Levonelle

What is Levonelle?

Levonelle is a type of emergency contraceptive pill, also known as the morning-after pill, which is taken to prevent pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex or your usual method of contraception fails. It contains the active ingredient, levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the female sex hormone, progesterone.

You can take Levonelle up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex. The sooner you take the pill after unprotected sex, or in an instance where your method of contraception failed, the higher the chance of preventing pregnancy.

Examples of when you might need to take Levonelle are:

• You have unprotected sex
• A condom split or slipped off during sex
• You have missed a pill or patch change

How Does Levonelle Work?

Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, which works by preventing or delaying ovulation to prevent pregnancy. It is a synthetic progestogen that prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg, so sperm cannot reach and fertilise it. Levonorgestrel can also stop sperm from fertilising an egg that has already been released.

Levonelle does not work if you are already pregnant and will not terminate a pregnancy. It is an emergency contraceptive pill, not an abortion pill. It will also not stop you from getting pregnant if you have unprotected sex after taking Levonelle.

How Long Does Levonelle Take to Work?

The morning after pill, Levonelle, starts to work as soon as you take it, reaching its peak concentration about 2 hours after taking it, but it must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex to be effective. It is most effective when it is taken within 12 to 24 hours, so taking it as soon as possible is crucial.

How Long Does Levonelle Stay in Your System?

Although Levonelle is effective for up to 72 hours (3 days), it can take 5 to 7 days for the active ingredient to be fully cleared from your system.

How Effective is Levonelle?

Levonelle prevents around 84% of expected pregnancies when it is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. However, other studies suggest it can be up to 97% effective. It is most effective when it is taken within 24 hours, but can be taken up to 72 hours later.

The Levonelle emergency contraceptive pill will not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you think you have also been exposed to an STI or there is a risk you could have one, perhaps because a condom came off during sex, you should take an STI test. The best way to protect yourself against STIs is to use a condom each time you have sex.

Can You Get Pregnant After Taking Levonelle?

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant after taking Levonelle because it is not 100% effective. To get the full benefit of Levonelle, it should be taken as soon as possible after sex rather than waiting 3 days. It works by delaying ovulation, so it may not work if you have already ovulated, if you are sick within 3 hours of taking it, or if it has been more than 72 hours since you had unprotected sex.

How to Use Levonelle Pills

Levonelle pill should be taken within 3 days of a contraceptive failure or unprotected sex happening. Here we explain the best way to take it, what it can do to your periods, and what you should do if you are sick or take too many Levonelle pills.

How to Take Levonelle

You should swallow one Levonelle pill whole with water as soon as possible, ideally within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours after you have had unprotected sex. It can be taken at any time during your menstrual cycle.

After taking Levonelle, if you do not take a regular contraceptive pill, you should use condoms or a cap and spermicide until your next period. Because it is a type of emergency contraception, Levonelle will not work if you have unprotected sex again before your next period.

Can Levonelle Cause Late Periods?

Yes, Levonelle can delay your period or make it lighter or heavier than usual. If your period is more than 5 days late, you should contact your clinician or take a pregnancy test.

What if I Vomit After Taking Levonelle Contraceptive Pills?

If you are sick (vomit) within 3 hours of taking a Levonelle pill, you should take another tablet. You will need to contact your clinician straight away to get another pill.

What If I Take More Levonelle Than Necessary?

If you take more Levonelle than you should, it is unlikely to cause serious harm, but it may make you feel sick, be sick, or have vaginal bleeding. If you take more Levonelle than you should or have any of these symptoms, especially if you vomit, contact your clinician straight away for advice, as Levonelle may not have worked properly.

Levonelle Side Effects

Levonelle can cause side effects, although these are usually temporary and go away once the medication leaves your body. Not everyone will experience side effects when taking Levonelle, but it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Patient Information Leaflet so that you know what to look out for.

You can find a full list of potential Levonelle side effects in the Patient Information Leaflet that is supplied with the medication.

If you get any side effects, even if they are not listed, you should report them to your clinician or the Yellow Card Scheme.

Levonelle Pills Warnings and Interactions

Levonelle may not be suitable for everyone, as certain health conditions or medications can interfere with its effectiveness. It is important that you tell the clinician during your consultation about any health conditions you have or any medication you are taking so they can assess if it is safe for you.

Do not take Levonelle if you:

• Are allergic to levonorgestrel or any other ingredients listed in the medication
• Are or think you might be pregnant
• Have a small bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease
• Have severe liver problems
• Have a history of ectopic pregnancy
• Have ever had a disease called salpingitis or inflammation of the fallopian tubes

There is some evidence that the morning-after pill, including Levonelle, may be less effective for people with a high body mass index (BMI) or who are overweight, but the data is limited and inconclusive.

Levonelle and Allergic Reaction

You must not take Levonelle if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the ingredients listed in the patient leaflet. Allergic reactions can vary in their severity, but some symptoms include:

• Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or face
• Difficulty breathing and/or swallowing
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Raised, itchy skin rash
• Digestive symptoms, such as stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting

If you develop any allergic reaction symptoms after taking Levonelle, you must seek urgent medical help. Go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department and take the medication packaging with you, so the healthcare professional can identify what you have taken and provide the most appropriate treatment.

If You Are Taking Other Contraceptives

If you are taking a regular method of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, you should continue taking this at your normal times. If you do not have a bleed during your usual pill-free break, you should take a pregnancy test or see a clinician.

If you do not use a regular method of contraception, you should use condoms or a cap and spermicide until your next period because Levonelle will not work if you have unprotected sex again before your next period is due.

Levonelle Interactions

Some medications can stop Levonelle working properly. If you have taken any of the following in the last 4 weeks, Levonelle may not be suitable for you:

• Barbiturates and other epilepsy medications, such as primidone, phenytoin, and carbamazepine
• Rifampicin, rifabutin, and other tuberculosis medications
• HIV medications, such as ritonavir and efavirenz
• Griseofulvin for fungal infections
• Herbal remedies containing St John’s wort

Levonelle can also affect how well ciclosporin works, so it is important to let the clinician know during your consultation if you take this medication.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Fertility

You should not take Levonelle if you are already pregnant or think you might be. There is no evidence that Levonelle will harm a baby that develops in the womb if you use the medication as described. However, a clinician will want to make sure the pregnancy is not ectopic (developing outside the womb), especially if you have had an ectopic pregnancy, fallopian tube surgery, or pelvic inflammatory disease in the past.

Small amounts of the active ingredient in Levonelle can appear in your breast milk. Although it is not harmful to your baby, it is advisable to take Levonelle immediately after breastfeeding and to avoid nursing for at least 8 hours afterwards. This will reduce the amount of levonorgestrel that may be in your breast milk.

Where Can I Get Levonelle Morning After Pills?

If you need the morning-after pill, time is of the essence because Levonelle must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to be effective. Knowing where you can access it quickly and easily is important if the need arises.

Can You Buy Levonelle Over the Counter?

Yes, you can buy Levonelle over the counter at most UK pharmacies. It is a pharmacy-only medication, so you will need to have a short consultation with a pharmacist to assess whether it is safe and suitable for you.

Is Levonelle on the NHS?

Yes, Levonelle is available on the NHS, but you may be given a generic levonorgestrel alternative, which is exactly the same but more cost-effective. To get Levonelle on the NHS, you will need to see a GP or visit a sexual health clinic or walk-in centre.

Can You Buy Levonelle Online?

Yes, you can buy Levonelle online from trusted online pharmacies, like Prescription Doctor. You will need to complete a short consultation so our clinicians can ensure Levonelle is safe for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Levonelle Pills