Levonorgestrel

Description

Levonorgestrel (brand names: Levonelle / NorLevo / Postinor / Plan B) is an emergency contraception pill. It can prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

Levonorgestrel contains two pills taken 12 hours apart that contain a higher dose of levonorgestrel, a hormone found in many birth control pills that healthcare professionals have been prescribing for more than 35 years. Levonorgestrel works in a similar way to prevent pregnancy. Levonorgestrel will not affect an existing pregnancy.

You can use Levonorgestrel after you've had unprotected sex one or more times in the last 72 hours (3 days), and you don't want to become pregnant.

Levonorgestrel can be used as a backup method to birth control if, for example:

Your regular birth control failed (your partner's condom broke or slipped)
You made a mistake with your regular method (you forgot to take your birth control pills)
You didn't use any birth control method

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Levonorgestrel exactly as directed.

Take Levonorgestrel as soon as possible after suspected birth control failure or after you have unprotected sexual intercourse. The first dose must be taken within 72 hours. Take the second tablet 12 hours after the first tablet. However, your doctor may instruct you to take Levonorgestrel in a different way. Follow the directions provided by your doctor.

Levonorgestrel can be used any time during the menstrual cycle.

A physical exam is not needed before taking Levonorgestrel. If you are unsure about your general health or pregnancy status, a follow-up physical or pelvic exam may be needed after taking Levonorgestrel.

If you miss a dose of Levonorgestrel, contact your doctor right away.

Levonorgestrel should not be used as regular birth control.

Precautions

Do not use Levonorgestrel if you are already pregnant.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: levonorgestrel.