What is Levonelle?
Levonelle 1500 is an emergency contraceptive (morning after pill). If you have had unprotected sex or your contraception has not worked, this pill can be taken up to 72 hours later and still be effective.
You can buy Levonelle from online and community pharmacies, but you will first need to speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
What is Levonelle used to treat?
Levonelle is an emergency contraception used to prevent pregnancy. It should be taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse.
It is one of the two most commonly prescribed emergency contraceptive pills in the UK, the other being the ellaOne morning after pill.
Levonelle can be taken when:
- You have not taken a contraceptive pill or used any other form of contraception during sexual intercourse.
- A contraception may not have been used correctly, such as a condom ripping or not being worn in the right way.
It can only stop you from becoming pregnant if you take it within 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex. Taking Levonelle will not work if you are already pregnant.
Why is Levonelle recommended for emergency contraception?
Clinical studies have shown that Levonelle's active ingredient, levonorgestrel, is highly effective at preventing pregnancy in women when taken before ovulation.
How does Levonelle work?
Levonorgestrel is believed to work by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg and stopping the sperm from fertilising an egg your ovaries may have released already.
It will not prevent all pregnancies; the sooner you take it after having unprotected sex, the more effective it is likely to be. Ideally, you should take this emergency contraceptive within 12 hours of having unprotected sexual intercourse.
You will need to wait until you are due your next period to know whether Levonelle has definitely worked. You may be pregnant if your next period is late by more than 7 days. You should take a pregnancy test to make sure.
How effective is Levonelle 1500?
| Levonelle 1500 morning after pill |
Taken within |
| Effectiveness |
24 hours - 95%
48 hours - 85%
72 hours - 58%
|
Who can take Levonelle 1500?
Do not use Levonelle if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine.
This medicine should not be used by children or young women who are yet to have their first period (menarche).
Speak to your doctor before taking Levonelle as emergency contraception if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- You have any severe liver problems
- You have a history of ectopic pregnancy
- You have a history of salpingitis (inflammation of the Fallopian tubes)
- You have any disease of the small bowel that can inhibit the absorption of a drug
If you have previously had an ectopic pregnancy or infection of the Fallopian tubes, this can increase your risk of another ectopic pregnancy.
Can you buy Levonelle over the counter?
Women can buy Levonelle over the counter from pharmacies. Men cannot buy this medicine on behalf of a woman, however. Before you can purchase Levonelle, you will need to be assessed by a doctor or pharmacist to make sure it is suitable for you to take.
Can you buy Levonelle online in the UK?
Yes, Levonelle is available to buy online from Medicine Direct. All you will need to do is answer some confidential questions in an online consultation, which will be reviewed by one of our doctors, pharmacists or prescribers to make sure this medicine is safe for you. Orders that are placed before 2pm will be eligible for next day delivery in the UK.
Levonelle alternatives
We also stock the most effective morning after pill in the UK, ellaOne, at our pharmacy. This medication is 98% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies and can be taken at any time up to five days after having unprotected sex.
You can purchase ellaOne after you have filled out an online questionnaire to ensure it is suitable for you to take.
