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Levonorgestrel

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If you have recently had unprotected sex and need an emergency contraceptive fast, then you may consider ordering Levonorgestrel.

Levonorgestrel is 97-99% effective and can be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Levonorgestrel is an affordable alternative to other emergency contraception and can be requested online at your convenience without having to fill out paper forms or place an order in person.

Order from a fast and reliable online doctor service like Superdrug Online Doctor. Follow the link below to begin your online consultation and choose Levonorgestrel as your preferred medication.

Order Levonorgestrel

To place an order, fill in a brief questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order and prescribe a suitable treatment. You will only be charged if treatment is prescribed.


Generic Levonorgestrel £9.99

Price includes standard delivery or click and collect.

In a hurry? Choose Click and Collect and pick up your order after just 2 hours from a Superdrug Pharmacy.

Delivery options

Delivery method Cost Estimated delivery

You will choose your delivery option at the checkout. Delivery options may vary depending on the pack size and dosage chosen.

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More About Levonorgestrel

How well does Levonorgestrel work?
97-99% of women who take Levonorgestrel after having unprotected sex will not get pregnant.

Levonorgestrel is an effective form of emergency contraception (also known as a ‘morning after pill’). The chance of not getting pregnant after taking Levonorgestrel is improved by how quickly you take it after having unprotected sex.

Levonorgestrel works by preventing ovulation (the egg from being released into the womb).

There are other forms of emergency contraception with similar, but slightly higher success rates. According to the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH) EllaOne (98-99% effective) and the copper IUD (intrauterine device, <99.9% effective) are more effective in preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. Out of these two, the copper IUD is the most effective and is the only emergency contraception that can be used after ovulation.

If you weigh more than 70kg or have a BMI of more than 26 Levonorgestrel may be less effective and EllaOne or a copper coil would be recommended (or your doctor may advise taking a double dose of Levonorgestrel however this is “off license”). 

Please note: where a generic product has been ordered we may use a range of manufacturers to provide you with your medication, in order to maintain our service levels.

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How much does Levonorgestrel cost?
Price OTC availability Free availability
Levonorgestrel £9.99*
Limited**
Limited**

*This price is the cheapest available, taken from the Superdrug Online Doctor Service.

**According to NHS Choices, free or OTC morning after pills can be obtained in person from certain surgeries, clinics, or pharmacies. 

Levonorgestrel does not require a prescription but it is always best to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using emergency contraception if you can. Superdrug Online Doctor provides fast, easy access to a doctor consultation service for your morning after pill.

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How easy is ordering Levonorgestrel?

Order Levonorgestrel online through the Superdrug Online Doctor service and you won’t have to fill out any paper forms in person. Simply complete a short online consultation process to place your request for Levonorgestrel.

Request your medication through Superdrug Online Doctor and receive your pill by post the next day or collect it the same day at your nearest Superdrug store. If you choose to order online then there is no need to wait until you are able to place your order in person. All orders placed before 4pm will be processed the same day.

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How are Levonorgestrel and Levonelle related?

Levonorgestrel Levonelle
Description
Generic medication
Branded medication
Active ingredient Levonorgestrel (1500mg) Levonorgestrel (1500mg)
Chance of not getting pregnant when used 97-99% 97-99%
Price From £9.99* From £27.00*

*Cheapest price available, taken from Superdrug Online Doctor service.

Levonelle (sometimes known as Levonelle One-Step or Levonelle 1500) is the branded version of Levonorgestrel. Levonelle used to be the only medical form of the hormone, levonorgestrel, available in the UK. This meant the manufacturer of Levonelle was the only one legally allowed to produce the medication. As a result they were allowed to set the price. You might have heard of the brand ‘Plan B’ which is the American branded form of Levonorgestrel.

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Does Levonorgestrelcause side effects?

Levonorgestrel is safe for you as long as you consult a healthcare professional and they approve it for you before you take it. You can do this by visiting a GP surgery, sexual health clinic, or pharmacy, or by using online doctor services like Superdrug Online Doctor.

Levonorgestrel can cause a number of potential side effects which include:

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people), eg:

  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Headache
  • Irregular bleeding until your next period

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people), eg:

  • Being sick (vomiting)
  • Your period might be different
  • Experiencing the following after taking this medication:
    • Tender breasts
    • Diarrhoea
    • Feeling dizzy (remember not to attempt driving if you experience dizziness)

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):

  • Abdominal pain
  • Rash
  • Hives (urticaria)
  • Itching (pruritus)
  • Swelling of the face (facial oedema)
  • Pain in the hips (pelvic pain)
  • Period pain

Levonorgestrel is not suitable for everyone, which is why it’s important to check with a healthcare professional first. Levonorgestrel should not be taken by anyone who:

  • Is under 16, without medical supervision
  • Is allergic to levonorgestrel or any other ingredients
  • Is already pregnant or suspects they may be pregnant
  • Has:
    • Disease of the small intestine (eg, Crohn’s)
    • Severe liver problems
    • A history of ectopic pregnancy (where the baby grows somewhere other than the womb)
    • A history of salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes)
  • Is taking any of the following medication:
    • Barbiturates or other epilepsy medications
    • Medicines for treating tuberculosis
    • Medicines used to treat HIV
    • Griseofulvin – an antifungal medication
    • Any herbal medicine containing St John’s wort
    • Ciclosporin – an immunosuppressant
    • Certain weight loss medications
You should tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medical conditions you suffer from and any regular medication you have taken in the last month, including any other emergency contraceptive pill. You should also check the manufacturer's leaflet for a full list of side effects and potential interactions before taking Levonorgestrel. If you do experience any side effects then you can report them directly through the ‘Yellow Care Scheme’ at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. By doing this you can help generate more safety information for future users.

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How do I take Levonorgestrel?

Take Levonorgestrel as soon as you can. It should be swallowed whole with water if needed.

Levonorgestrel can be taken at any time during your menstrual cycle so long as you are not pregnant. However it is only effective if taken before ovulation. If you are very close to ovulating EllaOne would be more effective or up to 5 days after ovulation a copper coil can be inserted. It is important to check that your Levonorgestrel will not be affected by your other medications. If this is the case for you then discuss you emergency contraception with a doctor and they can prescribe you an alternate treatment method.

You should try to limit your use of Levonorgestrel to emergencies. Using Levonorgestrel more than once within the same 28-day period cycle can interrupt the cycle. If you find you are regularly needing Levonorgestrel then you should consider a longer term form of contraception.

If you take too many Levonorgestrel tablets at once you should not be at risk of serious harm, but you may experience sickness or some vaginal bleeding. If you are sick or have diarrhoea within 3 hours after taking Levonorgestrel then you should see a doctor or pharmacist to receive another dose of Levonorgestrel.

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What does Levonorgestrel do to my periods?

Levonorgestrel can sometimes have an effect on a number of different aspects of your period.

Your period may become: 

  • Earlier
  • Later
  • Irregular – including some spotting
  • Lighter or heavier – if this is an unusually strong change then please contact a doctor as soon as you can
Normally, after taking Levonorgestrel, your period should start on the usual day. Sometimes afterwards, it might come a few days earlier or later. If your period starts 5 or more days later than you expected, or you experience abnormal bleeding at this time, then you may be pregnant. If you suspect you could be pregnant then it is best to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible.

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Can I take Levonorgestrel while pregnant or breastfeeding?

You should not be taking Levonorgestrel if you are pregnant, but if you do it should not harm the baby.

If you are breastfeeding and you take Levonorgestrel then the medicine might appear in the breastmilk you are feeding your child. This might not harm the baby but there is limited evidence available so it is best to discuss with a doctor if you require emergency contraception. After taking Levonorgestrel, try and avoid any more breastfeeding for the next 8 hours.

You should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using Levonorgestrel if you are:

  • Are pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Think you might be pregnant
  • Are planning to have a child

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What are the pros and cons of Levonorgestrel?
Pros Cons
Cheaper generic medication
Has to be taken faster than other forms of emergency contraception
97-99% effective Some other emergency contraceptives are more effective
Easy to obtain Not suitable for everyone
Simple oral pill Some side effects can occur
Mimics natural processes in the body May upset your normal period cycle

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Sources

Ezinelle 1.5mg tablet (2018) EMC [accessed 9 July 2020] 

CEU clinical guidance: emergency contraception (March 2017, amended December 2017) FSRH [accessed 9 July 2020]

CEU clinical guidance drug interactions with hormonal contraception (January 2017, reviewed 2019) FSRH [accessed 9 July 2020]

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About Online Doctor

We're a service that helps you order treatments online from UK-registered doctors with free, discreet, to-your-door deliveries.

See our About Us page to learn more.

Reviewed by: Dr Simran Deo in line with the Superdrug Online Editorial Process.

GMC no. 6141366

Dr Deo studied at St George’s, University of London and she has a special interest in dermatology.

Last reviewed on: 10/06/20

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