS (UK)
- Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg): label. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- Health Ministry proposes Schedule K exemption, boxed warnings for levonorgestrel pills. Medical Dialogues