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Advice for women taking Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets
• Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets should only be
used in an emergency
Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets for emergency
contraception works best when you take it as
soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is
effective within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected
sex. Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets is not effective
as regular long-term method of contraception
and will not always stop a pregnancy (not 100%
effective). It should not replace regular, long-
term contraception.
• Timing of the tablet is very important
Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets should be taken as
soon as possible after unprotected sex. It works
for up to 72 hours (3 days) after sex, but its more
effective the sooner you take it.
• Possible side effects of Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg
tablets
You might feel sick, have tender breasts,
headaches, tummy pain, diarrhea, feel dizzy or
tired after taking Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets.
These symptoms should get better within a few
days. If you are worried about the way you are
feeling, always ask your pharmacist, doctor or
nurse.
1% of women are likely to get sick (vomit) after
taking Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets. If you do
vomit within three hours of taking Levonorgestrel
1.5 mg tablets, contact a pharmacist, doctor or
family planning clinic as soon as possible, as the
tablet may not be effective if you are sick.
• Using contraception after taking Levonorgestrel
1.5 mg tablets
Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets will not protect you
against pregnancy for the rest of your menstrual
cycle and you should use a barrier method of
contraception (e.g. condom, diaphragm or cap) if
you want to have sex before your next period
starts. The use of Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets
does not contraindicate the continuation of
regular hormonal contraception.
Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets will not protect you
against sexually transmitted infections. Only
condoms can do this. Ask your doctor, nurse,
family planning clinic or pharmacist for advice if
you are worried about this.
• Possible changes to your next period
After taking Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets, most
women have their next period at the usual time,
although some may have their period a few days
earlier or later than normal. If your next period is
different from normal or more than five days late
or is unusually light or unusually heavy, make an
appointment to see your doctor, nurse or family
planning adviser as soon as possible. Spotting or
bleeding may occur before your next period after
taking Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets.
• How often can I take Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg
tablets?
Although there is no limit to the number of times
you can take Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets, it
should only be used in an emergency.
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets are only suitable as
a backup, if your regular method of
contraception has failed, as it does not prevent
pregnancy as effectively as long-term methods
such as the combined contraceptive pill.
• How do I know if Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets
has worked?
If you are not pregnant you should have your
period as usual, although it may be a little early
or late. If your period is more than five days late
or is unusually light or unusually heavy, contact
your doctor as soon as possible.
Advice on contraception is available free from your GP, Family Planning Clinic or NHS Walk-in Centre.
Please always read the patient information leaflet.
To request additional copies of this checklist, please contact Lupin (Europe) Limited, Tel: 01565 751378, Email:
drugsafet[email protected]
