Levonorgestrel
Introduction To Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel is an emergency birth control pill. It provides a safe and effective way to prevent an unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. However, it should not be used as regular contraception.
It works to prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release of an egg from the ovary or by preventing fertilization (union) of the egg by sperm. It comes as a single dose and can be taken with or without food. Levonorgestrel is usually effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
The most common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, lower abdominal pain, and fatigue. The patient may also experience dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and irregular period for the next cycle. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them.
Before taking this medicine, check if you are not pregnant already or it is being more than 5 days you miss your period or its already 72 hours of unprotected sex. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is generally advisable to perform a pregnancy test after 5 days of medicine usage, to make sure medicine works properly.
Uses of Levonorgestrel
- Emergency contraception
Benefits of Levonorgestrel
Emergency contraception
Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive medicine that stops you from getting
pregnant. It may be taken within 3 days or 72 hours of having unprotected
intercourse (sex). Firstly, it prevents an egg from being released from your
ovaries. Secondly, it makes the fluid (mucus) in your cervix thicker, which
makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb. Additionally, it prevents
thickening of the lining of your womb, thereby making it unfavourable for an
egg to grow in it. Levonorgestrel is a reliable and safe method for contraception,
if used correctly. It does not interrupt with sex and you can lead a normal
routine life without any worries. Take it as directed by the doctor to get the
most benefit.
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 side effects of Evening Pill
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Lower abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular menstrual cycle
How to use Levonorgestrel
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Levonorgestrel may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Levonorgestrel works
Levonorgestrel is a progestin (female hormones). It works to prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release of an egg from the ovary, or preventing fertilization (union) of the egg by sperm. It may also alter the lining of the uterus (womb) to stop a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
Quick tips
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Levonorgestrel is a single tablet and you only have to take 1 dose for it to work.
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Take it as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and not later than 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
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Notify your doctor if you vomit within 2-3 hours of taking this medicine.
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It is not as effective as regular methods of contraception and should be used only as an emergency measure.
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Take a pregnancy test about a week after you take Levonorgestrel as there is a 5-10% chance that it may not have worked.
Safety Advice
PregnancyUNSAFE
Can I take Levonorgestrel if I’m pregnant?
Levonorgestrel is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Levonorgestrel if I’m breastfeeding?
Levonorgestrel is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. Nonhormonal contraceptives is preferred in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Levonorgestrel safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Levonorgestrel. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Levonorgestrel?
It is not known whether Levonorgestrel alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Levonorgestrel if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Levonorgestrel in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Levonorgestrel if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Levonorgestrel in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Levonorgestrel?
It is an emergency contraceptive tablet which is used in case of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Q. When is it appropriate to take Levonorgestrel tablet?
You should take it only in emergency situations such as unprotected sex, contraceptive failure (eg. 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 of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Q. How effective is Levonorgestrel?
The sooner you take it, the more effective it is. Levonorgestrel significantly reduces your chances of becoming pregnant if used within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
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.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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