Levonorgestrel: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Levonorgestrel?

What is Levonorgestrel for?

Levonorgestrel is a drug used in women to prevent pregnancy after a birth control failure (such as a broken condom) or having unprotected sex. This drug is a progestin hormone that prevents pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) and changes the uterus and cervical mucus to make it harder for eggs and sperm to meet (fertilize) or attach to the uterine wall (implantation).

Using this medicine will neither abort existing pregnancies nor protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (eg HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).

This drug may not work well in women who are overweight (more than 74 kg). Talk with your doctor for more details and see if this treatment is right for you.

This medicine should not be used as a regular birth control tool.

How is Levonorgestrel used?

Use this medication by mouth as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Your instructions for using it depend on the brand used. Therefore, check the label on the brand of your medicine and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Use as directed, usually 2 tablets straight away, or take 1 tablet and then use a second tablet 12 hours after the first tablet. This medication can be used with or without food. This medication works best when used within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.

If you vomit within 2 hours while using this medication, call your doctor to discuss whether you need to repeat or change the dose.

The number and time of discharge may be irregular after using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if your period is more than 7 days late. You may need a pregnancy test.

How is Levonorgestrel stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Levonorgestrel dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Levonorgestrel for adults?

Take one Plan B tablet by mouth as soon as possible within 72 hours of unprotected sex or if you suspect contraception has failed. Efficacy is better if tablets are used as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The second tablet should be used 12 hours after the first drug. Plan B can be used at any time of the menstrual cycle.

If you vomit within two hours of using this dose of medication, consideration should be given to repeated dosing of this medication.

What is the dose of Levonorgestrel for children?

The dosage for children is not determined. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosage is Levonorgestrel available?

Tablet, Oral: 1.5 mg.

Levonorgestrel side effects

What side effects can I experience due to Levonorgestrel?

Seek emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you have severe pain in your lower abdomen or sides. This may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that is implanted in the fallopian tube and not in the uterus). An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency.

Less serious side effects include:

• nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain
• dizziness, feeling tired
• breast pain
• changes in menstrual periods
• headache

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about the side effects please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Levonorgestrel Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Levonorgestrel?

Before using levonorgestrel,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, any other drug, or any of the ingredients in levonogestrel tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or planning to use. Be sure to mention the following: sleeping anesthetics such as phenobarbital or secobarbital (Seconal); bosentan (Tracleer); griseofulvin (Fulvicin-U / F, Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG); Certain drugs used to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) include amprenavir (Agenerase), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), etravirine (Intelence), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Invirase); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), and topiramate (Topamax); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Levonorgestrel may not work well or may cause more side effects when used with this medication
• tell your doctor what herbal products you use, especially St. John's wort
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not use levonorgestrel if you are already pregnant. Levonorgestrel will not abort a pregnancy that has already occurred
• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding
• You should know that after you take levonorgestrel that your next period will return to normal a week sooner or later than expected. If your next period is more than 1 week late after the estimated time, contact your doctor. You may be pregnant and your doctor may tell you to take a pregnancy test.

Is Levonorgestrel safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Levonorgestrel Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Levonorgestrel?

Interactions with other drugs can affect how the drug works and increase the risk of dangerous side effects. This article does not list all possible drug interactions. Record all medicinal products you use (including prescription, non-prescription and herbal medicines) and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's permission.

• bosentan, griseofulvin, insulin, St. John's wort, topiramate;
• a barbiturate – butabarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital, and others; a blood thinner – warfarin, Coumadin; HIV / AIDS drugs - efavirenz, nevirapine, ritonavir; seizure medication – carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone; steroids – prednisone, fluticasone, mometasone, dexamethasone, and others; tuberculosis medication – rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine.

Can food or alcohol interact with Levonorgestrel?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Levonorgestrel?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially diabetes.

Levonorgestrel overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of an overdose include nausea and vomiting.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.