Levonelle - contraindications, dosage, indications, use

Levonelle, also known as the 'morning after pill', is an emergency contraceptive that is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or in case of contraceptive failure. It contains a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel. The primary action of Levonelle is to stop or delay the release of an egg from the ovary, also known as ovulation.

Levonelle works in several ways to prevent a pregnancy from developing. Firstly, it can prevent an egg from being released from the ovary. If an egg has already been released, Levonelle can prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg. If the egg has already been fertilized, it can prevent it from attaching to the lining of the uterus.

It's important to note that Levonelle is not effective once the process of implantation has begun. It is not an abortion pill and will not be effective if a woman is already pregnant. The effectiveness of Levonelle decreases with time after unprotected sex. Therefore, it is recommended to take it as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex.

Levonelle doesn't continue to protect against pregnancy if a woman has unprotected sex again after taking it. In such a case, another dose may be required. It's always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice.

Levonelle, also known as the 'morning-after pill', is primarily indicated for use in the prevention of pregnancy following unprotected sexual intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. It is not intended for regular use as a contraceptive, but rather as an emergency measure.

It's important to note that Levonelle is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, but can be used within 72 hours (three days). The effectiveness of the pill decreases over time after the unprotected event, so prompt administration is key.

• Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: In instances where no contraceptive measure was used during sexual intercourse, Levonelle can be used as an emergency contraceptive.
• Contraceptive Failure: If there is a known or suspected failure of a contraceptive method - for example, a condom breaking or slipping, failure to use a diaphragm or contraceptive sponge correctly, or missed or late contraceptive pills - Levonelle can be taken to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
• Forced Unprotected Intercourse: Levonelle may be indicated after a sexual assault when the victim was not protected by an effective contraceptive method.

In all indications, Levonelle should be used as directed by a healthcare professional. It is not a replacement for ongoing contraceptive methods and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

When it comes to the use of Levonelle, there are specific contraindications that need to be considered. Understanding these contraindications is critical to ensure safe and effective use of this medication. The following information provides an overview of situations where the use of Levonelle is not advised.

• Levonelle is contraindicated in individuals who have a known or suspected pregnancy. It is not intended to be used as a regular form of contraception and should not be used if a woman is already pregnant.
• It is also contraindicated in individuals who exhibit hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. Hypersensitivity reactions can range from skin rashes to severe allergic reactions.
• Levonelle should not be used by women with severe liver problems or with a history of ectopic pregnancy or salpingitis.
• Finally, Levonelle is contraindicated in women who have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), as the risk of ectopic pregnancy may be increased with the use of this medication.

In conclusion, while Levonelle can be an effective form of emergency contraception, it's important to understand its contraindications to ensure it's used safely and appropriately. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about the use of Levonelle.

While Levonelle is generally well-tolerated and effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy, there can be potential side effects that users need to be aware of. Not everyone who uses Levonelle will experience side effects, but if they do occur, they are usually mild and will go away on their own after a short period of time.

The most common side effects of Levonelle include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness
• Abdominal pain
• Unexpected bleeding

If you vomit within two hours of taking Levonelle, you should contact your healthcare provider as the medication might not have been fully absorbed into your system.

In rare cases, some women may experience severe abdominal pain after taking Levonelle. This could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of the womb), which is a medical emergency.

There may also be changes in your menstrual cycle after using Levonelle. Your period may arrive earlier or later than expected, and the flow may be lighter or heavier than normal. If your period is more than seven days late, or is unusually light or heavy, or if you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness, you should seek medical attention as these could be signs of pregnancy.

Remember that Levonelle doesn't protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Always use condoms to protect yourself from STIs.

If you experience any serious side effects or if your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Levonelle, also known as the 'morning after pill', has a specific dosage that must be adhered to ensure its efficacy. It's essential to understand the correct dosage and timing for taking Levonelle to avoid any potential complications.

The standard dose of Levonelle is one tablet containing 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel. This should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 12 hours, and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Delaying the dose could decrease its effectiveness.

It's important to note that Levonelle is a form of emergency contraception and not intended for regular use. If it is used more than once during a menstrual cycle, it is less effective and more likely to cause side effects. Regular methods of contraception should be considered if you are sexually active.

In case of vomiting within two hours of taking the tablet, another tablet should be taken immediately. If you have already used Levonelle once during your menstrual cycle, consult your doctor before taking it again.

If taken according to these guidelines, Levonelle can be an effective emergency contraceptive. However, it does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Levonelle is a type of emergency contraceptive that can be used after unprotected sex or if a contraceptive method has failed. It's also known as the 'morning after pill', although it actually has up to 72 hours (3 days) to be effective after unprotected intercourse.

Levonelle is to be taken orally as soon as possible within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The earlier Levonelle is taken, the more effective it is. It is most effective if taken within the first 24 hours. If you vomit within two hours of taking Levonelle, you should take another tablet as the first one may not have been fully absorbed into your system.

Levonelle can be used at any point during your menstrual cycle, except if you are already pregnant or think you may be pregnant. It is not intended as a regular form of contraception and should not be used in this way. If you find that you need to use emergency contraception frequently, you should consider using a regular method of contraception.

It's important to note that Levonelle does not provide ongoing protection against pregnancy. This means that if you have unprotected sex again after taking Levonelle, you can still become pregnant. You should use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, until your next period.

When it comes to the use of Levonelle, certain precautions must be taken to ensure its effectiveness and mitigate potential risks. Firstly, it's important to understand that Levonelle is a form of emergency contraception and should not be used as a regular method of contraception. Its purpose is to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or failure of other contraceptive methods, and it is not designed to be used regularly.

Before using Levonelle, you should inform your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions, including if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. In addition, inform your doctor if you have a history of ectopic pregnancy or conditions affecting your fallopian tubes, as the use of Levonelle may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Another consideration is the interaction of Levonelle with other drugs. Certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of Levonelle, including those used to treat epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV, and fungal infections. If you are taking any of these medications, consult your doctor before using Levonelle.

Furthermore, Levonelle can cause side effects, such as dizziness and fatigue. Therefore, it's important to be cautious when driving or operating machinery after taking Levonelle. Also, Levonelle might cause changes in your menstrual cycle. If your period is more than seven days late, you should take a pregnancy test.

Finally, remember that Levonelle does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Regular use of condoms is recommended to prevent STIs.

Interactions refer to the effect that Levonelle may have when taken with other substances, or the effect that other substances may have on the efficacy of Levonelle. It's significant to understand these interactions to ensure the safe and effective use of this medication.

It is advised to tell your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with Levonelle. Certain medications and substances can interact with Levonelle and affect its efficacy. These include:

• Any medication that is used to treat epilepsy, such as barbiturates, primidone, phenytoin, and carbamazepine.
• Medications used to treat HIV, such as ritonavir.
• Medications used to treat tuberculosis, such as rifampicin.
• Medications used for fungal infections, such as griseofulvin.
• Herbal supplements containing St. John's wort.

Levonelle can also interact with certain types of emergency contraception. Therefore, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider if you have used another form of emergency contraception within the past seven days.

If Levonelle is taken with any of these medications or substances, it may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. So, it's imperative to discuss with your healthcare provider about any potential interactions before starting treatment.

The price of Levonelle can vary significantly depending on where you choose to purchase it. Generally, the cost is around £25-£35 if you buy it from a pharmacy in the UK without a prescription. Some online pharmacies may offer it for a slightly lower price, however, it's important to ensure they are reputable and licensed to sell medication.

If you have a prescription from a doctor or nurse, you may be able to get Levonelle for free from a sexual health clinic, some GP surgeries and NHS walk-in centres. It's also worth noting that some pharmacies participate in a scheme that allows certain groups, such as those under 16, to get it for free.

Keep in mind that while Levonelle is a safe and effective form of emergency contraception, it's not intended to be used as a regular form of contraception due to its high cost and the fact it's less effective than regular contraceptive methods.

Levonelle is a popular emergency contraceptive, but it is not the only option available. Several substitutes exist, offering equivalent efficacy and similar usage guidelines. It's crucial to remember that while these substitutes provide similar results, individual reactions may vary and consultation with a healthcare provider is always recommended before switching contraceptives.

Some of the substitutes for Levonelle include:

• EllaOne: This is a single-dose emergency contraceptive that can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It contains ulipristal acetate, which works by delaying ovulation.
• Plan B One-Step: Similar to Levonelle, this product contains levonorgestrel and is designed to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy.
• Take Action: This is another levonorgestrel-based emergency contraceptive. It can be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but it is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event.

All of these substitutes work in a similar way by preventing or delaying ovulation, thereby preventing fertilization. They do not work if a woman is already pregnant.

It's important to note that these substitutes are not intended for regular use as a contraceptive. They are designed for emergency use only. Regular contraception methods, like birth control pills or condoms, should be used for routine pregnancy prevention.