Levonelle-1 is for emergency contraceptive use only - it is not to be used as a substitute for regular contraception.
For more information and advice on contraception and relationships visit www.femalelife.co.nz Click here to view the full patient information or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after you have had unprotected sex. So if you have had sex and did not use contraception, or if you think your contraception did not work, (broken condom, missed pills) it is not too late – as long as you act quickly. In New Zealand Emergency contraception is available from your pharmacy, doctor, Family Planning and Sexual Health clinics. Top
About Levonelle-1
Levonelle-1 is an emergency contraceptive available from accredited pharmacies. Levonelle-1 is thought to work by:
stopping or delaying the ovaries from releasing an egg
preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg you may already have released
stopping a fertilised egg from attaching itself to the lining of the uterus
If it has been more than 72 hours but less than 5 days, since you had unprotected sex or you are unable to take Levonelle-1 your pharmacist may refer you to your GP or Family Planning Clinic for alternative emergency contraception. Top
How effective is Levonelle-1?
It is estimated that Levonelle may prevent 85% of expected pregnancies.
It works best when started within 24 hours of unprotected sex.
Levonelle-1 is not 100% effective and will not prevent pregnancy in every woman. NOTE: Levonelle-1 does not protect against pregnancy for the remainder of the menstrual cycle. Top
What about side effects?
There are some minor side effects. These include tender breasts, stomach pain, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and in some cases, vomiting. It may help to take the pills with food. If you do vomit, seek advice from your pharmacist, doctor or nurse as soon as possible. Top
Is Levonelle-1 suitable for me?
Your pharmacist will ask you a series of questions before providing you with Levonelle-1.
It is important that you are honest with your answers as Levonelle may not be suitable for you to take, and you may need to look at other options
Levonelle-1 is not suitable in the following instances:
It is more than 3 days since you had unprotected sex.
Your period is late
You also had unprotected sex earlier in your cycle
You have severe liver disease
You are taking other medication including herbal medicines which may interact with Levonelle-1 – check with your pharmacist
You suffer from small bowel disease
You have had previous adverse reactions to progestogen-only pills
If any of the above apply to you, your pharmacist may refer you to your GP or Family Planning Clinic for alternative emergency contraception. Top
What if I become pregnant after taking Levonelle-1?
If you do become pregnant even after taking this medicine, it is important to see your doctor. There is no evidence that Levonelle-1 will harm a developing baby but your doctor may want to check that the pregnancy is not ectopic (where the baby develops somewhere other than in the womb). You should report to your doctor any unusual cramping pain or vaginal bleeding. Top
Important Information
Please note that information provided by this website should be discussed with your healthcare professional and does not replace their advice.
Levonelle-1 is a Pharmacist Only Medicine that can also be supplied by an accredited nurse. Levonelle-1 contains one tablet of 1.5mg of levonorgestrel and is an emergency contraceptive for women. It should be taken preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. It must be taken strictly as directed following the enclosed instructions. If the next menstrual period is more than 5 days overdue pregnancy should be excluded. It is recommended to see your doctor to discuss a regular method of contraception. Levonelle-1 is not recommended for patients with severe liver dysfunction and must not be given to pregnant women. Possible side effects include irregular menstrual bleeding, nausea, fatigue, lower abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches, breast tenderness, vomiting and diarrhoea. In case of pregnancy or prolonged side effects you must refer to doctor. You will need to pay for this medicine. Full prescribing information is available from Bayer Schering Pharma, Auckland, freephone 0800 80 45 45 or www.medsafe.govt.nzwww.levonelle.co.nz
Further information is available from:
Bayer Schering Pharma
Bayer New Zealand Limited
PO Box 2825
Shortland St
Auckland 1140
