Levonorgestrel is a form of progesterone, which is a female hormone involved in conception.
Levonorgestrel is used as an emergency contraceptive (EC) to prevent pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse. Levonorgestrel prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), disrupts fertilization (joining of the egg and sperm), and inhibits implantation (attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterus).
Levonorgestrel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Levonorgestrel (EC)?
The first dose of Levonorgestrel must be taken as soon as possible and within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, and the second dose 12 hours following the first, to be effective.
Levonorgestrel does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Levonorgestrel?
Before taking Levonorgestrel, tell your doctor if you
have high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;
have had a stroke;
have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
have breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer;
have liver disease;
have undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding;
have migraines or severe, recurrent headaches;
have diabetes; or
smoke.
You may not be able to take Levonorgestrel, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Levonorgestrel should not be used at any time during pregnancy except in an attempt to prevent pregnancy within 72 hours following unprotected sexual intercourse.
Levonorgestrel passes into breast milk. Do not take Levonorgestrel without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Levonorgestrel?
Take Levonorgestrel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
The first dose of Levonorgestrel must be taken as soon as possible and within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, and the second dose 12 hours following the first, to be effective.
If you vomit within one hour of taking either dose of Levonorgestrel, contact your doctor.
Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor for three weeks after taking Levonorgestrel.
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you miss your period following the use of Levonorgestrel.
Levonorgestrel is not intended for use as ongoing pregnancy protection and should not be used as a routine form of contraception.
Store Levonorgestrel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Levonorgestrel. Missing a dose of Levonorgestrel increases the risk of becoming pregnant. It is very important to take the two doses 12 hours apart.
What happens if I overdose?
Death or serious side effects are not likely to occur from an overdose of Levonorgestrel. Consult your doctor, an emergency room, or a poison control left for advice.
Symptoms of an overdose of Levonorgestrel may include nausea and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking Levonorgestrel?
Levonorgestrel (EC) does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS.
What are the possible side effects of Levonorgestrel?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking levonorgestrel (EC) and seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
severe pain or tenderness in the stomach area.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take levonorgestrel (EC) and talk to your doctor if you experience
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
fatigue;
headache;
changes in menstrual bleeding (spotting, earlier or later menstrual period, heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding, longer or shorter menstrual period);
dizziness; or
breast tenderness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What drug(s) may interact with levonorgestrel in this emergency contraceptive kit?
The following medications could potentially make the Plan-B kit less effective at preventing pregnancy:
antibiotics or medicines for infections
aprepitant, a medicine used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
barbiturate medicines for producing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), like phenobarbital
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