Isteranda (Levonorgestrel)

• Levonorgestrel acts as a hormonal contraceptive to prevent unintended pregnancy.
• Emergency contraception: Provides post‑coital protection when taken within the recommended time frame to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
• Prevention of pregnancy: Used as a regular oral progestin to inhibit ovulation and maintain contraceptive efficacy in women seeking ongoing birth control.
• Family planning: Supports women in managing fertility as part of a broader contraceptive strategy.

• Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen that binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary, suppressing the luteinizing hormone surge and thereby inhibiting ovulation. It also induces cervical mucus thickening, reducing sperm penetration, and alters the endometrial lining to make implantation less likely.

Levonorgestrel may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Headache or dizziness
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting
• Fatigue or mild mood changes
• Lower abdominal cramping

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Persistent high blood pressure
• Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• Severe abdominal pain indicating ectopic pregnancy
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding lasting more than two weeks

Before using Isteranda, consider the following safety measures.

• Contraindications: Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel or any tablet components.
• Medical history: Inform your healthcare provider of any history of thromboembolic disorders, liver disease, or hormone‑sensitive cancers.
• Drug interactions: Review concomitant medications with a clinician, especially enzyme‑inducing agents.
• Pregnancy testing: Verify you are not already pregnant before taking emergency contraception.
• Breastfeeding: Discuss potential effects with a healthcare professional if you are nursing.
• Store at ambient temperature: Keep below 25 °C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

Levonorgestrel may interact with other medicines, altering its effectiveness or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or other strong enzyme inducers that may reduce contraceptive efficacy.
• St. John’s wort, a herbal inducer of hepatic metabolism, which can lower levonorgestrel levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antifungal agents such as ketoconazole that may increase plasma concentrations.
• Antiretroviral drugs (e.g., protease inhibitors) that can affect hormone metabolism.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., griseofulvin) with potential modest impact on effectiveness.