Levonelle is a well-established emergency hormonal contraceptive (EHC) used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or a failure in your regular contraceptive method. It is most effective the sooner it is taken.

How it works

Levonelle contains a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel, which is similar to the progesterone found in many regular birth control pills.

• The Window of Efficacy: It must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. It is significantly more effective if taken within the first 12 to 24 hours.

• Mechanism: It works primarily by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). By the time an egg is eventually released, any sperm present in the reproductive tract will no longer be viable.

• Important Note: Levonelle is not an "abortion pill." It will not work if you are already pregnant and will not harm an existing pregnancy.

Main ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Levonorgestrel 1.5mg

• Excipients: The tablet typically contains lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, colloidal anhydrous silica, and magnesium stearate.

• Allergy Warning: As this medication contains lactose, patients with a known intolerance to sugars should discuss this with their pharmacist during the consultation.

Side effects

Most women do not experience serious side effects. However, as it is a concentrated dose of hormones, you may notice:

• Very Common: Nausea (feeling sick), lower abdominal pain, tiredness, and headaches.

• Menstrual Changes: Your next period may be earlier, later, or heavier than usual. You might also experience irregular bleeding or spotting until your next cycle starts.

• Common: Dizziness, breast tenderness, or diarrhoea.

Cautions and warnings

• Vomiting: If you are sick (vomit) within 3 hours of taking Levonelle, the tablet may not have been absorbed. You must contact your pharmacist or GP immediately to obtain a replacement dose.

• Weight/BMI: There is some evidence that Levonelle may be less effective in women with a high BMI (over 26 or those weighing more than 70kg). In these cases, a double dose or a different type of emergency contraception (like the copper IUD or ellaOne) may be recommended.

• Drug Interactions: Certain medicines used for epilepsy, HIV, or tuberculosis, as well as the herbal remedy St John’s Wort, can make Levonelle less effective.

• Breastfeeding: Levonelle is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, to minimise the amount of hormone the baby receives, it is advised to take the tablet immediately after a feed.

• Ongoing Protection: Levonelle only protects you for one specific instance of unprotected sex. It does not provide contraceptive cover for the rest of your cycle. You must use a barrier method (like condoms) until your next period.