Levonelle
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Reviewed on Nov 28, 2023. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Registered with GPhC (No. 2241935) Next review due on November 29, 2026.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on Nov 28, 2023.

Product info

  • Levonelle is a branded emergency contraception tablet.

  • It should be used within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
  • It works by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilisation, and altering the uterine lining.

Levonelle Levonorgestrel

What is Levonelle?

Levonelle is a type of emergency contraception commonly known as the morning after pill. It can protect from unwanted pregnancies when other types of contraceptives, like condoms, haven’t worked properly.

Emergency contraceptive pills are an effective way of preventing pregnancy after you’ve had sex. The tablets contain levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestogen, which works in several different ways. It delays or stops the release of an egg from your ovary, stops sperm from fertilising eggs that have been released, and can also change your uterus (womb) lining.[1] All of these effects can prevent pregnancy from occurring.

How does Levonelle work?

Levonelle is the branded version of levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel is a second-generation synthetic progestogen, and can prevent or stop eggs from being released by your ovaries. It also thickens the mucus in your cervix, which interferes with the movement of sperm and its ability to fertilise an egg.[2] It can also change the lining of the womb, making it more difficult for fertilisation to happen.

What doses of Levonelle are there?

Levonelle tablets contain 1500 micrograms of levonorgestrel. The usual dose is one tablet after you’ve had sex and want to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. You need to take Levonelle as soon as possible for it to be effective, and the maximum window it will work in is 72 hours.

Sometimes, women are prescribed a double-dose of Levonelle. Several factors would be considered before you’d need a second tablet, such as your weight or medications you take regularly that can impact the effectiveness of levonorgestrel. You should never take a second dose without speaking to a clinician first.

Treated trusted sources:

  1. MedlinePlus. “Levonorgestrel: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” Medlineplus.gov, Nov. 2019.
  2. Vrettakos, Christina, and Tushar Bajaj. “Levonorgestrel.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2023.
treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 1218322
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on November 29, 2023. Next review due on November 29, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Levonelle Levonorgestrel

How to take Levonelle

Swallow your tablet with water. Try to take Levonelle as soon as you can after having unprotected sex, or if you think your usual contraceptive hasn’t worked, and preferably within 12 hours. The tablet has the best chance of working effectively if you take it right away.

Levonelle will only prevent pregnancy when taken within three days of having unprotected sex. If it’s been any later than this, you’ll need to use a different type of emergency contraception.

When should I take Levonelle?

Emergency forms of contraception like Levonelle have a better chance of working effectively the sooner you take them. You need to swallow your pill within 72 hours (three days) of having unprotected sex.

What happens if I take too much Levonelle?

Levonelle is a single-dose treatment, so you shouldn’t have any issues with taking more than you need.

Swallowing more than one tablet as a single dose shouldn’t cause you any serious harm, but it can cause some unpleasant symptoms. Nausea, or actually being sick, as well as vaginal bleeding are all listed as possible effects of taking too many tablets. Speak to a clinician to get the best advice about what to do if you think you’ve taken too much Levonelle.

treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 1218322
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on November 29, 2023. Next review due on November 29, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Levonelle Levonorgestrel

Levonelle isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things you should know before taking it.

Here’s the official info you need. If you are still uncertain about anything, you can speak to one of our clinicians using the online messaging service.

Levonelle Levonorgestrel

FAQ: Levonelle

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Is Levonelle similar to any other treatments?

Answer:
Levonelle is the branded version of Levonorgestrel. Upostelle and Emerres also contain this same active ingredient and work in the same way.

Levonorgestrel is used as part of long-term contraceptive formulas, like UIDs. UIDs, or intrauterine devices, are used by around 150 million women worldwide.[1]
These devices work differently to morning after pills, but given their widespread use, might put your mind at ease about how safe it is to use a progestogen.

Another emergency contraception option is EllaOne. Unlike Levonelle, which you need to take a maximum of 72 hours after having unprotected sex, EllaOne can be taken within five days of intercourse. Although this window is longer, both medications are more likely to be effective the sooner you take them.

How often can I take Levonelle?

Answer:
Levonelle should only be used in emergency situations. It doesn’t work as well as regular forms of contraception, such as barrier methods, so you shouldn’t use it regularly.

If you use Levonelle 1500 more than once during the same menstrual cycle, it becomes a less reliable contraceptive and might interfere with your periods.

You can get advice about contraceptive methods on the NHS website, or through a sexual health clinic. They can also advise you about using long-term methods of contraception that can help you avoid any unforeseen pregnancies.

Will Levonelle cause any side effects?

Answer:
Levonelle, like most medications, can cause side effects. That doesn’t mean everybody will get them though. The patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medication includes a full list of symptoms that might affect you.

Common side effects include nausea, lower abdominal pain, tender breasts, tiredness and headaches.

Most women who take Levonelle will get their period at the normal, expected time, but your period might arrive earlier or later than usual. You might also get spotting, or irregular bleeding, up to the point of your next period.

If your period seems lighter or heavier than usual, or arrives more than five days late, you should let a clinician know as soon as possible.

Can I still breastfeed if I’ve used Levonelle?

Answer:
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s natural to be cautious about the effects of any medications you’re taking. Small amounts of levonorgestrel can appear in breast milk, although the amount is not considered harmful to your baby’s health.[2]

A workaround you can try is to take your Levonelle tablet right after breastfeeding, and avoid any further breastfeeding for the next eight hours. This will reduce the chances of your baby ingesting any levonorgestrel. If you have any doubts or questions about using Levonelle while breastfeeding, you can drop our clinicians a message and get some professional advice about the best thing to do.

Will my weight affect Levonelle working?

Answer:
It might. Some studies that looked at how body weight impacts the use of morning after pills suggest that levonorgestrel might not work as well for those with a high body mass index (BMI).[3] [4]Other studies say there’s little evidence to suggest that weight and BMI are a factor in how well levonorgestrel works, and insist emergency contraceptive pills can be taken regardless of BMI or weight.[5]

The NHS advises that a high BMI could make both Levonelle and ellaOne less effective. Sometimes, a double dose is recommended if your BMI is over 26, or if you weigh more than 70kg. Your prescriber can give you more advice about this — and whether they think you need to take a double-dose of Levonelle — during your consultation.

Do I need a prescription for Levonelle?

Answer:
Some emergency contraceptive pills are available over the counter with the supervision of a pharmacist, but Levonelle will need to be prescribed to you. This gives you the security of knowing it’s safe for you to use.

Treated trusted sources:

  1. lumenthal, Paul. “The Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System: Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Acceptability.” Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, July 2009, p. 561
  2. Electronic Medicines Compendium. “Levonelle One Step – Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) – (Emc).”
  3. Festin, M.P.R., Peregoudov, A., Seuc, A., Kiarie, J. and Temmerman, M. (2017). Effect of BMI and body weight on pregnancy rates with LNG as emergency contraception: analysis of four WHO HRP studies. Contraception, 95(1), pp.50–54.
  4. Cleland, K., Wagner, B., Smith, N.K. and Trussell, J. (2020). ‘My BMI is too high for Plan B.’ A changing population of women seeking ulipristal acetate emergency contraception online. Women & Health, [online] 60(3), pp.241–248.
  5. Kardos, L., Magyar, G., Schváb, E. and Luczai, E. (2019). Levonorgestrel emergency contraception and bodyweight. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 35(7), pp.1149–1155.

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Similar but different

Morning after pill (EHC): Here are our other options.

Silver blister pack containing 1 yellow tablet

EllaOne

Ulipristal

Morning after pill that can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex.

30mg
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Brown box with Treated logo

Levonorgestrel Tablet

Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraception that can be used up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.

1.5mg
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£37.95
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Generic

Upostelle

Levonorgestrel

Upostelle is a branded version of Levonorgestrel. Take within 72 hours to prevent pregnancy.

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£28.95
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