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Overview

Levonorgestrel

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel is primarily used for the prevention of pregnancy. The net cumulative 5-year pregnancy rate for levonorgestrel implant use has been reported to be from 1.5-3.9 pregnancies/100 users. It is a very efficient, yet reversible, method of contraception.

The long duration of action may be particularly advantageous in women who desire an extended period of contraceptive protection without sacrificing the possibility of future fertility.

Levonorgestrel is a progestin that is used as contraception. It is a hormone that is used by women to avoid unwanted pregnancy after unprotected sexual activity (or in case of condom breakage or failure of other forms of birth control that you may have taken).

Levonorgestrel stops ovulation in a number of ways. It changes the path of either the sperm or the eggs. In other cases it changes the lining of the uterus should implantation happen. It is only effective when you take Levonorgestrel immediately after intercourse or just before gestation has taken place.

Do not attempt to remove implants - see prescriber. The probable side effects associated with the use of Levonorgestrel are breast tenderness, problems in menstrual flow, fatigue, diarrhea, lightheadedness, abdominal pain. In case of severe side effects visit a doctor right away.

These are skin allergies, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, swelling of your facial region, missed periods, blood spotting. Avoid using this medicine if:

  • You are planning to become pregnant or are nursing a baby.
  • You are taking any prescriptive or over the counter drugs or herbal medications or dietary supplements.
  • You are allergic to any kind of medicines, foods or substances.
  • You suffer from a tendency of tubal pregnancy.
  • You are diabetic.
  • You are under seventeen years of age.
  • You are taking particularly any antifungals, anticoagulants or valproic acid.

In case of suspected birth control failure take Levonorgestrel as prescribed by your doctor. In case you are following the instructions on the label take it within 72 hours to make its working effective.

The second dose needs to be taken about 12 hours after the first. Should you miss a dose consult your doctor immediately. Have yourself checked after 3 weeks of using Levonorgestrel in order to ensure that you are not pregnant.

You may experience photosensitivity (use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and eyewear, and avoid direct sunlight); dizziness or sleeplessness (use caution when driving or engaging in hazardous tasks until response to drug is known); skin rash, change in skin color, loss of hair, or unusual menses (breakthrough bleeding, irregularity, excessive bleeding - these should resolve after the first month).

Report swelling, pain, or excessive feelings of warmth in calves, sudden acute headache, or visual disturbance, unusual nausea or vomiting, and any loss of feeling in arms or legs, unusual menses (if they persist past first month), and irritation at insertion site.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Laser Gynae before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Levonorgestrel

    • Emergency Contraception

    • Long Term Contraception

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Laser Gynae before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Levonorgestrel ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Laser Gynae before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Levonorgestrel ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Laser Gynae before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Levonorgestrel

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      This medicine remains active in the system for up to 7 days.

    • What is the onset of action?

      This medicine is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration and reaches the peak levels within 1.5-2.5 hours.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy in near future. This medicine should be taken only after chances of being pregnant are ruled out.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine can be used by women who are breastfeeding if the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved with use. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Limited information is available regarding its use in patients with kidney disease. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Limited information is available regarding its use in patients with liver disease. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Laser Gynae before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Contact your doctor immediately if you miss a scheduled dose of a multi-dose therapy with this medicine.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact your doctor if an overdose with this is medicine is suspected.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Laser Gynae before using this medicine.

    Where is the Levonorgestrel approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Laser Gynae before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Levonorgestrel

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Levonorgestrel as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Laser Gynae before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication acts as a nortestosterone derivative and is a potent inhibitor of ovulation. This medicine also prevents fertilization of the egg and reduces the secretion of hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Laser Gynae before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Levonorgestrel ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Avoid or minimize the consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Thyroid function tests

        Use of this medicine can potentially interfere with thyroid function test and give false values. Report the use of this medicine to the doctor before undergoing a thyroid function test.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Carbamazepine

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Using these medicines together may reduce the efficacy of Levonorgestrel and may cause an unintended pregnancy. You are advised to use alternate means of birth control while taking Carbamazepine.

        Griseofulvin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. The use of an antifungal medication may reduce the efficacy of Levonorgestrel, increasing the risk of bleeding and unintended pregnancy. You are advised to not use these medicines together or consult a doctor for suitable dose adjustments to be made.

        Phenytoin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Using these medicines together may reduce the efficacy of Levonorgestrel and may cause an unintended pregnancy. You are advised to use alternate means of birth control while taking Phenytoin.

        Tranexamic Acid

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Taking these medicine together may increase the risk of blood clots and associated complications. Any sign and symptom indicative of internal blood clot formation viz. chest pain, breathing difficulties, pain and swelling of arms and legs should be reported to the doctor.

        Bosentan

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Using these medicines together may reduce the efficacy of Levonorgestrel and may cause an unintended pregnancy. You are advised to use alternate means of birth control while taking Bosentan.

        Amprenavir

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Using these medicines together may reduce the efficacy of Levonorgestrel and may cause an unintended pregnancy. You are advised to use alternate means of birth control while taking Amprenavir or any other antiviral medicine.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Liver Tumor

        This medicine should not be used in patients having a tumor in the liver. Consumption of this medicine may worsen the symptoms of the disease and hence use should be avoided.

        Intracranial Hypertension

        This medicine is not recommended for use in patients having a current of past history of increased pressure around the brain. Patients suffering from frequent and unpredictable headaches, difficulties in vision should report the use of this medicine to the doctor.

        Liver Disease

        This medicine is not recommended for use in patients having an impairment of the liver function due to a disease or any other contributing factor. Use of this medicine, especially long term, should be stopped if jaundice or associated symptoms are observed.

        Fluid Retention And Edema

        The use of a high dose of this medicine for prolonged durations may cause fluid retention and associated complications in some patients. This medicine should be given with caution in patients with a history of edema.

        Retinal Thrombosis

        Use of this medicine may cause the blockage of blood vessels in the eyes causing partial or complete loss of vision. This medicine should be used with caution in patients having a pre-existing condition of the eye. Any abnormality in vision while using this medicine should be reported to the doctor.
      • Interaction with Food

        Food

        Information not available.

      FAQs about Levonorgestrel

      • Ques : When Levonorgestrel should be taken?

        Ans : Levonorgestrel is a medicine which should be taken right away after unprotected sex. it is highly recommended to take this medicine within 24 hours or before 72 hours, otherwise the medicine would not work or become useless. this type of medication is adequate only, when taken on time.

      • Ques : Is Levonorgestrel safe to use?

        Ans : Levonorgestrel can cause nausea and disturb the menstrual cycle.

      • Ques : How can i use Levonorgestrel to avoid pregnancy?

        Ans : Levonorgestrel is a medication which is used for the treatment of below mentioned causes:

        1. avoid pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
        2. avoid pregnancy for up to three years.
        3. reduces or stop the short-term change of menopause.
        4. hormonal contraceptive and other conditions.

      • Ques : Do periods occur after taking Levonorgestrel?

        Ans : Levonorgestrel is a emergency contraceptive pill which is used for temporary birth control and it also affects the menstrual cycle. usually, it can change the duration of the monthly menstrual cycle by making them come a week earlier or a week later than usual.

      References

      • Levonorgestrel-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/levonorgestrel

      • Levonorgestrel-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00367

      • LEVONORGESTREL tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=LEVONORGESTREL

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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