Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if other forms of birth control fail (like a condom breaking or missing 2 or more birth control pills).

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive must be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex (no later than 72 hours afterward).

Call your doctor right away if you vomit within 2 hours after taking levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive. Do not take a second dose without first asking your doctor.

If your period is late by 1 week or longer after the expected date, you may be pregnant. Get a pregnancy test and contact your doctor if you are pregnant. Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive will not terminate pregnancy if the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus.

Within 3 weeks after taking levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive, a doctor should confirm that you are not pregnant, and that this medicine has not caused any harmful effects.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive will not end a pregnancy if the fertilized egg has already implanted in the uterus.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using levonorgestrel if you regularly take medications for seizures, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS. Some other medicines can reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel.

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive is not meant to be used as a regular method of birth control. Talk to your doctor about the different types of birth control options available.

Do not use this medicine if you are already pregnant. Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive will not end a pregnancy that has already started (when the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus).

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 17 years old.

You should not use levonorgestrel if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking levonorgestrel if you regularly take medication for seizures, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS. Some medications can make levonorgestrel less effective as an emergency contraceptive.

Levonorgestrel may reduce breast milk production. Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor or seek emergency medical help if you have severe pain in your lower stomach or side. This could be a sign of a tubal pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus). A tubal pregnancy is a medical emergency.

Common side effects of levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive may include:

• stomach pain;
• breast pain or tenderness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness;
• feeling tired; or
• changes in your menstrual periods.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive is taken as a single dose, there is no daily dosing schedule.

Because levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive comes as a single tablet in a specific strength, it is unlikely that you will take too much if you use it as instructed. Do not take more than one tablet at the same time.

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. The only way to protect yourself from these diseases is by using a condom. Avoid having unprotected sex.

Certain other medications can make levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive less effective, which may lead to pregnancy. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive is safe to use if you are taking any of the following medications:

• efavirenz;
• rifampin; or
• seizure medication--carbamazepine, felbamate, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect levonorgestrel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.