Levonorgestrel is a type of morning after pill, also known as an oral emergency contraceptive pill. It contains a man-made version of the hormone progesterone, to protect against unwanted pregnancy. Each levonorgestrel pill contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel.

Levonorgestrel is the generic version of Levonelle and remains effective for up to 72 hours. So, you will need to take it within 3 days of having unprotected sex.

Levonorgestrel works by stopping:

• your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation)
• sperm from fertilising an egg that has already been released by thickening the cervical mucus

It can be used as an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex or if another contraceptive method has failed.

How long does levonorgestrel take to work?

Clinical trials have shown that levonorgestrel pills are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and reach their maximum levels within 2 hours. You won’t know for sure if it’s worked until the next time your period is due.

How effective is levonorgestrel?

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets contain a synthetic hormone-like active substance called levonorgestrel. It prevents about 84% of expected pregnancies when you take it within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.

It will not prevent a pregnancy every time and is more effective if you take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex (up to 97% within 12 hours). It is better to take it within 12 hours rather than delay until the third day.

If you weigh more than 70kg or have a body mass index (BMI) over 26 kg/m2, you may be advised to take a higher dose of 3mg. This is because there is some evidence that obese women will have around 50% less levonorgestrel in their blood after it’s been absorbed by the body.

Only take levonorgestrel exactly as you have been prescribed.

Swallow your levonorgestrel pill whole with water. You should continue using any regular contraception, like the contraceptive pill, as normal.

For levonorgestrel to be most effective, you’ll need to take it as soon after having unprotected sex as possible, preferably within 12 hours but up to 72 hours after.

If you are taking a medication that may affect how levonorgestrel works, you may need to use a non-hormonal emergency contraceptive like the copper intrauterine device (IUD) or a double dose of levonorgestrel. Your doctor will let you know your options before prescribing levonorgestrel.

When to take levonorgestrel

You can take the levonorgestrel pill at any time during your menstrual cycle, but it should be taken as soon after you have had unprotected sex as possible, preferably within 12 hours but up to 72 hours.

How often can I take levonorgestrel?

“Levonorgestrel should only be used in emergencies and taken once per menstrual cycle. It’s not advised to take it more than this because the effectiveness is further reduced and there’s a possibility of disrupting your cycle. If you need to take levonorgestrel more than once in your cycle and you’re not already, you should consider taking a more regular contraceptive method, such as the contraceptive pill.” – Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor

Levonorgestrel is available online, over the counter, and on the NHS.

Can I buy levonorgestrel online?

Yes, you can request levonorgestrel from online doctor services, such as Superdrug Online Doctor. You just need to:

• fill in an online health questionnaire for one of our doctors to review
• if our doctors feel levonorgestrel is suitable for you, your treatment will be approved
• receive your order next-day or collect from your local Superdrug Pharmacy 2 to 3 hours after doctor’s approval

Can I buy levonorgestrel over the counter?

Yes, you can get levonorgestrel over the counter. A pharmacist will ask you some questions about your health to determine if levonorgestrel is right for you. If it is, you will be able to get your medication straight away.

Can I buy levonorgestrel on the NHS?

Levonorgestrel is available on the NHS, but you will need to make an appointment with your GP. Alternatively, you can get the morning after pill from most sexual health clinics and some NHS walk-in centres.

Although not everyone will get them, levonorgestrel can cause side effects.

Very common levonorgestrel side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people) are:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• irregular bleeding until your next period
• tiredness
• headache
• lower tummy pain

Common levonorgestrel side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) are:

• being sick (vomiting)
• period changes (heavier or lighter periods, irregular bleeding, earlier or later period)
• tender breasts
• diarrhoea
• dizziness

Very rare side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10,000 people) include:

• skin rash
• urticaria
• swollen face
• pelvic pain
• painful period
• pruritus (itching)

If your period is more than 5 days late or you have any abnormal bleeding around this time, you may be pregnant and should consider taking a pregnancy test.

How long do levonorgestrel side effects last?

Once you have taken a levonorgestrel pill, if you experience side effects, they should get better or go away within a few days.

What to do if you get levonorgestrel side effects

You may be able to treat mild side effects, like headaches or stomach pain with over-the-counter medications like painkillers until they go away on their own.

If you are sick within 3 hours of taking the levonorgestrel tablet, you should take another straight away. You should also get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.

If you experience any side effects that you find difficult to manage or are concerned about, you should contact your doctor for advice.

Do not take levonorgestrel if you:

• are allergic to any of its ingredients
• think you might already be pregnant

Before taking levonorgestrel, tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have:

• any small bowel disease like Crohn’s
• severe liver problems
• ever had an ectopic pregnancy
• a history of inflamed fallopian tubes (salpingitis)

You should also let them know if you are taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications, including St John’s wort and anything used to treat:

• epilepsy
• tuberculosis
• fungal infections
• HIV

Levonorgestrel and breastfeeding

When you take levonorgestrel, the active ingredient will enter your breast milk. So, you should take the tablet straight after a feed and avoid breastfeeding again for at least 8 hours. You should also drain your milk with a breast pump for the 8 hours after taking a levonorgestrel pill. This will help to make sure only a small amount of the ingredient is passed on to your baby.

Is levonorgestrel the same as Levonelle?

Yes, levonorgestrel is the active ingredient in Levonelle. They are both morning after pills that contain the same active ingredient, in the same dose and they work in the same way. The difference is Levonelle is the brand name of levonorgestrel.

Will levonorgestrel stop my period?

No, levonorgestrel will not stop your periods but it might make your next period earlier, later, or heavier. If your period is more than 5 days late or you have missed a pill after taking levonorgestrel, you should take a pregnancy test.

How long after taking levonorgestrel will I get my period?

Most people will get their next period around the usual time, but some may get it a few days earlier or later than normal.

Can I take levonorgestrel if I'm taking the contraceptive pill?

Yes, you can take levonorgestrel while taking the contraceptive pill.

Will levonorgestrel affect my future fertility?

No, a number of reviews have found that levonorgestrel does not appear to have a negative impact on your future fertility.

How do I know levonorgestrel has worked?

The only way to know if levonorgestrel has worked is to wait for your next period or take a pregnancy test. If your period is more than 5 days late or you experience abnormal bleeding, you should take a pregnancy test.