About levonorgestrel
Progestin emergency contraceptive
Used for
- Prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure
Usual adult dose
Take 1.5 mg once as soon as possible, within 72 hours after sex.
Usual dose in children
For adolescents who can become pregnant: same dose as adults.
Common side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Changes to menstrual bleeding
Important warnings
- Does not end an established pregnancy or protect against later sex.
- May be less effective with higher body weight or certain medicines.
- Seek medical assessment for severe abdominal pain or a late period.
- If vomiting occurs within two hours, another dose may be needed.
Pregnancy
Not effective once pregnancy is established; available evidence does not suggest harm to an existing pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible with breastfeeding; a single dose does not usually require interruption.
Interactions
- Enzyme-inducing medicines, including rifampin, some seizure medicines, and St John’s wort, may reduce effectiveness.
- Some HIV medicines may reduce effectiveness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.