What is Levonorgestrel?
How does it work?
Levonorgestrel is a contraceptive oral progestogen type emergency synthesis, which acts on ovulation and implantation. Its bioavailability is almost 100% and does not undergo first-pass metabolism.
The Cmax of a 75 mg dose is 14.1 ng / ml at a Tmax of 1.6h. The levonorgestrel is binds serum albumin by 50% and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) 47.5%. Primary metabolites are 3a, 5b-, 3a, 5a-tetrahydro levonorgestrel and 16b-hydroxy norgestrel, and together constitute less than 10% of plasma concentrations. There are also quantities of small sulfate metabolites and glucuronides in plasma. The t½e is 24 h. The levonorgestrel is excreted in the form of metabolites in urine and to a lesser extent in stool.
What are the benefits of taking it?
Levonorgestrel contains as an active substance a substance called levonorgestrel which is a synthetic hormone. Avoid about 85% of expected pregnancies when taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. It will not always prevent pregnancy and is most effective if taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex. It is better to take it in the first 12 hours than to delay it until the third day. Levonorgestrel uses include acting by:
- preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg
- preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg that may have been released
- preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus.
How do I use it and its dosage?
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.
You can take the Levonelle tablet at any time during the menstrual cycle except if you are already pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Take the entire tablet with a little water and do not chew it.
If you are using one of the medicines that can prevent Levonorgestrel from working properly in the last 4 weeks, Levonorgestrel may be less effective for you. Your doctor may prescribe another type of emergency contraception (non-hormonal), that is, a copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD). If this is not an option for you or if you cannot see your doctor quickly, you can take a double dose of Levonorgestrel (i.e. 4 tablets taken at the same time).
If you are already using a regular method of contraception, such as oral contraceptives, you can continue to take it as regularly.
If you have unprotected sex after taking Levonorgestrel (also if this occurs during the same menstrual cycle), the tablet will not exert its contraceptive effect and there is again a risk of pregnancy.
Side effects & precautions
Like all medicines, Levonorgestrel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Possible side effects are listed below based on their frequency:
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
- Nausea
- Irregular bleeding until the next menstruation
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Fatigue
- Headache
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Your period may be different. Most women will have a normal period at the expected time, but some may have the period later or earlier than normal. You may also have irregular or spotty bleeding until your next period. If your period is more than 5 days late or is exceptionally short or severe, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
- Increased breast tenderness, diarrhea, or dizziness after taking this medication.
Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
- Rash, hives, itching, and swelling of the face, pelvic pain, painful menstruation.
Warnings and precautions
If any of the following affects you, tell your doctor before taking Levonorgestrel as emergency contraception may not be suitable for you. Your doctor may prescribe another type of emergency contraception for you.
If you are pregnant or think you might be; This medicine will not work if you are already pregnant. If you are already pregnant, Levonorgestrel cannot terminate the pregnancy, since Levonorgestrel is not an “abortion pill”.
You may already be pregnant if:
- your period is more than 5 days late, or if you have had abnormal bleeding when you should have your next period;
Levonorgestrel is not recommended if:
- you have a disease of the small intestine (such as Crohn’s disease) that inhibits the absorption of the medicine;
- you have severe liver problems
- You have a history of ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus)
- you have a history of inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis).
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