Levonelle One-Step 1.5mg Emergency Contraceptive Tablet

Levonelle One-Step is a single-tablet emergency contraceptive containing levonorgestrel 1500 micrograms. It is intended for use within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or if your usual contraceptive method has failed, such as a missed pill, condom split, or other contraceptive accident. It works best the sooner it is taken, ideally within 12 hours.

Levonelle One-Step contains a synthetic hormone-like substance called levonorgestrel. According to the patient leaflet, it prevents about 84% of expected pregnancies when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is thought to work by helping to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg and by helping to prevent sperm from fertilising an egg that may already have been released.

This medicine is for emergency contraception only. It does not provide ongoing contraception, does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and does not work if you are already pregnant. If you have unprotected sex again after taking it and before your next period, it will not continue to protect you from pregnancy.

Each pack contains one round, white tablet marked with “G00” on one side. 

Take 1 tablet by mouth as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew it. Levonelle One-Step can be taken at any time in your menstrual cycle, provided you are not already pregnant or do not think you may be pregnant.

If you are taking, or have taken in the last 4 weeks, medicines that may reduce how well Levonelle One-Step works, a doctor may recommend a non-hormonal emergency contraceptive, such as a copper IUD. If that is not suitable or not available promptly, the leaflet states that a double dose may be taken, meaning 2 tablets together at the same time, following advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Medicines that may reduce effectiveness include certain treatments for epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV, fungal infections, and herbal remedies containing St John’s wort.

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you should take another tablet as soon as possible and seek advice from a pharmacist, doctor, practice nurse or family planning clinic.

After taking Levonelle One-Step:

• If you have sex again before your next period and you are not using the contraceptive pill, use condoms or a cap plus spermicide.
• If your period is more than 5 days late, unusually light, unusually heavy, or you think you may be pregnant, take a pregnancy test and contact a healthcare professional.
• The leaflet advises arranging follow-up with a doctor around 3 weeks later to make sure the treatment has worked. 

Active ingredient:

Levonorgestrel 1500 micrograms per tablet.

Other ingredients:

Potato starch, maize starch, colloidal silica anhydrous, magnesium stearate, talc, lactose monohydrate.

Allergy / intolerance advice:

Contains lactose monohydrate. The leaflet states each tablet contains 142.5 mg lactose monohydrate, so this should be considered if you have been told you have an intolerance to some sugars. 

Possible side effects

Very common side effects, which may affect more than 1 in 10 people:

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

Common side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Being sick (vomiting)
• Changes to your next period, including periods arriving earlier or later than expected
• Spotting or irregular bleeding
• Tender breasts
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness

Very rare side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people:

• Abdominal pain
• Rash
• Urticaria
• Pruritus
• Swelling of the face
• Pelvic pain
• Painful period

Important warnings

Do not use Levonelle One-Step if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the ingredients in the tablet.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if:

• you think you may already be pregnant or your period is more than 5 days late
• you had unprotected sex more than 72 hours ago since your last period
• you have Crohn’s disease or another condition affecting absorption
• you have severe liver problems
• you have a history of ectopic pregnancy or salpingitis
• you are concerned about interaction with other medicines.

Levonelle One-Step is not an abortion pill and will not end an existing pregnancy. It is not recommended for young women under 16 years of age according to the leaflet.

This medicine will not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Only condoms can help reduce the risk of STIs.

If you are breastfeeding, the leaflet states that very small amounts of the active ingredient may pass into breast milk. To reduce this further, you can take the tablet immediately after a feed and avoid nursing for at least 8 hours afterwards. 

Find Leaflet Here