Emergency Hormonal Contraception

About emergency hormonal contraception

This belongs to the group of medicines known as hormonal emergency contraceptives.

This medicine contains Levonorgestrel (a progesterone hormone) for use as emergency hormonal contraception (EHC). This can be when your usual method of contraception has failed, or after unprotected sex.

EHC can work by preventing a fertilised egg implanting in the lining of the uterus (womb) or by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries), or preventing an egg being fertilised.

EHC should be started as soon as possible. Although it is often referred to as 'the morning after pill' in newspapers and magazines, this is misleading since it can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex for prevention of pregnancy. If it is longer than 72 hours since you had unprotected sex, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. There is another method of emergency contraception which can be used up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, but this is only available from your doctor.

It is also sometimes known as: Levonelle 1500; Levonelle One Step. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking emergency hormonal contraception

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your pharmacist or clinic knows:

• if there is any possibility you could already be pregnant
• if you have ever had an ectopic pregnancy
• if you are breast-feeding
• if you had unprotected sex more than 72 hours ago
• if your period is late or if your last period was unusual in any way
• if you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you are lactose intolerant
• if you suffer from Crohn's disease or any other bowel problems
• if you suffer from liver problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription and herbal remedies, such as St. John's wort

How to take emergency hormonal contraception

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your pharmacist or clinic.
• Always read the information leaflet inside the pack before taking any of the tablets.
• Swallow the tablet whole, with a glass of water.
• The pack contains one tablet. Take the tablet as a single dose as soon as possible (not more than 72 hours after having unprotected sex). The tablet works better the sooner you take it.
• If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking the tablets get a further supply and take the dose again.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• EHC is for occasional emergency use only. It should not be relied upon as a regular method of contraception.
• EHC will not bring on a period straight away. Your next period may be earlier or later than usual. You may also experience spotting or bleeding until your next period.
• You should see your doctor if your period is more than five days late, or if it is unusual in any way.
• This medicine will not provide protection against pregnancy for the rest of your cycle. If you are not already using regular contraception speak to your pharmacist or clinic about this.
• You should see your doctor straight away if you have any pain in the lower part of your stomach.

Can emergency hormonal contraception cause problems?

After taking this medicine you may experience feeling sick, low abdominal pain, tiredness and bleeding unrelated to your period. You may also experience headache, dizziness, menstrual irregularities, diarrhoea, being sick or breast tenderness.

All these symptoms should soon pass, but if you are worried about them or if you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, ask your pharmacist for advice.

How to store emergency hormonal contraception

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely, out of the reach of children, or contact your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 22/02/2006