Levonorgestrel

What is Levonorgestrel 0.75mg for?

There are 2 types of emergency contraception; the pill method and the insertion of a device called the copper intrauterine device (IUD). A copper IUD can prevent pregnancy because its presence is toxic to sperms. A woman might use emergency contraception if she forgot to take her birth control pills, if the condom broke or slipped off during sexual intercourse, or if no birth control methods were used.

Postinor-2, also known as “Morning-After Pill”, is one of the pill methods. It is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse.

How should I take or use Levonorgestrel 0.75mg?

• You may take this medication with or without food.
  
• You may take the medication at any time during the menstrual cycle.
• Take 2 tablets as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours of unprotected sex, but not later than 72 hours (3 days).
• You should not take more than 4 tablets each month.
• It is not recommended to take within the same menses cycle as it may affect your period.
• If you vomit within 3 hours after taking the medicine, take another 2 tablets immediately. Consult a doctor to get the additional dose of the medication.
  

You may still get pregnant if there is sexual intercourse after taking the pill. Use a condom or any other type of birth control method if you have sexual intercourse after taking the emergency contraceptive pill.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Levonorgestrel 0.75mg?

The tablet works best the sooner you take it after having unprotected sex. It can only reduce the likelihood of becoming pregnant, if you take it within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Please contact your healthcare professional if it is more than 72 hours since unprotected sex.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Levonorgestrel 0.75mg?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  
• You may already be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
  
• You have severe liver disease, severe asthma or any other medical conditions.
  
• You have a history of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus).
  

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Levonorgestrel 0.75mg?

Some medications may prevent this medication from working effectively. Inform your healthcare professional if you have taken any medication since the last 4 weeks to ensure the correct type of emergency contraceptive has been prescribed for you.

What are some common side effects of Levonorgestrel 0.75mg?

Common side effects include:

• Breakthrough bleeding
• You may experience some spotting or bleeding within 2 - 3 days after taking the tablets. 
• In the majority of cases, your next menses should start as expected or within 5 - 7 days of the expected date.
• However, if your menses is more than 7 days later, it is recommended to get a pregnancy test. 
• If you experience heavy or prolonged periods of bleeding, or very bad stomach pain, you should consult your healthcare professional.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Take the medication after food to reduce this side effect.
• Headache
• You may take Paracetamol to manage the headache (if not allergic to Paracetamol).
  
• Breast tenderness
• Dizziness, fatigue
• Avoid activities that require mental alertness and avoid using heavy machinery.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Levonorgestrel 0.75mg?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

How do I throw away Levonorgestrel 0.75mg safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

What else should I know about Levonorgestrel 0.75mg?

When can I start my regular hormonal contraception after taking this medication?

You can continue or start any birth control method right away. For the next 7 days, you must also use a barrier method (e.g. condoms, diaphragms and spermicides) along with your regular brith control methods, or not have sexual intercourse.