Levonorgestrel Stada (Levonorgestrel)

Levonorgestrel acts as a hormonal contraceptive within the progestogen class to prevent pregnancy and regulate menstrual cycles.

• Emergency contraception: prevents pregnancy after unprotected intercourse when taken promptly.
• Prevention of pregnancy: provides ongoing contraceptive protection when used as directed.
• Menstrual cycle regulation: helps adjust timing and flow of menstrual periods in women seeking cycle control.

• Levonorgestrel binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus and ovary, inhibiting the luteinizing hormone surge and thereby preventing ovulation. It also induces changes in the endometrial lining that reduce the likelihood of implantation, and thickens cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration, collectively contributing to its contraceptive effect.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset.
• Headache: occasional tension‑type headache.
• Fatigue: feeling unusually tired.
• Breast tenderness: mild discomfort in the breast tissue.
• Abdominal pain: cramping or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Menstrual changes: spotting, heavier or lighter bleeding.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
• Severe abdominal pain: persistent or worsening pain.
• Blood clots: rare cases of deep‑vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
• Liver dysfunction: abnormal liver enzymes or jaundice.
• Severe mood changes: depression or anxiety.
• Ectopic pregnancy: rare but serious if pregnancy occurs despite use.

Levonorgestrel should be used with awareness of specific safety considerations.

• Contraindicated in pregnancy: category X, should not be used by pregnant women.
• Hypersensitivity: avoid if known allergy to levonorgestrel or any tablet components.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution in patients with liver disease.
• Enzyme inducers: efficacy may be reduced when taken with certain medications.
• Thromboembolic history: avoid in women with a history of blood clots.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Levonorgestrel can interact with other medicines, affecting its effectiveness or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Rifampicin and other strong enzyme inducers: markedly reduce contraceptive efficacy.
• St. John’s wort: may lower plasma levels, increasing risk of pregnancy.
• Antifungal agents such as ketoconazole: can increase levonorgestrel concentrations.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Anticonvulsants like phenytoin: may modestly decrease effectiveness.
• Antiretroviral drugs (e.g., efavirenz): may lower hormone levels.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., griseofulvin): potential modest reduction in efficacy.