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Overview: Levonorgestrel is an over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraceptive pill. It is used to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or when your regular birth control fails (such as a broken condom). Common side effects can include headache, nausea or vomiting, or changes in menstrual bleeding. For best results, levonorgestrel should be taken as soon as possible within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex. The sooner you take it after sex, the better.

Uses

What is levonorgestrel used for?

Levonorgestrel is commonly used as an emergency contraceptive (sometimes called the morning-after pill). This is a type of birth control to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your birth control fails (such as a broken condom).

Levonorgestrel may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does levonorgestrel work (mechanism of action)?

Levonorgestrel reduces the chance of an unintended pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovaries).

How is levonorgestrel supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • My Way
  • Next Choice One Dose
  • Plan B One-Step

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1.5 mg oral tablet

Levonorgestrel is also available as several intrauterine devices (IUDs).

How should I store levonorgestrel?

Levonorgestrel should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of levonorgestrel?

The most common side effects of levonorgestrel are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Menstrual cycle changes
  • Tiredness
  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of levonorgestrel that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of levonorgestrel?

While less common, the most serious side effects of levonorgestrel are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Levonorgestrel may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Pregnancy Outside of the Womb. If levonorgestrel does not work and you become pregnant, there is a small risk of that pregnancy being outside of the womb, also called an ectopic pregnancy, which can be serious. Get emergency help right away if you have severe lower stomach pain after taking levonorgestrel.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use levonorgestrel?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take levonorgestrel.

  • Levonorgestrel
  • My Way
  • Next Choice One Dose
  • Plan B One-Step
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific levonorgestrel products they stock.

What should I know about levonorgestrel before using it?

Read and follow the instructions that come with the product. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you have any questions about how to take this medicine.

Levonorgestrel works best to prevent pregnancy the sooner you take it after sex. It should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours of having sex. It will not work if you are already pregnant.

Levonorgestrel does not protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Levonorgestrel is only for emergency contraception and is not to be taken frequently or as your regular birth control. Talk to your health care provider about your birth control options.

Keep levonorgestrel out of the reach of children.

If you do not have your period on time or within 3 weeks after taking levonorgestrel, you should take a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Ask your health care provider if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before using levonorgestrel?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if levonorgestrel is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Levonorgestrel may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking levonorgestrel, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Do not take levonorgestrel if you are already pregnant because it will not work. It is not known if or how levonorgestrel could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Levonorgestrel passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take levonorgestrel while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does levonorgestrel interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between levonorgestrel and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect levonorgestrel.

Does levonorgestrel interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking levonorgestrel.

  • Efavirenz, which is a medicine for HIV
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat tuberculosis
  • A medicine to treat seizures

This is not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with levonorgestrel. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much levonorgestrel?

If you or someone else has used too much levonorgestrel, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of levonorgestrel?

Levonorgestrel is taken as a one-time dose. If you throw up within 2 hours of taking it, contact your health care provider for advice.

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