Levonorgestrel 1.5mg

Overview of Levonorgestrel

What is Levonorgestrel?

Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraception that is used after unprotected sex, or in cases when contraception has failed. Levonorgestrel, classified as a progestin hormone, serves as a crucial ingredient in various birth control methods. It is a synthetic form of progesterone, a naturally occurring female hormone, that plays a significant role in ovulation and menstruation. Levonorgestrel is found in numerous contraceptive products, from intrauterine devices (IUDs) to emergency contraceptive pills, and is instrumental in preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Levonorgestrel Generic

Levonorgestrel remains identical, irrespective of the brand. Generic drugs tend to be more affordable than their branded counterparts, yet they maintain the same efficacy, dosage, and safety profiles. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that all generic drugs meet these standards.

Is Levonorgestrel the Same as Levonelle?

Levonelle is a brand name for a morning-after pill that contains Levonorgestrel. The active ingredient, Levonorgestrel, remains the same, but Levonelle is a specific branded version of the drug. Levonelle and other levonorgestrel-based morning-after pills work similarly, providing an effective emergency contraception option when taken within a specific time frame following unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

Levonorgestrel Brand Name

Levonorgestrel is available under various brand names, including Plan B One-Step, Take Action, My Way, AfterPill, and Levonelle, among others. Each of these brands uses Levonorgestrel as their active ingredient, but the exact formulation, dosage, and instructions for use vary slightly between brands. Always follow the specific instructions provided by the brand used.

Levonorgestrel Manufacturer

Numerous pharmaceutical companies manufacture levonorgestrel-based products worldwide. These include Teva Pharmaceuticals, Gedeon Richter, and Bayer, among others. These manufacturers are dedicated to ensuring the production of high-quality, effective levonorgestrel products.

Levonorgestrel Uses and Effectiveness

Levonorgestrel Effectiveness

Levonorgestrel proves extremely effective when used correctly. As an emergency contraceptive, when taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, Levonorgestrel reduces the chance of pregnancy by up to 89%. Its effectiveness decreases over time, making it critical to take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

How does The Morning After Pill Work?

The morning-after pill, which contains Levonorgestrel, works primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation. The morning-after-pill prevents an egg from releasing from the ovary, or it stops sperm from fertilising an egg that has already been released. Levonorgestrel is not effective if a woman is already pregnant, and it does not terminate an existing pregnancy.

What does Levonorgestrel do to hormones?

Levonorgestrel interacts with the hormonal balance within the female body, specifically influencing the ovulation process. Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen, that is used to prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries during the menstrual cycle, a process known as ovulation. It makes the vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilisation) and change the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent the attachment of a fertilised egg. The British National Formulary provides more in-depth details about how Levonorgestrel affects hormones.

Is Morning After Pill Levonorgestrel The Best Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception using Levonorgestrel is a common and effective choice for many women. However, determining the "best" option depends on individual circumstances, including timing, personal medical history, and the specific situation. Levonorgestrel is effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, according to the National Health Service.

Levonorgestrel Buying and Availability

Can you buy Levonorgestrel?

Yes, Levonorgestrel is available for purchase. It is accessible both online and at physical pharmacies.

Can I buy Levonorgestrel in a pharmacy?

Yes, Levonorgestrel is available for purchase in pharmacies. A consultation with a pharmacist may be necessary to ensure the medication's safe and appropriate use.

How much is Levonorgestrel in the UK?

The cost of Levonorgestrel varies depending on factors such as the brand and the specific retailer, on average, a Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill costs around £14-35 in the UK. However, it's worth noting that costs have the potential to change, and it's always a good idea to check with the pharmacy for the most current prices.

Is the morning after pill free?

In the UK, the morning-after pill (Levonorgestrel) is often obtained for free from certain services such as NHS sexual health clinics, some GP surgeries, and some contraception clinics. However, when purchasing from a pharmacy or online, there is typically a cost involved.

Where can I buy Levonorgestrel?

Levonorgestrel, often known as the morning-after pill, is purchased from various locations including pharmacies, some supermarkets with pharmacies, NHS sexual health or community contraception clinics, and certain websites.

Does Boots offer Levonorgestrel 1.5mg?

Boots offers Levonorgestrel-based emergency contraceptive pills. The contraceptives are sold in-store, or in some cases, online.

Levonorgestrel Product Details

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablet

The Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablet is a one-dose emergency contraceptive pill. It's designed to be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

Levonelle Pill

Levonelle is a brand name for Levonorgestrel. It is a single-dose emergency contraceptive pill that contains 1.5mg of Levonorgestrel.

Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol

Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol are active ingredients in many combined oral contraceptive pills, they work together to prevent pregnancies. They work together to prevent ovulation, change the cervical mucus to make it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg, and alter the womb lining to reduce the chances of a fertilised egg implanting and growing. Brands such as Microgynon and Rigevidon utilise this combination.

Ethinylestradiol Levonorgestrel

Ethinylestradiol Levonorgestrel refers to a type of combined oral contraceptive, commonly known as 'the pill'. It contains two types of female sex hormones: an oestrogen, ethinylestradiol, and a progestogen, Levonorgestrel. The combination works to prevent ovulation, thereby preventing pregnancy. It is important to note that while highly effective in preventing pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. 

Levonorgestrel Side Effects and Precautions

Morning After Pill Levonorgestrel Side Effects

The morning-after pill containing Levonorgestrel is generally well-tolerated. However, like most medications, it has the potential to cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and changes in menstrual periods. 

Levonorgestrel IUD

The Levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD), known by brand names like Mirena, is a long-term, reversible birth control method. It's placed in the uterus, where it releases Levonorgestrel over time. The IUD thickens the mucus on the cervix, inhibits sperm movement, and thins the lining of the uterus. The IUD has potential side effects, including irregular menstrual periods, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain. Please note the product is not related to Levonorgestrel IUD.

What to Do if You Are Sick (Vomit)?

If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking Levonorgestrel, the dose may not have been fully absorbed into the bloodstream. Consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure about what to do.

Can I Get Pregnant After Taking Levonorgestrel?

When taken correctly and within 72 hours Levonorgestrel prevents pregnancy. While Levonorgestrel is effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, no contraceptive is 100% effective. If one's period is late by a week or more after taking Levonorgestrel, a pregnancy test is recommended.