Norgeston (Levonorgestrel)

Levonorgestrel, a progestin used in emergency contraception, works by influencing the hormonal pathway that regulates ovulation.

• Emergency contraception: prevents pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse when taken promptly.
• Post‑coital contraception: provides a non‑prescription option to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.
• Pregnancy prevention after contraceptive failure: offers an immediate method to avoid conception when regular contraception fails.

• Levonorgestrel binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑ovarian axis, inhibiting the luteinising hormone surge required for ovulation. By preventing or delaying ovulation, it reduces the chance of fertilisation. It may also alter tubal motility, cervical mucus, and endometrial receptivity, thereby decreasing the likelihood of implantation should fertilisation occur.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset.
• Abdominal pain or cramps: transient discomfort.
• Fatigue or tiredness: short‑term lack of energy.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness: occasional light‑headedness.
• Menstrual changes: spotting or altered timing of the next period.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain or palpitations: possible cardiovascular concern.
• Persistent vomiting or vomiting blood.
• Severe abdominal pain that does not resolve.
• Signs of ectopic pregnancy: sharp pelvic pain, shoulder pain.
• Unusual clotting events: rare thromboembolic episodes.

When considering Norgeston, several safety measures should be observed.

• Timing of intake: take as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, preferably within 72 hours.
• Contraindications: avoid if known hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel or any tablet excipients.
• Medical conditions: consult a healthcare professional if you have liver disease, uncontrolled epilepsy, or hormonal disorders.
• Medication interactions: inform your provider about concurrent use of enzyme‑inducing drugs such as rifampicin or certain anticonvulsants.
• Pregnancy testing: not indicated, as the product is not intended for use during an established pregnancy.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in the original packaging, and protect from moisture.

Levonorgestrel may interact with other medicines that affect its metabolism or hormonal activity.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Combined hormonal contraceptives: may reduce the effectiveness of Norgeston.
• Rifampicin and other strong enzyme inducers: can lower levonorgestrel plasma levels.
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin): may diminish contraceptive efficacy.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antiretroviral drugs such as efavirenz: may modestly decrease effectiveness.
• Herbal supplements like St. John’s wort: can increase metabolism and reduce drug exposure.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., griseofulvin): may have a mild impact on hormone levels.