Levonorgestrel birth control pill

What is the levonorgestrel birth control pill?

The levonorgestrel birth control pill is an emergency contraceptive taken after unprotected sex. It contains levonorgestrel as its active ingredient, a synthetic progestin hormone. It does not end an existing pregnancy. It prevents one from starting.

Brands available at Fertimeds for this purpose are Unwanted 72 and i-pill.

What is it used for?

Levonorgestrel birth control is used to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It is sometimes called the morning-after pill, though you do not need to wait until morning. It is a backup option, not a regular method of contraception.

Take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The sooner it is taken, the better it works.

How does it work?

Levonorgestrel works mainly by stopping or delaying ovulation. Without ovulation, there is no egg for sperm to fertilize. It may also affect the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to implantation. It does not work if implantation has already taken place.

In what strengths is it available?

Unwanted 72 and i-pill are both single-tablet emergency contraceptive pills. Each tablet contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel. This medicine is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. No additional tablets are needed.

One tablet. One dose. That is the full course.

How to take it

Take one tablet as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The window is 72 hours, meaning three days. Effectiveness drops the longer you wait.

Take the tablet with water. Food does not affect how well it works, but eating beforehand may help if nausea is a concern. If you vomit within two hours of taking the tablet, take another dose.

Do not take it as a regular contraceptive method. It is intended for emergencies only.

What are the side effects?

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. They may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Lower abdominal pain or cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular bleeding or spotting before the next period

Your next period may arrive earlier or later than expected. This is normal after taking levonorgestrel. If your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test.

Seek medical attention if you have severe lower abdominal pain. This could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, which needs urgent care.

Who should not take it?

Do not take levonorgestrel if you are already pregnant. It will not terminate a pregnancy and is not meant for that. Anyone with a known allergy to levonorgestrel or any component of the tablet should also avoid it.

It is not recommended as a routine contraceptive. Using it regularly reduces its reliability. It does not give the same protection as an ongoing birth control method. Anyone with unexplained vaginal bleeding should speak with a doctor before taking this pill.

Store tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. A bathroom cabinet is not ideal as humidity can affect the tablet over time.

Pricing for Unwanted 72 and i-pill is listed on the Fertimeds product page.