Levonorgestrel – Contraceptive Pill : Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions and More

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Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin used as an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is also a component of some regular birth control pills. In this blog post, we will delve into its uses, side effects, dosage guidelines, precautions, and more.

1. Uses:

  • Emergency Contraception: Levonorgestrel is primarily used as an emergency contraceptive taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation and altering the cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration.
  • Regular Contraception: In combination with ethinyl estradiol, levonorgestrel is used in various birth control pills to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and making the cervical mucus thicker to impede sperm movement.

2. Side Effects:

Common side effects of levonorgestrel include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Menstrual changes (early or late periods, spotting)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness

Rare but serious side effects may include:

  • Severe abdominal pain (could indicate an ectopic pregnancy)
  • Persistent vomiting (may affect pill absorption)
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Severe headaches
  • Visual disturbances
  • Leg pain or swelling (signs of a blood clot)

3. Dosage:

  • Emergency Contraception: Levonorgestrel is available as a single 1.5 mg tablet or two 0.75 mg tablets. The recommended dosage is 1.5 mg taken orally as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
  • Regular Contraception: For regular birth control, the dosage and schedule depend on the specific pill formulation. Typically, it is taken once daily at the same time each day.

4. Precautions:

  • Effectiveness: Levonorgestrel is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
  • Repeat Use: It is not intended for frequent or routine use as it is less effective than regular birth control methods.
  • STI Prevention: Levonorgestrel does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Additional barrier methods like condoms should be used for STI prevention.
  • Medical Conditions: Consult a healthcare provider before using levonorgestrel if you have certain medical conditions like liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or a history of blood clots.
  • Breastfeeding: While levonorgestrel is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

5. Interactions:

  • Levonorgestrel may interact with certain medications such as rifampicin, certain anticonvulsants, and St. John’s Wort, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
  • Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before using levonorgestrel.

6. Effectiveness:

  • When taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, levonorgestrel can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. However, its effectiveness decreases with time, so it’s crucial to take it as soon as possible.

7. Cost and Availability:

Conclusion:

Levonorgestrel is a widely used emergency contraceptive pill that can effectively prevent pregnancy when taken promptly after unprotected intercourse. However, it should not replace regular contraception methods, and healthcare consultation is recommended for proper usage and guidance.

Also read: Bromhexine Hydrochloride Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions and More

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