How to Take Levonorgestrel and Dose of Levonorgestrel| Medindia

Find out how to take Levonorgestrel (drug) and its dose. Describes the best time to take the drug and precautions if any that should be followed.

Written & Compiled by Madhumathi Palaniappan | Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team

How to take Levonorgestrel

How it should be taken

This medication is available in the form of tablet to take by mouth (orally), with or without food, and intrauterine system for 5 years.

Dosage & When it is to be taken

Contraception- Adult: Monotherapy: 30 or 37.5 mcg daily. Monophasic combined oral contraceptive (COC): 150-250 mcg daily. Triphasic COC: 50-125 mcg daily.
Oral- Emergency contraception- Adult: 1.5 mg as soon as possible or within 72 hours of coitus. Alternatively, 750 mcg as soon as possible or within 72 hours of coitus followed by a 2nd dose 12 hour later. Another regimen combines levonorgestrel 500 mcg and ethinylestradiol 100 mcg; may be given within 72 hours of coitus followed by a 2nd dose 12 hours later.
Intrauterine system- Adults - Insert into uterine cavity within 7 days of onset of menstruation or immediately after first-trimester abortion. Replace every 5 years.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications)

Known or suspected pregnancy; hypersensitivity.

Why it is prescribed (Indications)

This medication is a birth control pill, prescribed after unprotected sexual intercourse or suspected birth control failure. It inhibits ovulation, prevents transport of sperm or eggs and thus prevents fertilization and alters the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation if fertilization occurs.

Warnings and Precautions

It does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.
It may affect your blood sugar levels. Check blood sugar levels closely.
It is an emergency contraceptive. It should not be used for routine birth control.
Caution should be exercised with patients with history of sex-steroid dependent cancer, past pregnancy in outside of the uterus, malabsorption syndromes, functional ovarian cysts, active liver disease, recurrent cholestatic(bile cannot flow from the liver) jaundice, history of jaundice in pregnancy, heart disease, kidney failure, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, migraine, conditions aggravated by fluid retention, depression and blood clot(high doses); breastfeeding.

Storage Conditions

Intrauterine: Store it at room temperature( 25°C). Keep away from children.

Drug Name : Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel(Plan B One-Step) generic is a birth control pill, prescribed after unprotected intercourse or suspected birth control failure. It inhibits ovulation, prevents transport of sperm or eggs and thus prevents fertilization and alters the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation if fertilization occurs.
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