What are Levonorgestrel tablets?
Levonorgestrel tablets are used by women who have had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours to prevent pregnancy and is a generic version of Levonelle.
Take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex; it cannot guarantee that pregnancy will be prevented.
How to buy a Levonorgestrel tablet
You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Levonorgestrel tablets online in the UK and choose from collection, next day or free delivery . We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. As Levonorgestrel tablets are a 'Pharmacy-only' (P) medicine a pharmacist needs to have a consultation to make sure treatment is appropriate before you can purchase Levonorgestrel tablets.
Upon completion of your order, our pharmacist will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
Do not wait for a delivery if this could delay treatment beyond the 72-hour window. Contact a local pharmacy, sexual health clinic or NHS 111 promptly. The copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraceptive and can provide ongoing contraception; a clinician will check whether the timing and your circumstances allow fitting.
How it works
Levonorgestrel is a synthetic hormone that works mainly by stopping or delaying ovulation. It does not end an existing pregnancy and does not protect against sex later in the cycle. Keeping a tablet available in advance can help avoid delay, but emergency contraception should not replace a regular method.
How effective is Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel can reduce the chance of pregnancy when taken as soon as possible within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex. It does not prevent every pregnancy and oral emergency contraception may not work once ovulation has happened. A single percentage cannot predict your chance of pregnancy because timing in your cycle matters.
If you are outside this window, or are unsure of the timing, contact a pharmacist or sexual health clinic urgently. ellaOne or a copper IUD may be options after assessment; ellaOne is not automatically suitable for everyone.
How to take Levonorgestrel
Take one 1.5mg tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex, within 72 hours. You can take it with or without food. Tell the pharmacist if you weigh over 70kg or your BMI is over 26, as this can affect the choice of emergency contraception. Do not double the dose yourself.
Tell the pharmacist about all medicines and herbal remedies used in the last four weeks, especially some treatments for epilepsy, tuberculosis or HIV, and St John’s wort. These may reduce the pill’s effect; a copper IUD may be preferred. A pharmacist may sometimes advise a different levonorgestrel dose if a copper IUD is unsuitable.
After taking Levonorgestrel
If you vomit within three hours, contact a pharmacist promptly because you may need another dose. Levonorgestrel does not protect against pregnancy from sex after taking it.
You can start or resume your usual hormonal contraception straight away. Use condoms or avoid sex until that method becomes effective again. Ask the pharmacist for the exact additional-precaution period for your method.
Take a pregnancy test three weeks after the latest unprotected sex, even if you have bleeding. Your next period may be earlier, later or different from usual. Seek advice sooner if it is more than five days late, unusually light or heavy, or you have pregnancy symptoms. Get urgent medical assessment for sudden or severe lower abdominal pain, which can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy.
Who cannot take Levonorgestrel
A pharmacist will check the appropriate product and its age instructions. Do not take it if you are allergic to an ingredient. If you might already be pregnant, tell the pharmacist before treatment: emergency contraception cannot end an existing pregnancy. Get advice first if:
- You have severe liver disease or a condition that affects absorption, such as Crohn’s disease.
- You have previously had an ectopic pregnancy or inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
- You take medicines that may reduce its effect.
- Your period is late, abnormal, or you have pregnancy symptoms.
Levonorgestrel side effects
Most side effects are temporary, but not everyone experiences them. Possible effects include:
- Feeling or being sick
- Headache or dizziness
- Tiredness
- Abdominal discomfort or period pain
- Breast tenderness
- Changes to the timing or bleeding pattern of your next period
Get urgent medical advice for severe lower abdominal pain or suspected pregnancy. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, collapse or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. Check the leaflet for other possible effects.
Frequently asked questions
How effective is Levonorgestrel?
Levonorgestrel can reduce the chance of pregnancy when taken as soon as possible within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex. It does not prevent every pregnancy and oral emergency contraception may not work once ovulation has happened. A single percentage cannot predict your chance of pregnancy because timing in your cycle matters.
If you are outside this window, or are unsure of the timing, contact a pharmacist or sexual health clinic urgently. ellaOne or a copper IUD may be options after assessment; ellaOne is not automatically suitable for everyone.
How does levonorgestrel work ?
Levonorgestrel works mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation. It does not end a pregnancy that has already started and does not protect against further unprotected sex.
Can I take levonorgestrel while breastfeeding?
Yes, it is fine to take this medication while breastfeeding.
Do Levonorgestrel tablets expire?
Yes, like most medicines has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store Levonorgestrel tablets?
Levonorgestrel tablets should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Incorrect storage could result in the medication becoming less effective.
Can I drink alcohol after taking a Levonorgestrel tablet?
Yes, you can drink alcohol.
Is it safe to buy Levonorgestrel tablets from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worst harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.
