Emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel is a hormone preparation used to prevent pregnancy. This type of hormonal contraception will slow or prevent ovulation, so fertilization does not occur.
Levonorgestrel is a type of synthetic progesterone. Unlike traditional birth control pills, these drugs are not intended for routine use and are only effective when used at the right time.
Emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel also cannot prevent transmission from sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV.
Trademark levonorgestrelemergency contraception: Mainstay Postpil, Exita, Microlut, Postinor-2, Valenor 2
What is Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraception
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Hormone preparations |
| Benefit | Prevent pregnancy |
| Used by | Adult woman |
| Levonorgestrel for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not yet categorized. Levonorgestrel emergency contraception should not be used by pregnant women, because it can cause various pregnancy complications such as sepsis, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and premature birth. Levonorgestrel can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor beforehand. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraception
Levonorgestrel should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things to consider before taking levonorgestrel emergency contraception, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Levonorgestrel should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug or to other synthetic progesterones, such as progestins.
- Tell your doctor if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Tell your doctor if you and your family have or have had endometriosis, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, migraines, asthma, breast cancer, epilepsy, or thromboembolic disease, such as pulmonary embolism or venous thrombosis. in.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Levonogestrel emergency contraceptive should not be used by pregnant women. Tell your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding.
- Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while using levonogestrel emergency contraception, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
- See your doctor immediately if you overdose or have serious side effects after taking levonorgestrel.
Levonorgestrel Dosage and Directions Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel is used as an emergency contraceptive. This drug is effective in preventing pregnancy if used immediately after sexual intercourse. The dose is 1.5 mg, taken within 0–72 hours after sexual intercourse.
An alternative dose is 0.75 mg, taken 0–72 hours after sexual intercourse, followed by 0.75 mg, 12 hours later.
How to Take Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraceptioncorrectly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Take levonorgestrel emergency contraception within 0–72 hours after sexual intercourse to be effective. The emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel can be taken with or without food.
If you experience vomiting within 2 hours of taking levonorgestrel, call your doctor. You may need to take levonorgestrel again.
Please note that levonorgestrel can cause spots or blood spots to appear for several days after the drug is taken. Call your doctor immediately if the condition lasts for more than 7 days.
Levonorgestrel can also cause your next period to be faster or slower than usual. If your period is late for more than 7 days, immediately go to the doctor to find out the cause of the delay in menstruation.
Store levonorgestrel in a closed container in a cool, dry place. Keep this medicine away from direct sunlight and keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Emergency Contraceptive Levonorgestrel Interactionwith other drugs
Drug interactions that can occur if levonorgestrel is used with certain drugs include:
- Decreased levels and effectiveness of levonorgestrel when used with clarithromycin, bexacarotene, barbiturates, bosentan, phenytoin, efavirenz, diltiazem, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, rifampicin, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, verapamil, or supplements John's Wort
- Increased risk of forming blood clots that can block blood vessels when used with carfilzomib or tranexamic acid
- Increased levels of ciclosporin in the blood
Levonorgestrel Side Effects and Dangers Emergency Contraception
Side effects that may occur after taking levonorgestrel are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or headache
- The amount of menstrual blood is less or more than usual
- Breasts hurt
- Bleeding outside of menstruation
- Diarrhea
Immediately see a doctor if the above side effects do not improve or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or serious side effects, such as:
- Severe lower abdominal pain, occurring 3–5 weeks after taking levonorgestrel
- Depression
- Severe migraine
- Abnormal vaginal discharge