Levonorgestrel 1.5mg

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg — Uses and Benefits

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or when a regular contraceptive method has failed, such as a missed pill or a broken condom.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Emergency contraception after unprotected sex
• Backup contraception after condom failure or missed regular pills
• Prevention of pregnancy in cases of sexual assault, when advised by a doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• It mainly works by delaying or preventing ovulation (release of an egg)
• It may also thicken cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg
• It works best when taken as early as possible after unprotected sex

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a regular or routine method of contraception
• It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
• It cannot terminate an existing confirmed pregnancy
• It should not be used repeatedly within the same menstrual cycle

How to Use Levonorgestrel 1.5mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take one tablet as a single dose, as soon as possible after unprotected sex
• It works best within 72 hours, but effectiveness reduces as time passes
• Can be taken with or without food
• If vomiting occurs within 2-3 hours of taking the tablet, contact your doctor as a repeat dose may be needed
• Do not use this as a regular contraceptive; use condoms or other regular methods going forward

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• This medicine is taken as a single dose, so a missed dose does not usually apply
• If you forget to take it within the recommended time window after unprotected sex, take it as soon as you remember, but consult a doctor as effectiveness may be reduced

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight
• Keep in its original packaging, away from moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Lower abdominal pain
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular bleeding or spotting
• Delayed or early next period

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea
• Mood changes

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe lower abdominal pain (may indicate ectopic pregnancy)
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Signs of allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of face or lips, difficulty breathing
• No period within 3-4 weeks of taking the medicine (get a pregnancy test done)

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available in India as a prescription medicine in some formulations, though certain brands are sold over the counter; please confirm with your pharmacist and consult a doctor if in doubt.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are already pregnant
• Have a known allergy to levonorgestrel or any other ingredient in the tablet
• Have severe liver disease

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have irregular menstrual cycles
• Have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past
• Have liver disease
• Are currently breastfeeding
• Are taking any other regular medicines, including herbal products

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Certain antiepileptic medicines
• Some medicines used for tuberculosis (like rifampicin)
• Certain herbal products such as St. John's Wort
• Other hormonal medicines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use this as my regular contraceptive method?

No, it is meant only for emergency use and is less effective than regular contraceptive methods.

Will it protect me from a sexually transmitted infection?

No, it does not protect against STIs; use condoms for that purpose.

What if my period is delayed after taking this medicine?

• A delay of a few days is common, but if your period is delayed by more than a week, take a pregnancy test and consult your doctor.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.