Levonelle morning after pill

Morning after pill (Levonelle)

Levonelle (the morning after pill) is a single dose tablet which, if taken within 72 hours (3 days) of intercourse, normally prevents pregnancy.

For women who are eligible we supply 1, 2 or 3 doses of the morning after pill to keep as a standby treatment for use when needed.

POMLevonelle 'morning after pill' is prescription only medicine.

For regular contraception see here.

Effectiveness of Levonelle

If taken within 12 hours of intercourse the morning after pill is 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. This falls to 58% if is taken at 72 hours (three days) after intercourse. If taken after 72 hours it does not work.

When to use the morning after pill

• After intercourse where other contraception has not been used.
• After intercourse where a condom has failed (split, come off, etc.)
• Where a couple are using withdrawal and this has failed.
• Where the contraceptive pill has been missed prior to intercourse and unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place (See details about missed pills in the information leaflet supplied with all pill packs).

If you have already had intercourse and need the morning after pill you should see a pharmacist or doctor straight away - do not use this service when you need immediate treatment because there will be a delay of a day or two before your tablets arrive.

Side effects of Levonelle

• About one in a hundred women vomit after taking the morning after pill. If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking the tablet the dose needs to be repeated.
• Nausea, tiredness and headaches are quite common.
• The next period after taking the morning after pill may be a few days late or early. If the period is more than 5 days late a pregnancy test is required.