Levonorgestrel belongs to a class of medications called progestins. It resembles a female hormone progesterone in our bodies. It works by inhibiting the release of an egg from the ovary, preventing sperm fertilization of the egg by making vaginal fluid thicker, or changing the uterine lining to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. It is an emergency contraceptive used by women after after birth control failure (such as a broken condom) or unprotected sex. It can also be used for long-term contraception through an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUDs).
Levonorgestrel can be taken by mouth as tablets, and inserted via intrauterine system (Jaydess®️, Mirena®️).
For oral dosage form, take one 0.75 mg tablet as soon as possible within 72 hours of unprotected sex, followed by a second 0.75 mg tablet 12 hours after the first dose. Alternatively, you may take one 1.5mg tablet once as soon as possible within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, but the side effects (e.g. vomiting) would be more serious. Take another dose if you vomit within 2-3 hours after taking this medication. You may take Levonorgestrel with or without food.
For an intrauterine system, it should be inserted by a doctor within seven days from the beginning of your period. It needs to be changed at different intervals of 3 to 10 years, depending on the device. Jaydess®️13.5 mg can be used for up to 3 years once inserted, while Mirena®️52 mg can be used for up to 6 years.
Common side effects of Levonorgestrel include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, fatigue, menstrual irregularity, breast pain or mood changes.
Common dosing schedule:
For regular birth control, it is taken once daily. When taking the combined product for emergency contraception, a second dose should be taken if vomiting occurs within 2-3 hours.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Levonorgestrel may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Levonorgestrel is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Levonorgestrel in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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