Indications

This contraception is used as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after the unprotected sexual intercourse, particularly. If you have had a sexual intercourse whereas either yourself or your partner did not use a contraceptive method

If you have forgotten to take consecutive 3 regular contraceptive pills

If your partner’s condom has broken, slipped or been improperly removed or if he has forgotten to use it

If you fear that your intrauterine device has been expelled

If your vaginal diaphragm or your contraceptive cap has moved or if have removed it too easily

If you are afraid that the method of coitus interruptus has failed or if you have had sexual intercourse during the period when you are supposed to be fertile while using the rhythm method

In the event of rape

Therapeutic Class

Emergency Contraceptive Pill, Oral Contraceptive preparations

Description

Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive pill for women. Levonorgestrel should be used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It should not be taken as regular birth control pill. This medicine is also known as morning after pill. Levonorgestrel belongs to a group of medicines called progestogen.

Pharmacology

Levonorgestrel is a progestin or a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. In a woman’s normal menstrual cycle, an egg matures and is released from the ovaries (ovulation). The ovary then produces progesterone, preventing the release of further eggs and priming the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels in the body remain high, maintaining the womb lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels in the body fall, resulting in a menstrual period. Levonorgestrel tricks the body processes into thinking that ovulation has already occurred, by maintaining high levels of the synthetic progesterone. This prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries.

Dosage

The treatment necessitates the intake of one tablet. One Levonorgestrel tablet must be taken as soon as possible preferably within 12 hours, after the unprotected intercourse and no longer than within 72 hours (3 days) after the intercourse. Levonorgestrel can be taken at any moment during the menstrual cycle. After using an emergency contraception, it is recommended to use a local contraceptive mean (condom, spermicide, cervical cap) until the next menstrual period resume.

The use of Levonorgestrel does not contraindicate the continuation of regular hormonal contraception. If you have used this medicine while you were using an oral contraception (contraceptive pill), you should carry on taking the usual tablets until the end of the treatment. In case no menstrual period occurs in the next pill free period following the use of Levonorgestrel, a pregnancy test should be performed to rule out a pregnancy.

Administration

One tablet should be taken orally with a glass of water.

Interaction

Simultaneous administration of certain anticonvulsant agents (phenobarbiton, phenytoin, primidone, carbamazepin), also other medications such as rafimpicin and griseofulvin can reduce or suppress the effectiveness of this emergency contraception.

Contraindications

If you have hypersensitivity to Levonorgestrel.

Side Effects

Undesirable effects which have been observed are:

Nausea and vomiting

Dizziness, fatigue, headache

Abdominal pain

A feeling of breast tenderness

Bleeding can occur after taking this medicine

Inform doctor of any unwanted effect which is not mentioned here

Pregnancy & Lactation

The medicine is not indicated in case of pre-existing pregnancy and cannot interrupt it in case of failure of this contraceptive mean with persisting pregnancy. Epidemiological studies indicates no adverse effects of progestogen on malformation of a fetus. Lactation is possible. However, since Levonorgestrel is secreted into breast milk it is suggested that you breast feed immediately before taking each tablet and that you skip nursing following each Levonorgestrel tablet administration.