Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive. This medicine is used to prevent pregnancy after an unprotected sex or if there is a failure from your usual contraceptive.
Take Levonorgestrel exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Levonorgestrel is preferably to be taken within 12 hours and not later than 72 hours (3 days) after you have an unprotected sex. Try to take it as soon as possible.
If you vomit within 2 hours after taking this medicine, take another dose.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you forget to take Levonorgestrel after an unprotected sex, let your doctor know.
Alert your doctor if you are pregnant as Levonorgestrel may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- malabsorption disorder
- ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside the womb)
Levonorgestrel is for emergency contraception only. Do not take it as a regular birth control method.
This medicine does not prevent you from the risk of getting HIV infection or any other sexually transmitted disease. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid getting these disease.
Levonorgestrel may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, lower stomach pain, tiredness, delayed or irregular menstruation and breast tenderness.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for tuberculosis or TB e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, nevirapine, efavirenz
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. griseofulvin
- herbal medicine e.g. St. John’s Wort
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Levonorgestrel.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.