Name Levonorgestrel
Classes Hormonal Agent
Hormone Combination
Contraceptive
Diseases

Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progesterone analogue. Levonorgestrel tablets prevent conception by suppressing ovulation in approximately half of the cycles in users, thickening the cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration, lowering the midcycle LH and FSH peaks, slowing the movement of the ovum through the fallopian tubes, and altering the endometrium. 

Levonorgestrel tablets are indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy. 

One tablet of Levonorgestrel should be taken orally within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. After the first dose, the second tablet should be taken 12 hours later. Levonorgestrel is more effective when taken as directed as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. Levonorgestrel can be taken at any time of the menstrual cycle. If the user vomits within one hour of taking either dose of medication, she should contact her health care professional to discuss whether that dose should be repeated.

The following adverse reactions were reported with the use of Levonorgestrel-

  • Menstrual irregularity, changes in menstrual flow; breakthrough bleeding/spotting; amenorrhea, prolonged bleeding 
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain, cramps and bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Breast tenderness
  • Diarrhea
  • Menstrual bleeding patterns are frequently irregular in women who use progestin-only oral contraceptives, as well as in clinical studies of levonorgestrel for postcoital and emergency contraception use.
  • Ectopic pregnancies account for about 2% of all reported pregnancies (19.7 per 1,000 reported pregnancies).
  • Many studies have found no effects on fetal development from long-term use of oral progestin contraception doses (POPs). POPs have had no significant adverse effects on infant growth and development in the few studies that have been conducted.
  • Levonorgestrel, like progestin-only contraception, does not protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Breast milk contains trace amounts of progestin, which results in steroid levels in infant plasma. There have been no reports of negative effects on breastfeeding performance or infant health.
  • The limited data available do not show a significant delay in the return of normal ovulation and fertility after discontinuation of progestin-only oral contraceptives.

Contraindication

Contraindicated in women hypersensitive to any component of this product.

Contraindicated in-

  • Known or suspected pregnancy