Levonorgestrel 1.5mg Emergency Contraception Tablet

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg Tablets are an emergency contraceptive that can be used within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or if your usual contraception has failed (for example a split/slipped condom).

It works best the sooner you take it (ideally within 12 hours). It reduces the chance of pregnancy but will not prevent pregnancy every time, and it does not work if you are already pregnant (it is not an abortion pill).

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is thought to work mainly by stopping an egg being released and preventing fertilisation.

Important: it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), only condoms can do this.

Always take this medicine exactly as described in the leaflet or as you have been told.

• Take 1 tablet as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours, and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water (do not chew).
• Can be taken at any time in your menstrual cycle if you are not already pregnant.
• If you vomit within 3 hours, take another tablet immediately.

After taking it

• If you have sex before your next period, use condoms (or a cap plus spermicide) because this tablet will not protect you for the rest of the cycle.
• Arrange follow-up if your next period is more than 5 days late, unusually light, or unusually heavy.

Other medicines

• Some medicines can make levonorgestrel less effective (certain epilepsy medicines, TB medicines, HIV medicines, griseofulvin, St John’s wort). In some cases you may be advised to use a different emergency contraception or a different dose.

Active ingredient: levonorgestrel 1.5mg per tablet.

Other ingredients: lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone K30, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate.

Contains lactose: each tablet contains 140.1mg lactose monohydrate.

Do not take if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or any ingredient.

Speak to a healthcare professional before use if you have:

• a history of ectopic pregnancy or salpingitis,
• severe liver problems,
• Crohn’s disease (may reduce absorption).

Effectiveness and weight: there is some evidence levonorgestrel may be less effective with increasing body weight/BMI, though data are limited and inconclusive.

Breastfeeding: levonorgestrel passes into breast milk; the leaflet advises taking the tablet immediately after breastfeeding and avoiding nursing for at least 8 hours afterwards.

Possible side effects can include feeling sick, headache, tummy pain, breast tenderness, diarrhoea, dizziness or tiredness; spotting or changes to the timing/flow of your next period can occur.

Seek medical advice urgently if you develop severe lower abdominal pain (especially with dizziness/faintness) or if you think you may be pregnant, to rule out ectopic pregnancy.

Find Leaflet Here