This contraception is used as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after the unprotected sexual intercourse, particularly. If you have had a sexual intercourse whereas either yourself or your partner did not use a contraceptive method

• If you have forgotten to take consecutive 3 regular contraceptive pills
• If your partner’s condom has broken, slipped or been improperly removed or if he has forgotten to use it
• If you fear that your intrauterine device has been expelled
• If your vaginal diaphragm or your contraceptive cap has moved or if have removed it too easily
• If you are afraid that the method of coitus interruptus has failed or if you have had sexual intercourse during the period when you are supposed to be fertile while using the rhythm method
• In the event of rape

Emergency Contraceptive Pill, Oral Contraceptive preparations

Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive pill for women. Levonorgestrel should be used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It should not be taken as regular birth control pill. This medicine is also known as morning after pill. Levonorgestrel belongs to a group of medicines called progestogen.

Levonorgestrel is a progestin or a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. In a woman's normal menstrual cycle, an egg matures and is released from the ovaries (ovulation). The ovary then produces progesterone, preventing the release of further eggs and priming the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels in the body remain high, maintaining the womb lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels in the body fall, resulting in a menstrual period. Levonorgestrel tricks the body processes into thinking that ovulation has already occurred, by maintaining high levels of the synthetic progesterone. This prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries.

levonorgestrel 0.75 mg Tablets should be taken at the same time, orally, as soon as possible but within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The total dosage for one complete regimen of levonorgestrel consists in a single dose of 1.50 mg levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg Tablets should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours, and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after having unprotected sex. Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets can be taken at any time in the menstrual cycle assuming the person is not already pregnant. The tablet should not be chewed but should be swallowed whole with water. If a regular method of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, is already being used, this can be continued at the regular times. If unprotected intercourse takes place again after the use of Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablets (also if this is during the same menstrual cycle), the tablet will not exert its contraceptive effect and there is again the risk of pregnancy. Levonorgestrel can be taken at any moment during the menstrual cycle. After using an emergency contraception, it is recommended to use a local contraceptive mean (condom, spermicide, cervical cap) until the next menstrual period resume. The use of Levonorgestrel does not contraindicate the continuation of regular hormonal contraception. If you have used this medicine while you were using an oral contraception (contraceptive pill), you should carry on taking the usual tablets until the end of the treatment. In case no menstrual period occurs in the next pill free period following the use of Levonorgestrel, a pregnancy test should be performed to rule out a pregnancy.

One tablet should be taken orally with a glass of water.

Simultaneous administration of certain anticonvulsant agents (phenobarbiton, phenytoin, primidone, carbamazepin), also other medications such as rafimpicin and griseofulvin can reduce or suppress the effectiveness of this emergency contraception.

If you have hypersensitivity to Levonorgestrel.

Undesirable effects which have been observed are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness, fatigue, headache
• Abdominal pain
• A feeling of breast tenderness
• Bleeding can occur after taking this medicine

Inform doctor of any unwanted effect which is not mentioned here

The medicine is not indicated in case of pre-existing pregnancy and cannot interrupt it in case of failure of this contraceptive mean with persisting pregnancy. Epidemiological studies indicates no adverse effects of progestogen on malformation of a fetus. Lactation is possible. However, since Levonorgestrel is secreted into breast milk it is suggested that you breast feed immediately before taking each tablet and that you skip nursing following each Levonorgestrel tablet administration.

Emergency contraception must be used exceptionally, since

• It does not allow to prevent a pregnancy in every instance
• The associated hormonal overdosing is not advisable in case of regular intake
• It cannot replace a regular contraception

After taking Levonorgestrel, menstrual period usually occurs at the expected date nevertheless, it can occur earlier or later by a few days. After taking this tablet, it is therefore mandatory to check the absence of pregnancy by performing a pregnancy test in case of abnormal bleeding at the date of expected period or in case of menstrual delay of more than 5 days. The use of emergency contraception does not replace the necessary precautions against sexually transmitted diseases and the measures to be taken in case of risk of transmission. If vomiting would occur within 2 hours after taking this medicine it is recommended to take immediately another Levonorgestrel tablet.

No acute toxicity has been demonstrated with this medicine in case of intake of several doses

Store in a cool & dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children