Levonelle One Step(Levonorgestrel) The Morning After Pill Pack of 1

Levonelle One Step is an emergency contraceptive used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (for example, a condom split or missed pills). It should be taken as soon as possible, and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.

It contains levonorgestrel 1.5mg, a synthetic hormone-like substance. It is more effective the sooner it is taken, ideally within 12 hours.

How it is thought to work:

• Stops the ovaries releasing an egg (ovulation)
• Prevents sperm fertilising an egg if one has already been released

Important notes (pharmacy-style):

• Levonelle One Step does not work if you are already pregnant and it is not an abortion pill.
• It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms help protect against STIs.
• It is for emergency use only, not a regular contraception method.

Pack size: 1 tablet. 

Always take this medicine exactly as described in the patient leaflet or as advised by a pharmacist/doctor.

Dose:

• Take 1 tablet by mouth as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours, and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex/contraceptive failure. Swallow whole with water.

If you vomit:

• If you are sick (vomit) within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you should take another tablet. Seek advice promptly for a replacement tablet.

If you’re taking certain medicines (enzyme inducers):

• Some medicines can make Levonelle less effective. If you have used certain medicines in the last 4 weeks, a copper IUD (Cu-IUD) may be recommended, or you may be advised to take a double dose (2 tablets together) if Cu-IUD is not an option. Speak to a pharmacist/doctor.

After taking Levonelle One Step:

• Use condoms (or cap + spermicide) until your next period, as Levonelle will not protect you from pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again before then.
• If your period is more than 5 days late, unusually light/heavy, or you have pregnancy symptoms, seek advice and do a pregnancy test.
• A check-up around 3 weeks after taking is advised to ensure it has worked.

Age advice:

• Not recommended for young women under 16; if under 16, the leaflet advises attending a doctor or family planning clinic for emergency contraception. 

Active ingredient:

• Levonorgestrel 1500 micrograms (1.5mg) per tablet.

Other ingredients:

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

Allergen/Intolerance info:

• Contains lactose (milk sugar). If you have been told you have an intolerance to some sugars, speak to a healthcare professional before use.

Do not take if:

• You are allergic to levonorgestrel or any other ingredient.

Speak to a doctor/pharmacist before use if:

• Your period is more than 5 days late, you’ve had unusual bleeding, or you think you may already be pregnant (it will not work if you are already pregnant).
• You have Crohn’s disease/small bowel disease that may reduce absorption, severe liver problems, a history of ectopic pregnancy, or salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes).
• You have used certain interacting medicines in the last 4 weeks (e.g., some epilepsy medicines, rifampicin/rifabutin, some HIV treatments, griseofulvin, St John’s wort) as these may reduce effectiveness.

Possible side effects:

Side effects are possible with any medicine. If you get any side effects or feel unwell, speak to a pharmacist/doctor. (See the leaflet for the full list.)

Seek urgent medical advice if:

• You develop severe lower abdominal pain after taking Levonelle (this could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy).

STI warning:

• This medicine does not protect against STIs. Use condoms to reduce STI risk.

Breastfeeding:

• Small amounts may pass into breast milk; the leaflet advises taking the tablet immediately after a feed and avoiding nursing for at least 8 hours after taking it if concerned.