Levonorgestrel, also known as Levonelle, is an emergency contraceptive designed to help prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. This includes situations such as not using contraception, or if a condom has split or slipped off during sex.

Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) contains a synthetic version of the hormone progestogen. When taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, it can prevent around 84% of expected pregnancies. It works primarily by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation) and may also prevent sperm from fertilising an egg that has already been released.

Levonelle 1500 offers an effective option for preventing an unplanned pregnancy when taken after unprotected sex. It provides reassurance and a reliable method of emergency contraception if your usual method has failed or wasn’t used.
 

 

Levonelle 1500 is a prescription-only emergency contraceptive. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions and read the patient information leaflet included with the medication. Take the tablet by swallowing it whole with water.

For best results, take Levonelle as soon as possible after unprotected sex—ideally within 12 hours, and no later than 72 hours (3 days). It is most effective the sooner it is taken. It can be used at any point in your menstrual cycle, provided you are not already pregnant or suspect you might be.

Levonelle should only be used for emergency situations and not as a regular contraceptive method. Taking it more than once in the same menstrual cycle may reduce its effectiveness and can disrupt your period. If you find yourself needing emergency contraception repeatedly, speak to your doctor about more reliable long-term options.

If you are already using a regular form of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, you can continue taking it as normal after using Levonelle.

Note that Levonelle 1500 will not protect you from pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again after taking it. In that case, you should consider using another method of contraception.

Levonelle is supplied as a single tablet containing 1500 micrograms of levonorgestrel. It should be taken as a one-time dose, as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours.

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you should take another dose as soon as possible.

It’s common for your next period to be slightly delayed after taking Levonelle 1500. However, if your period is more than 7 days late, unusually light or heavy, or different from normal, it’s important to take a pregnancy test. You should also consider seeing your doctor around 3 weeks after taking the tablet to confirm that it has worked.

Before using Levonelle, it’s important to speak to your doctor to ensure it’s suitable for you. This medication should not be taken if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or any other ingredients in the tablet. You should also inform your doctor if any of the following apply:

• Your period is late or you’re experiencing signs of pregnancy (e.g. tender breasts, morning sickness)
• You have a condition affecting the small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, which could reduce absorption of the medicine
• You have severe liver disease
• You have a history of ectopic pregnancy (where a pregnancy develops outside the womb)
• You’ve previously had salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes)

There is some evidence that Levonelle may be less effective in women with a higher body mass index (BMI). However, due to limited data, it is still considered suitable for use regardless of BMI.

You should not take Levonelle at the same time as another emergency contraceptive pill, as this may reduce its effectiveness.

Interactions with other medicines
Levonoelle 1500 may be less effective if taken alongside certain medications. If you have used any of the following in the last four weeks, speak to a doctor before taking it:

• Barbiturates and other epilepsy treatments
• Medicines for tuberculosis
• Treatments for HIV
• Griseofulvin (for fungal infections)
• Cyclosporin (used to suppress the immune system)
• Herbal remedies containing St John’s Wort

In these cases, your doctor may recommend an alternative emergency contraceptive such as a copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Levonelle should not be used if you are already pregnant or think you might be. However, if you accidentally take it while pregnant, current evidence suggests it will not harm the pregnancy. Regardless, you should see your doctor for further advice.

If you are breastfeeding, take the tablet immediately after nursing. Then avoid breastfeeding for at least 8 hours. During this time, express and discard the milk to maintain supply.

Common side effects
Some people may experience side effects after taking Levonelle 1500. These can include:

• Nausea
• Irregular bleeding before your next period
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Headache

If any side effects persist, worsen, or you experience anything unusual, contact your doctor promptly. Seek medical advice immediately if you experience any serious side effects.
 

 

Levonorgestrel is most effective when taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex, preventing up to 95% of pregnancies. Its effectiveness drops the longer you wait—down to about 58% by 72 hours. It doesn’t work if ovulation has already occurred. It's not as reliable as regular contraception, so it’s meant for emergencies only. Always use backup protection until your next period.

Yes, it can be used more than once in a cycle, but it's not ideal. Frequent use may lead to hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and reduced reliability. It’s better to discuss long-term contraceptive options with your GP. Emergency pills aren’t designed to replace daily or monthly contraception. They are best used for occasional, urgent situations only.

No, Levonorgestrel does not cause infertility. Your fertility returns quickly, often within the same cycle, which is why it’s important to use other contraception straight after. It won’t harm your ability to become pregnant in the future. It also doesn’t delay ovulation long-term. Women who plan to conceive later can safely use it if needed.

No, Levonorgestrel does not cause infertility. Your fertility returns quickly, often within the same cycle, which is why it’s important to use other contraception straight after. It won’t harm your ability to become pregnant in the future. It also doesn’t delay ovulation long-term. Women who plan to conceive later can safely use it if needed.

If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, it may not be absorbed. In that case, contact a pharmacist or GP—you might need a replacement dose. If you vomit later than two hours, the medicine has likely been absorbed properly. If you're unsure, speak to a clinician for advice to avoid risk of contraceptive failure.

No. It only protects against pregnancy from the intercourse that occurred before you took it. If you have sex again after taking it—even within the same week—it won’t offer protection. You’ll need to use condoms or other contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy until your next period. Consider switching to a regular contraceptive method going forward.

It’s not recommended for routine use. Levonorgestrel is safe for emergencies, but repeated use can cause irregular bleeding, hormonal disruption, and reduced effectiveness. Regular methods like pills, patches, or IUDs are more reliable and convenient. Emergency contraception should only be used when other methods fail or aren’t available.

If your period is more than 7 days late, or is much lighter or heavier than usual, take a pregnancy test immediately. While the pill may delay your cycle slightly, it shouldn’t cause long-term changes. If you don’t get your period within 3 weeks, consult your GP. Persistent delays could signal a pregnancy or other hormonal imbalance.

Yes, it’s safe for those of reproductive age, including adolescents. In the UK, teenagers can access emergency contraception confidentially through NHS services or pharmacies. It doesn’t harm fertility or growth. Young people are encouraged to speak to a pharmacist, sexual health nurse, or GP about long-term contraceptive options for future protection.

Yes. In UK pharmacies, a partner or friend can purchase Levonorgestrel on your behalf. The pharmacist may ask some questions to ensure it's appropriate, but the person taking the medicine doesn’t need to be present. This helps provide faster access during emergencies and is fully allowed under UK pharmacy practice.

It might briefly reduce the effectiveness of combined pills or progesterone-only pills, so use additional protection like condoms for at least 7 days after taking Levonorgestrel. Continue your normal pill routine unless advised otherwise. Always check with your pharmacist if you’re unsure about potential interactions or when to restart your method.

No, Levonorgestrel does not interrupt or harm an existing pregnancy. It works by stopping ovulation and is ineffective once fertilisation and implantation have occurred. It is not the same as the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol). If you're already pregnant, taking Levonorgestrel will not end the pregnancy or cause miscarriage.

Yes, you can take Levonorgestrel while breastfeeding. A small amount may pass into breastmilk, but it is generally considered safe for nursing infants. To reduce exposure, you can breastfeed right before taking the tablet, then wait at least 3 hours before feeding again. Always speak to your GP if you have concerns.

Levonorgestrel will not affect or harm an established pregnancy. It will also not cause an abortion. If pregnancy has already begun, the pill will have no effect, and it’s important to seek medical advice to confirm pregnancy. A pregnancy test is recommended if your period is late or you have pregnancy symptoms.

Yes, drinking alcohol does not interfere with how Levonorgestrel works. However, excessive drinking shortly after taking it may increase the chance of vomiting, which could reduce effectiveness. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, seek medical advice—you might need another dose.

Levonorgestrel stays active for about 24 to 72 hours, depending on individual metabolism. It is a one-time treatment that clears from the body within a few days. It does not have long-term effects on the menstrual cycle. Hormonal side effects, such as nausea or breast tenderness, usually subside within a week.

Yes. Levonorgestrel is available over the counter at most UK pharmacies. You’ll usually have a quick, private consultation with the pharmacist to ensure it’s appropriate. It’s also free through NHS sexual health clinics and may be available online from regulated services like 123Meds.

If you find yourself needing emergency contraception regularly, it’s time to consider a long-term, reliable method. Options include daily pills, injections, patches, implants, or IUDs. These methods are more effective and reduce the stress of emergency situations. Your GP or 123Meds prescriber can help you choose the right one.