Levonorgestrel Tablet

What is Levonorgestrel?

Levonorgestrel is a type of emergency contraception that comes as a tablet. You take it within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. It will prevent 84% of expected pregnancies but it’s more effective the earlier you take it, especially within 12 hours.^[1]

Emergency contraception, or the morning-after pill, is a type of birth control you take after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It is best to use regular birth control methods, like the combined pill or IUDs, or condoms as this is more effective than emergency contraception. Levonorgestrel also won’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the best way to protect both partners from STIs.

How does it work?

The Levonorgestrel Tablet uses a synthetic progestogen hormone called levonorgestrel. This active ingredient works in multiple ways. It stops or delays your ovaries from releasing an egg, prevents any sperm from fertilising any released eggs, and may also change the lining of the uterus so any fertilised egg won’t develop.^[2]

It’s advised that you take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. You have a window of 12-72 hours for Levonorgestrel to work most effectively.

What doses of Levonorgestrel Tablets are there?

A Levonorgestrel tablet contains 1.5mg of levonorgestrel, and it’s a single treatment. Some doctors may recommend two doses of 0.75mg, taken 12 hours apart.^[3] This method is just as effective as taking one dose.^[4]

How to take Levonorgestrel

You should only take Levonorgestrel if you’ve had unprotected intercourse, if the condom you used broke, or if you forgot to take your contraceptive pill when you were supposed to. It won’t work if you’re already pregnant, and shouldn’t be used as regular birth control.

• Take one tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex happens. Preferably within 12 hours and no more than 72 hours (3 days);
• You can take Levonorgestrel at any point in your menstrual cycle;
• Swallow the tablet whole with water;
• Check with your doctor if you are taking other medications as it may make Levonorgestrel less effective. They may prescribe you a different emergency contraceptive like a copper IUD or you can take a double dose;
• Continue to use your regular birth control at the normal time or use condoms till your next period, especially if you are continuing to have sex.

Your clinician will advise you on the best way to take Levonorgestrel. If you have any further questions or concerns, get in touch with them.

How effective is Levonorgestrel?

Levonorgestrel tablets are more effective the earlier you take them. Results from clinical studies show that when Levonorgestrel was taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, it prevented 85-97% of expected pregnancies.^[1]

You’ll know if it has worked when you receive your next period, but you should still take a pregnancy test to know for sure if you’re pregnant or not.

What happens if I take too much?

The packet will only contain one tablet, so there shouldn’t be a risk of an overdose. There have also been no reports of serious side effects from taking too many tablets. You may feel sick or have irregular bleeding. If you have vomited after taking Levonorgestrel, report it to your clinician as soon as possible as it might mean the tablet hasn’t worked. In this case, you might be advised to take another one.