Navela (Levonorgestrel)

Navela, a levonorgestrel‑based emergency contraceptive, works within the reproductive hormone pathway to prevent unintended pregnancy.

• Emergency contraception: provides post‑coital protection when taken within the approved time window.
• Prevention of unintended pregnancy: reduces the risk of conception after contraceptive failure.
• Ovulation delay: inhibits or postpones the release of an egg, decreasing the chance of fertilisation.

• Levonorgestrel binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑ovarian axis, suppressing the luteinising hormone surge required for ovulation. By preventing or delaying follicular rupture, it reduces the likelihood of fertilisation and may also alter endometrial receptivity, hindering implantation of a fertilised ovum.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate upset stomach.
• Abdominal pain: cramping or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Headache: transient tension‑type headache.
• Dizziness: brief episodes of light‑headedness.
• Fatigue: feeling unusually tired.
• Menstrual changes: spotting or altered timing of the next period.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Severe abdominal pain: may indicate ectopic pregnancy.
• Chest pain: could signal cardiovascular involvement.
• Persistent vomiting: may lead to dehydration.
• Liver dysfunction: jaundice or abnormal liver tests.
• Thromboembolic events: rare clotting disorders.

When using Navela, certain precautions should be observed to ensure safety and effectiveness.

• Timing of intake: take as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours.
• Contraindications: avoid if known hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel or any tablet components.
• Pregnancy status: not indicated for use if already pregnant; a pregnancy test may be considered.
• Drug interactions: be aware of enzyme‑inducing medications that may lower efficacy.
• Medical conditions: use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and excessive heat.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Rifampicin: strong enzyme inducer that markedly reduces levonorgestrel effectiveness.
• Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital): lower plasma levels, compromising emergency protection.
• St. John's wort: herbal inducer that may diminish contraceptive effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase levonorgestrel concentrations, raising side‑effect risk.
• Antiretroviral efavirenz: can reduce levonorgestrel exposure.
• Combined hormonal contraceptives: concurrent use may require additional non‑hormonal backup methods.