Levonorgestrel Side Effects

Severe side effects

• missed menstrual period
• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• spotting instead of your usual period
• severe and persistent lower stomach pain

Common side effects

• changes in menstrual flow
• breast tenderness
• tiredness
• dizziness
• nausea
• diarrhea
• headache
• stomach pain
• vomiting

Warnings & Recalls for Levonorgestrel

Don't use if you are allergic to any ingredient in levonorgestrel or suspect if you are pregnant.

Also if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, had a stroke or history of bleeding of the brain, known or suspected breast cancer or a blood clotting disorder, have diabetes, have a history of ectopic pregnancy or you are premenstrual medications, you should not take Levonorgestrel.

This drug does NOT protect against HIV infection and it is not for children. It's to be used only as an emergency contraceptive and not as a routine birth control if you have sexual intercourse after you take levonorgestrel but before you have you next menstrual period.  

Drugs that may interact with Levonorgestrel

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased or decreased by levonorgestrel
• Lamotrigine because its effectiveness is decreased, and when levonorgestrel is stopped, toxic effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and vision problems may occur
• Valproic acid because its effectiveness may be decreased by levonorgestrel
• Antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), aprepitant, barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), bosentan, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, indinavir), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), modafinil, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, penicillins (eg, amoxicillin), rifampin, rufinamide, St. John's wort, tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline), topiramate, or troglitazone because they may decrease levonorgestrel's effectiveness
• Beta-adrenergic blockers (eg, metoprolol), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), selegiline, theophylline, or troleandomycin because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by levonorgestrel

 

Family planning

Levonorgestrel doesn't end an existing pregnancy so do NOT use the drug if you are currently pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Levonorgestrel is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while taking levonorgestrel, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Levonorgestrel Treatment and Use

What is Levonorgestrel?

Levonorgestrel prevents pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or a suspected birth control failure.

How does Levonorgestrel work?

Levonorgestrel is a progestin. It isn’t exactly known how it works. It may either alter the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation if fertilization occurs, or it inhibits ovulation by altering transport of sperm or eggs to prevent fertilization.

Dosage information

Take within the 72 hours of the unprotected sex. Take one pill when you get it and the second pill 12 hours after taking the first one.

Other Names for Levonorgestrel

Brand name

Plan B One-Step

Colloquial name: Morning after pill

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Levonorgestrel