Navela (Levonorgestrel)

• Navela (levonorgestrel) acts on the reproductive hormonal pathway to prevent pregnancy.
• Emergency contraception: prevents pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse by delaying ovulation and impairing fertilisation.
• Regular contraception: provides ongoing birth control when taken as directed, suppressing the ovulatory surge and stabilising the endometrial lining.
• Ovulation inhibition: directly blocks the luteinising hormone surge, preventing follicular rupture and subsequent egg release.

• Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen that binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑ovarian axis, inhibiting the luteinising hormone surge and thereby preventing ovulation. It also induces changes in cervical mucus and the endometrial lining that reduce sperm penetration and implantation potential.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Abdominal discomfort or cramps
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular vaginal bleeding

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Thromboembolic events (deep‑vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis, rash, swelling)
• Liver dysfunction or jaundice
• Ectopic pregnancy if conception occurs despite use

• Before using Navela, consider the following precautions.
• Pregnancy testing: ensure the patient is not already pregnant before administration.
• Timing of intake: take the tablet as soon as possible after the qualifying event for optimal efficacy.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications that may reduce effectiveness, such as enzyme inducers.
• Medical conditions: use with caution in patients with liver disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Smoking: avoid use in women over 35 who smoke, due to increased cardiovascular risk.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture and direct light.

Levonorgestrel can interact with several medicines that affect its efficacy.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Rifampicin or other strong enzyme inducers: markedly reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
• Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital): may lower plasma levels.
• St. John's wort: can decrease hormonal protection.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase levonorgestrel concentrations.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin, tetracycline): possible modest reduction in efficacy.
• Hormonal therapies (e.g., estrogen replacement): may augment progestogenic effects.