Levonorgestrel Stada (Levonorgestrel)

Levonorgestrel is a progestin that acts on the reproductive hormone pathway to prevent fertilisation.

• Emergency contraception: provides post‑coital protection to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.
• Progestin‑only contraception: offers daily hormonal birth control when taken as a mini‑pill.
• Menstrual cycle management: can be used to delay or reduce the intensity of menstrual bleeding when medically indicated.

• Levonorgestrel binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus and ovary, suppressing the luteinising hormone surge and thereby inhibiting ovulation. It also induces changes in cervical mucus, making it thicker and less permeable to sperm, and alters the endometrial lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation.

Levonorgestrel is generally well tolerated, but some users may experience adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset.
• Headache: transient cranial discomfort.
• Breast tenderness: temporary swelling or sensitivity.
• Irregular bleeding: spotting or changes in menstrual flow.
• Mood changes: mild emotional fluctuations.
• Abdominal pain: cramping or discomfort.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Thromboembolic events: blood clot formation in veins or arteries.
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): difficulty breathing, swelling, rash.
• Liver dysfunction: jaundice, elevated liver enzymes.
• Ectopic pregnancy: implantation outside the uterus if pregnancy occurs.
• Ovarian cyst rupture: sudden pelvic pain due to cyst rupture.

Levonorgestrel should be used with caution and under medical guidance.

• Contraindicated in known or suspected pregnancy: the drug does not terminate established pregnancies.
• Caution with history of thromboembolic disorders: increased clot risk.
• Avoid if hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel or any tablet excipients is known.
• Use carefully in patients with liver disease: metabolism may be impaired.
• May alter menstrual bleeding patterns: inform patients of possible spotting or delayed periods.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and heat.

Levonorgestrel may interact with other medicines, affecting its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
• Antifungal azoles (e.g., ketoconazole): may increase levonorgestrel levels and risk of side effects.
• St. John’s wort: decreases plasma concentration, compromising contraception.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): possible alteration of clotting parameters.
• Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs): may affect bleeding patterns.
• Other antiepileptics (e.g., phenytoin): can lower levonorgestrel exposure.