Levonelle

Levonelle is a popular morning after pill, used to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 days after unprotected sex or when regular contraceptive methods have failed. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event and is used in a single dose. It contains 1500mcg of the active ingredient levonogestrel which works effectively to prevent the actual fertilisation of the egg in the uterus.

Levonelle One Step is 95% effective at preventing conception if taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex. After 25 to 48 hours the efficacy rate drops to 85%, which means it can still significantly reduce your chances of falling pregnant. If taken on the third day after unprotected sex, the efficacy rate is at its lowest at 58%.

How long do I have to take Levonelle?

• 95% effective if taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex
• 85% effective if taken between 12- 24 hours of unprotected sex
• 75% effective if taken between 24- 48 hours of unprotected sex
• 58% effective if taken between 48- 72 hours of unprotected sex

Can Levonelle protect against STIs?

No, unfortunately Levonelle provides not protection against sexually transmitted infections, it is advised to use a barrier contraceptive such as a condom to prevent infection. If you've already had unprotected sexual intercourse and are worried you might have contracted an STI, you should talk to your GP or take a test when possible.

When a mature egg is released during the menstrual cycle, the ovaries produce progesterone. The release of this hormone prevents the release of any other eggs. The levonorgestrel ingredient produces high levels of synthetic progesterone and convinces the body that ovulation has already occurred, and therefore no further eggs are released for fertilisation.

Levonorgestrel also affects the consistency of the womb's natural mucous, making it thicker and more difficult for sperm cells to enter the womb. Eggs therefore stand less of a change of becoming fertilised if the sperm can't survive.

In addition to both these measures, the synthetic progesterone in the morning after pill also prevents the womb lining from preparing to receive a fertilised egg, so if one does get released, it won't be able to attach itself to the womb lining like it would under normal circumstances.

Will Levonelle One Step work if I'm already pregnant?

Levonelle will not prevent an existing pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills are a completely different kind of medicine to the type that is used for abortions. It is not advised therefore to buy this morning after pill if you are already confirmed as pregnant.

When using this emergency contraceptive, the following usage instructions should be followed:

• One Levonelle tablet should be swallowed with a glass of water as soon as possible after the event
• Levonelle One Step can be taken at any point during your menstrual cycle.
• If you vomit within three hours of using the pill, contact your doctor as your body may not have full absorbed the active ingredient yet

If you are already taking a contraceptive, you should continue using it as normal

It is also recommended that you use a barrier contraceptive for the duration of your menstrual cycle as an additional precautionary measure because Levonelle can only be used once during a cycle.

The morning after pill is one singular pill and is, therefore, available in just one dosage. This dose is higher than the usual contraception at 1,500mcg, which is necessary to prevent unwanted pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.

Some women may experience mild side effects, such as headaches, abdominal pain and nausea after taking Levonelle. Some of the less common side effects include:

• Breast tenderness
• Stomach pains
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue.

One of the more common reactions to Levonelle is some vaginal bleeding outside of your normal cycle, and also menstrual spotting or irregular bleeding within it, this is normal and should not cause any concerns. Sometimes this morning after pill can cause your period to begin a few days early or late. You should inform your doctor if your period arrives more than seven days late. If you do experience any significant side effects apart from these, such as swelling as a result of an allergic reaction to the medication, then ensure you contact your doctor immediately.

Anyone can buy Levonelle if they are 18 years and up as a precautionary measure in case they have had unprotected sex, or if their usual contraceptive method fails. It should not be taken if:

• You have any liver or kidney diseases
• You have a disease or any disorder that causes malabsorption
• You have an allergy to the synthetic progesterone - levonorgestrel
• You have Crohn's disease

It is also important that you mention in your consultation if you have HIV, TB, epilepsy, or if you are using any fungicidal medications or herbal products containing St John's Wort.

Levonelle should not be taken alongside any other morning after pills, such as the emergency contraceptive containing ulipristal (ellaOne). It will not have a combined effect. In fact ellaOne is likely to make it less effective.

Levonelle can interact adversely when taking alongside certain other drugs such as:

• Some treatments for HIV
• Tuberculosis treatments
• Ciclosporin
• GriseofulvinTreatments for epilepsy
• St John's Wort

For further information about the precautions and interactions about Levonelle, please refer to the patient leaflet provided with your medication, and available for download towards the bottom of the page.

You can order Levonelle contraceptive pill online after completing a free online consultation at HealthExpress. The consultation only takes a few minutes and allows one of our doctors a chance to see if this medicine is suitable for you. Once approved, it will be prepared for express dispatch from our pharmacy for next day delivery.