The U.S. FDA approved Levonorgestrel for neurological disorders on July 28, 1999. Levonorgestrel contains a synthetic hormone-like substance, which belongs to the group of medicines called progestins. 

Levonorgestrel is used as an emergency contraceptive and can be used within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or if your usual contraceptive method has failed. 

Take the Levonorgestrel as your physician advises. Swallow the tablets whole and intact. This tablet should be taken with food. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition.

The most common side effects of Levonorgestrel are nausea, irregular bleeding until your next period, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, and headache. 

This medicine is not for use before first menstrual bleeding or for young women under 16 years old. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you suspect pregnancy, as the tablets won't work if you're already pregnant. These tablets do not terminate the pregnancy and are not abortion pills. Signs of potential pregnancy include a period more than 5 days overdue, unusual bleeding when your expected period is due, or unprotected sex over 72 hours since your last period. Your doctor may suggest an alternative emergency contraceptive if needed. Do not consume this medicine if you have a condition like Crohn's disease affecting drug absorption in your small bowel, severe liver issues, a history of ectopic pregnancy (baby developing outside the womb), or a past occurrence of salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes). Do not use Levonorgestrel if you are allergic to Levonorgestrel or any of its ingredients.

Before taking the medicine, notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you have lactose intolerance or intolerance to any sugar molecules. If you have taken this medicine and plan to have sex without using the contraceptive pill, ensure protection with condoms or a cap plus spermicide until your next menstrual period. These tablets won't be effective if you have unprotected sex again before your upcoming period.

This medicine doesn't safeguard against sexually transmitted diseases; only condoms offer such protection. Consult your doctor, nurse, or family planning for guidance. Reserve Levonorgestrel tablets for emergencies, not regular contraception. Using them more than once in a menstrual cycle can disrupt your period, possibly affecting ovulation timing. This can alter fertility dates, though long-term fertility data are unavailable. Follow your doctor's recommendations closely throughout the process. If you experience any concerning symptoms or side effects, be sure to inform your healthcare provider immediately. Contact your doctor for more information.

1. Janssen Biotech, Inc; US Food and Drug Administration; [Revised on July 2009] [ Accessed on 23rd August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/021998lbl.pdf
2. Lupin Healthcare (UK) Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) [Revised on  July 2023] [ Accessed on 23rd August 2023] *QRD Human Product Information Template (medicines.org.uk)
3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Blood coagulation and anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, and antiplatelet drugs, 12th edition, 2011, 870.
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Drugs affecting Coagulation, bleeding, and thrombosis, 7th edition, 2013, 631.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.