Kruidvat Noodanticonceptie (Levonorgestrel)

Levonorgestrel is used in the emergency contraception pathway to prevent unintended pregnancy.

• Unprotected intercourse: prevents pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after the event.
• Contraceptive failure: provides backup protection after a missed or ineffective regular contraceptive dose.
• Delayed ovulation: inhibits or postpones ovulation, reducing the chance of fertilization.

• Levonorgestrel binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑ovarian axis, suppressing the luteinizing hormone surge that triggers ovulation. By preventing or delaying follicular rupture, it reduces the likelihood of fertilization. The drug may also alter endometrial receptivity, making implantation of a fertilized egg less probable. Its progestogenic activity underlies these actions, providing effective emergency contraception when administered promptly and is absorbed rapidly after oral intake.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate feeling of sickness.
• Abdominal pain: cramping or discomfort in the lower stomach.
• Headache: transient headache of varying intensity.
• Menstrual changes: spotting, early or delayed onset of the next period.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Severe abdominal pain: persistent or worsening pain that may indicate complications.
• Chest pain or palpitations: unusual heart sensations requiring medical evaluation.

Before using Kruidvat Noodanticonceptie, consider the following precautions to ensure safe and effective use.

• Timing of intake: take the tablet as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
• Pregnancy status: do not use if a confirmed pregnancy is already present.
• Liver disease: avoid if severe hepatic impairment is known.
• Drug interactions: be aware that enzyme‑inducing medicines may reduce effectiveness.
• Contraindications: individuals with known hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel should not use.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C in the original packaging, protected from moisture.

Levonorgestrel’s efficacy can be altered by concomitant medications; interactions are categorized by their clinical significance.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Rifampicin: strong enzyme inducer that markedly reduces levonorgestrel levels.
• St. John’s wort: herbal inducer decreasing drug effectiveness.
• Carbamazepine: antiepileptic that lowers plasma concentrations.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole): may increase levonorgestrel exposure.
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): can affect hormone metabolism.
• Griseofulvin: may modestly reduce efficacy.