Levonorgestrel

What is Levonorgestrel?

Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive pill used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g. missed pill, condom break).

It is most effective when taken as soon as possible, ideally within 12 hours, but can be used up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.

How it works:

Levonorgestrel is a synthetic version of the natural hormone progesterone. It works mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). If taken before ovulation occurs, it can stop fertilisation from happening.

Usage:

• Take one tablet (1.5mg) orally as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 12 hours, but no later than 72 hours (3 days).

• The tablet can be taken with or without food.

• If you vomit within 3 hours of taking Levonelle®, another dose may be required.

• Levonorgestrel is for occasional emergency use only and should not replace regular contraception.

Important Information:

• • For women of childbearing age

  • Works best the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex

  • Not an abortion pill — it will not work if you are already pregnant

  • Less effective if you are overweight (BMI > 26 or weight > 70kg) — ellaOne® may be a more suitable option

  • May interact with certain medicines (e.g. epilepsy treatments, HIV medicines, some antibiotics, herbal remedies like St. John’s Wort)

  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

  • Regular contraception methods (e.g. pill, implant, IUD) are more reliable for ongoing protection