Levonorgestrel for emergency contraception

Therapeutic action

Hormonal contraceptive, progestogen.

Indications

Emergency contraception after unprotected or inadequately protected intercourse such as a forgotten pill or condom breaking.

Forms and strengths

• 1.5 mg tablet.

Dose and duration

• One 1.5 mg tablet, whatever the day of the cycle, as soon as possible after unprotected or inadequately protected intercourse, preferably within the first 72 hours.
• It is recommended to administer treatment up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• May cause disturbance of the next menstrual cycle, metrorrhagia, nausea, headache, and dizziness.
• Re-administer treatment immediately if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking treatment.
• Double the dose to 3 mg single dose in women taking enzyme-inducing drugs because they can reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
• Pregnancy: if used during an undiagnosed pregnancy or if treatment fails, there is no known harm for the foetus.
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication.
• Emergency contraception is intended to prevent pregnancy; it cannot terminate an ongoing pregnancy.