About Levonorgestrel 1.5mg Morning After Pill

Levonorgestrel is a single-dose medication used for emergency contraception. It is known as “the morning after pill” but can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after sexual intercourse. However, like other emergency contraception, the sooner you take it, the more effective it is. Levonorgestrel is a generic version of the Levonelle.

Levonorgestrel morning after pill can be taken at any time in your menstrual cycle, assuming you are not already pregnant or think you may be pregnant. It does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases and should not be relied upon when having unprotected sex.

How effective is the Levonorgestrel morning after pill?

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets contain a synthetic hormone-like active substance called levonorgestrel, which prevents around 84% of expected pregnancies when taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. It will not prevent a pregnancy every time and is more effective the sooner you take it.

It is advised to take the Levonorgestrel morning after pill if you have had unprotected intercourse in the early (before day 10) or late stages (after day 16) of your menstrual cycle. If unprotected sex occurs in the middle of your cycle, the most effective emergency contraception method is the ellaOne morning after pill.

How does Levonorgestrel work?

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets contain a synthetic hormone-like active substance called levonorgestrel, which stops ovulation by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus.

How to take the Levonorgestrel morning after pill

One Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablet should be taken as soon as possible, with water, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex. If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking it, another tablet should be taken immediately.

After using emergency contraception, you still need to use normal contraception for future sexual intercourse. You can continue to take the contraceptive pill after taking Levonorgestrel.

How to buy Levonorgestrel online

You can buy Levonorgestrel online by completing an online assessment with our emergency contraception clinic. Our prescribers will review your consultation and issue your prescription on the same day, which can be delivered securely and discretely to your door. If you have any questions or concerns, our pharmacists are more than happy to help.

Who can take the Levonorgestrel morning after pill?

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets are not intended for use before the first menstrual bleeding.

If you have taken the morning after pill in the past 4 weeks, Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets may work less effectively for you.

Some medicines can prevent Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets from working effectively, including:

  • Barbiturates and other medicines used to treat epilepsy
  • Medicines used to treat tuberculosis
  • Treatment for HIV
  • Medicine used to treat fungal infections
  • Herbal remedies containing St John’s wort

If you take any of these medications, a doctor can prescribe another type of (non-hormonal) emergency contraceptive. If you are unable to see a doctor promptly, you can take a double dose of Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets (i.e. 2 tablets taken together at the same time).

The use of Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets is also not advised if you have:

  • A disease of your small bowel (such as Crohn’s disease)
  • Severe liver problems
  • A history of ectopic pregnancy
  • A history of salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes)

Can you take Levonorgestrel if you are breastfeeding?

The active ingredient levonorgestrel is excreted into your breast milk, so it’s recommended you take it immediately after breastfeeding your baby and avoid nursing at least 8 hours following. Before nursing your baby again, you should use a breast pump to drain any milk produced in that time and dispose of it.

Common Levonorgestrel Side Effects

Common Levonorgestrel side effects include:

  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Irregular bleeding until your next period
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Tiredness
  • Headaches

You may also experience breast tenderness, diarrhoea, a slightly earlier or later period to normal or vomiting. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the Levonorgestrel morning after pill, you will need to take another dose. Although your period may be earlier or than expected as a side effect of taking the morning after pill, if your period is more than 5 days late, unusually light or heavy, you should contact a GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Severe Levonorgestrel Side Effects

Although rare, it is important to be aware of severe side effects from taking Levonorgestrel:

  • Rash
  • Urticaria
  • Pruritus
  • Face swelling
  • Pelvic pain
  • Painful periods

If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your GP or local A&E.

Please read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.

How often can you take the Levonorgestrel morning after pill?

You should only take Levonorgestrel in emergencies and not as a regular method of contraception. If a Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablet is used more than once in a menstrual cycle, it is less reliable and more likely to disrupt your menstrual cycle.

Active Ingredients

Levonorgestrel 1500 mcg

Important Information

  • Keep out of the SIGHT and REACH of children.
  • This medicine will not work if you are already pregnant.