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Emergency contraception · TREATMENT GUIDE

Levonorgestrel emergency contraception guide

How to take levonorgestrel after unprotected sex, understanding timing, effectiveness, and the next period.

2 min read · Reviewed by Dr. Alejandro Infante
TREATMENT GUIDE · Emergency contraception

Levonorgestrel emergency contraception guide

How to take levonorgestrel after unprotected sex, understanding timing, effectiveness, and the next period.

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2 min read
PATHWAY
Levonorgestrel
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This guide does not replace the package leaflet or your doctor's assessment.

Medicines and interactions to reviewEnzyme-inducing medicines used in the last 4 weeks can change the safest option

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On this page
01

How to use

  1. Take one tablet as soon as possible within 72 hours

    Swallow the 1.5 mg tablet whole with water as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex. It does not end an existing pregnancy.

  2. If vomiting occurs within 3 hours

    Contact a healthcare professional: another dose may be needed. Nausea is common but does not affect effectiveness.

Monitoring

Medicines and interactions to review. Enzyme-inducing medicines used in the last 4 weeks can change the safest option Current hormonal contraception, breastfeeding, and any emergency contraception already used this cycle must be reviewed If breastfeeding, avoid nursing for 8 hours after the dose

02

Treatment pathway

See the full decision pathway

Timing pathway

    • Up to 72 hours

      Levonorgestrel or ulipristal may be considered after clinical checks. Earlier treatment is preferable, and a copper IUD is the most effective option.

    • 73 to 120 hours

      Ulipristal is the oral option in the protocol if suitable. Offer a copper IUD and review medicines, ovulation timing, weight, and contraception.

    • More than 120 hours or after ovulation

      Do not use automatic oral treatment. Seek prompt clinical assessment for a copper IUD and pregnancy advice.

03

Dose schedule

  1. Single dose per episode

    Only one dose needed. Unprotected sex later in the same cycle may need further advice.

  2. Next period

    It should arrive around the expected date. If it is more than 5 days late, take a pregnancy test.

04

Side effects

Common temporary effects

Nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness can occur and are usually temporary.

Cycle changes

Next period may be lighter or heavier, earlier or later. Persistent spotting should be discussed.

05

Do not use if

  • You are allergic to the medicine or an ingredient in the tablet
  • More than 72 hours have passed, or an established pregnancy needs assessment
  • Severe liver disease, malabsorption, or interacting medicines make oral treatment unsuitable until reviewed

If any item may apply, do not use the medicine until a clinician has reviewed it.

06

When to contact your doctor

  • Vomiting within 3 hours of taking the tablet: another dose may be needed
  • Next period more than 5 days late, or pregnancy-like symptoms
  • Severe abdominal pain, especially on one side: rare ectopic pregnancy possible
07

Storage

Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.

08

What to expect

Levonorgestrel reduces pregnancy risk when taken within 72 hours, but it does not prevent every pregnancy. If your next period is more than 5 days late, take a pregnancy test.

09

Sources

  1. eMC: Levonorgestrel SmPC
Emergency contraceptionThis guide is for patients whose doctor has already prescribed Levonorgestrel.Questions about your treatment? Message your doctor from your account. Not on treatment yet? An EU-licensed doctor assesses your case and decides whether any treatment is appropriate.Start consultationThis guide does not replace the package leaflet or your doctor's assessment.
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FAQS

Common questions

Levonorgestrel emergency contraception guide3 questions
Who reviews the guides?
Each guide is reviewed by an EU-licensed doctor. It is based on the official product information, cited at the end of each guide.
No. They support your treatment, and your doctor's instructions always come first.
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The clinical information on this page was reviewed by: Dr. Alejandro Infante, General medicine, on 26 August 2026. Barcelona College of Physicians, no. 080869277 View profile

If the doctor does not approve treatment, we refund the full amount. Every consultation is fully refundable. How refunds work