Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel works best if you take it as soon as possible after having unprotected sex, but you can take it within 72 hours (3 days).

The active ingredient in levonorgestrel is a man made version of the female sex hormone progesterone (known as a progestogen).

Levonorgestrel works to prevent pregnancy by:

• stopping ovulation, which is the release of an egg from your ovaries
• preventing sperm from fertilising an egg that may have already been released

Levonorgestrel does not work if you’re already pregnant and does not protect against pregnancy if you have unprotected sex after taking it.

When you take levonorgestrel, you will not be protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A reliable way to protect against STIs is to use condoms when having sex.

Levonorgestrel is almost the same as Levonelle. Both contain the exact same active ingredient levonorgestrel and in the same amount (1500mcg levonorgestrel). They work to prevent pregnancy in the same way, within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

They are made by different companies and contain different inactive ingredients. Levonelle is a brand name and levonorgestrel is a generic name.

EllaOne (ulipristal acetate) is different to Levonelle and levonorgestrel, as you can use it within 120 hours after unprotected sex.

Levonorgestrel can interact with other medicines and affect how well it works.

These medications include those that help treat:

• epilepsy, such as barbiturates, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine
• tuberculosis, such as rifampicin, rifabutin
• hiv, such as ritonavir, efavirenz
• fungal infections, such as griseofulvin
• low mood, such as St. John’s wort

So if you’ve taken any other medicines, drugs or herbal remedies in the past 4 weeks, let your doctor know before you take levonorgestrel. If you’re unable to take levonorgestrel, your doctor may suggest you use a copper intrauterine device (copper IUD).

Levonorgestrel and weight loss medication

If you are thinking of starting or if you are currently taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP 1) agonists for weight loss treatment, certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel.

Levonorgestrel and Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Taking levonorgestrel and Mounjaro is not recommended, it can the ingredients in levonorgestrel can be affected by Mounjaro, making it less effective and in turn putting you at risk of unintended pregnancy.

We recommend using barrier contraception (like condoms) for 4 weeks after you start Mounjaro and 4 weeks after each dose increase to be sure your emergency contraception is effective.

Other GLP-1 treatments like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Nevolat (liraglutide) do not affect the effectiveness of levonorgestrel (Levonelle).

Alternative option: For those starting or using weight loss treatments, we recommend the copper coil as a contraceptive option:

• can be inserted up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex or ovulation – flexible protection that is effective
• available at some local GP surgeries or at a sexual health clinic – the copper coil is a T-shaped device safely inserted by a healthcare professional
• it works as both regular and emergency contraception – this way you can stay protected for the long-term

To take levonorgestrel, swallow your tablet whole with water. You can take levonorgestrel on an empty stomach or after eating.

You should take levonorgestrel as soon as possible after having unprotected sex, preferably within 12 hours and no more than 72 hours after.

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking your levonorgestrel tablet, you will need to take another one to make sure you’ve absorbed enough of it to work.

You should not take levonorgestrel if you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

If you breastfeed, it is possible for levonorgestrel to be found in breastmilk. The amount is very small and it is recommended that it is safe to continue breastfeeding after using levonorgestrel.

Which active ingredients does levonorgestrel contain?

The active ingredient in each levonorgestrel tablet is 1.5mg of levonorgestrel.

The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone K30, silica and colloidal anhydrous. These ingredients are inactive and do not affect how levonorgestrel works.

Levonorgestrel contains lactose. If you’re intolerant to some sugars, get in touch with your doctor before taking levonorgestrel.

What does levonorgestrel look like?

Each levonorgestrel tablet is round and white in colour, with ‘LV1’ written on one side. Each levonorgestrel box contains a blister strip with either 1 or 2 tablets, depending on your order.

Information on the manufacturer

The marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer of Levonorgestrel is Lupin Healthcare (UK) Ltd., the Urban Building, 2nd floor, 3-9 Albert Street, Slough, Berkshire

SL1 2BE, United Kingdom