What is Levonorgestrel?
Levonorgestrel is a trusted form of emergency contraception used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It can be taken within three days (72 hours) of unprotected intercourse.
This gives you time to decide whether taking Levonorgestrel is the right choice for you, either on your own or after discussing it with your partner. It is the most widely used method of emergency contraception and has helped millions of women safely prevent unintended pregnancies.
For the best results, Levonorgestrel should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, which provides up to a 95% chance of preventing pregnancy.
What is the ingredient in Levonelle?
Each Levonelle tablet contains Levonorgestrel 1500 micrograms (1.5mg) as the active ingredient.
How does Levonorgestrel work?
Levonorgestrel helps to prevent around 84% of expected pregnancies if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
It works primarily by:
The sooner you take Levonorgestrel after unprotected sex, the more effective it will be.
How do I use Levonorgestrel?
Take one tablet as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours, and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The tablet can be taken at any point in your menstrual cycle, as long as you are not already pregnant or suspect you may be.
Levonorgestrel should only be used in emergency situations and not as a regular form of contraception. Using it more than once in the same menstrual cycle can reduce its effectiveness and may cause changes to your period. If you find yourself needing emergency contraception frequently, speak to your GP or pharmacist about a more reliable, long-term contraceptive method.
If you are already using a regular form of contraception (such as the contraceptive pill), you can continue taking it at your usual times after taking Levonorgestrel.
Please note that if you have unprotected sex again after taking Levonorgestrel, it will not protect you from pregnancy — another dose or an alternative form of contraception may be required.
How do I buy the morning after pill online?
You can safely order the morning after pill online from Reach Online Pharmacy. Simply complete a short and confidential medical assessment, which will be reviewed by one of our GMC-registered doctors.
If your order is approved, our UK-registered pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your medication for fast, discreet delivery, including next working day options via Royal Mail.
Can Levonorgestrel be purchased online?
Yes. You can buy Levonorgestrel online through Reach Online Pharmacy after completing a brief consultation. Our medical team will ensure the treatment is suitable for you before it is dispensed by our pharmacy and delivered securely to your chosen address.
If you’ve had unprotected sex or experienced contraceptive failure, you should take action as soon as possible. You can also visit your GP, local sexual health (GUM) clinic, or community pharmacy for further advice and support.
What is Levonorgestrel?
Levonorgestrel is a trusted form of emergency contraception used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It can be taken within three days (72 hours) of unprotected intercourse.
This gives you time to decide whether taking Levonorgestrel is the right choice for you, either on your own or after discussing it with your partner. It is the most widely used method of emergency contraception and has helped millions of women safely prevent unintended pregnancies.
For the best results, Levonorgestrel should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, which provides up to a 95% chance of preventing pregnancy.
⚠️ Warnings and Precautions
Before taking Levonorgestrel 1500 micrograms (1.5mg), please read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) carefully and follow the guidance provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take Levonorgestrel if:
-
You are allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the other ingredients in the medicine.
-
You are already pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
-
You have a serious liver condition.
-
You have unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been examined by a doctor.
If any of these apply to you, seek medical advice before taking this medicine.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Levonorgestrel if:
-
You have previously had an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside the womb).
-
You have had inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis).
-
You suffer from a digestive disorder such as Crohn’s disease, which may affect the absorption of oral medicines.
-
You are taking other medicines that may reduce the effectiveness of Levonorgestrel, such as certain treatments for epilepsy, tuberculosis, or HIV, or herbal remedies containing St John’s Wort.
-
You are overweight or obese, as the tablet may be less effective and an alternative emergency contraceptive such as an IUD may be more suitable.
Important information:
-
Levonorgestrel is for emergency use only and should not be used as a regular form of contraception.
-
If you vomit within three hours of taking the tablet, another dose should be taken as soon as possible.
-
If your period is more than five days late, or if your bleeding is unusually light or heavy, take a pregnancy test and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
-
Levonorgestrel will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use a condom to reduce your risk of infection.
-
Repeated use within the same menstrual cycle is not recommended, as it may cause hormonal disruption or irregular bleeding.
Driving and operating machinery:
Levonorgestrel does not usually affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you feel dizzy, tired, or unwell, wait until you feel better before doing so.
Fertility and ongoing contraception:
Levonorgestrel does not affect your long-term fertility. After use, ensure you start or continue a reliable form of contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy in future.