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What is Levonorgestrel
LevonorgestrelThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLevonorgestrel (LNG) is a synthetic hormone similar to progesterone used in contraception, hormone therapy, and emergency contraception. It is available as Plan B for emergency contraception, as an intrauterine device (IUD) such as Jaydess, Kyleena, and Mirena, and as a subdermal implant that slowly releases the hormone over time. Levonorgestrel is also used as a component of long-term combination contraceptives. It was first approved by the FDA in 1982 and is the most commonly used emergency contraceptive due to its high levels of efficacy and lack of estrogenic side effects.
Triphasil-21is the brand name
Levonorgestrel Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Triphasil-21
Levonorgestrel
1984
243
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Levonorgestrel, also known as Triphasil-21, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Menopause .Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Used to treat Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in combination with Estradiol
Menopause
Used to treat severe Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause in combination with Estradiol
Emergency Contraception
moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
Used to treat moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms in combination with Estradiol
Has had at least 1 child
Hot flashes
Used to treat Menopause in combination with Estradiol
Effectiveness
How Levonorgestrel Affects PatientsLevonorgestrel is a type of contraceptive that prevents pregnancy by blocking ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. When taken as an emergency contraceptive pill, it is 89% effective if taken within 72 hours after sex. When used in intrauterine or implantable devices, it is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Additionally, levonorgestrel can be used as part of hormonal therapy to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer caused by taking estrogen alone.
How Levonorgestrel works in the bodyLevonorgestrel is used in oral contraceptives to prevent ovulation. It works by reducing the release of hormones from the hypothalamus, which prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries. It also makes cervical mucus thicker, which stops or slows sperm from reaching the egg. Over a long-term period, levonorgestrel has been proven to thicken cervical mucus. When combined with estrogen for menopausal symptoms, it helps to lower the risk of endometrial cancer. The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed that it affects the movement and survival of sperm and alters
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended measure of Levonorgestrel is contingent upon the identified condition, such as Endometrial Hyperplasia, Emergency Contraception and Hypermenorrhea. The amount of dosage changes in accordance with the technique of delivery featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Hypermenorrhea
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Emergency Contraception
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Endometrial Hyperplasia
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Menopause
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Hot flashes
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Has had at least 1 child
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Endometriosis
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Warnings
Levonorgestrel ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Septic Abortion
Do Not Combine
undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
Do Not Combine
infected abortions
Do Not Combine
HCG elevated
Do Not Combine
Pelvic Infection
Do Not Combine
Vaginitis
Do Not Combine
Acute Coryza
Do Not Combine
presence or history of breast cancer
Do Not Combine
Uterine Cervicitis
Do Not Combine
Communicable Diseases
Do Not Combine
gonococcal cervical infection
Do Not Combine
Breast Cancer
Do Not Combine
Intrauterine Devices
Do Not Combine
Neoplasms, Hepatic
Do Not Combine
congenital or aquired uterine abnormality
Do Not Combine
Chlamydia Infections
Do Not Combine
Hypersensitivity
Do Not Combine
Emergency Contraception
Do Not Combine
Bacterial Endocarditis
Do Not Combine
lower genital tract infection
Do Not Combine
suspected pregnancy
Do Not Combine
Uterine Cervicitis
Do Not Combine
uterine neoplasia
Do Not Combine
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Do Not Combine
history of progestogen-sensitive breast cancer
Do Not Combine
Cervical Neoplasia
Do Not Combine
Fibroid Tumor
Do Not Combine
Postpartum Endometritis
Do Not Combine
chlamydial cervical infection
Do Not Combine
PAP Test Abnormalities
Do Not Combine
acute liver disease
Do Not Combine
Uterine anomaly distorting uterine cavity
Do Not Combine
Breast Cancer
Do Not Combine
Cervical Dysplasia
Do Not Combine
Thromboembolism
Do Not Combine
Bacterial Vaginosis
Do Not Combine
history of pelvic inflammatory disease
Do Not Combine
Breast
Do Not Combine
Vaginal Bleeding
Do Not Combine
Bacterial Vaginosis
Do Not Combine
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Do Not Combine
gonococcal cervical infection
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Levonorgestrel may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Levonorgestrel Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Copanlisib
Major
The metabolism of Copanlisib can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Crizotinib
Major
The metabolism of Crizotinib can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Levonorgestrel Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of levonorgestrel for rats is greater than 5000 mg/kg. If someone overdoses on this drug, they may experience nausea and bleeding. Treat the symptoms and contact a poison control center as soon as possible. There is no known cure for this type of overdose.
Levonorgestrel Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Levonorgestrel?
Presently, 99 clinical trials are underway to assess the efficacy of Levonorgestrel in managing Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Women who have had at least 1 child and Endometrial Hyperplasia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Endometriosis
30 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1
Menopause
0 Actively Recruiting
Hot flashes
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Has had at least 1 child
0 Actively Recruiting
Emergency Contraception
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Endometrial Hyperplasia
9 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable
Hypermenorrhea
0 Actively Recruiting
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
0 Actively Recruiting
Levonorgestrel Reviews: What are patients saying about Levonorgestrel?
4.7Patient Review
8/17/2013 I experienced some nausea after taking this medication, but it was still effective. Make sure you take the oral medication within 72 hours for best results. Different women will have different experiences, so make sure to read the side effects before taking the medication.
4.7Patient Review
12/27/2010 I started my period about a week after taking this drug, and I had no side effects.
4.3Patient Review
12/13/2009 I took Plan B and, though I felt a little nauseous, my period came right on time. Thank goodness!
4Patient Review
4/25/2017 I was on this pill for eight years. It did what it was supposed to do, but I started getting severe headaches and experiencing wild mood swings and cravings before my period. I understand that our bodies change a lot over time, so that may be why this happened to me. In any case, I had to switch pills eventually.
3.7Patient Review
8/17/2009 I tried to take this medication twice a month, and it would often advance my period by 10-15 days.
1Patient Review
8/31/2021 I took this medication a few hours after unprotected sex and then began bleeding from my vagina five days later. This lasted for three days, but I have yet to see my period (it was supposed to come on August 19th). The laboratory said I couldn't be pregnant, but I'm not sure what else could be the problem. Note: I took two pills at once for two days.
Patient Q&A Section about levonorgestrel
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How long does levonorgestrel take to work?
"The drug is effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. However, it is not effective as a regular method of contraception and will not always stop a pregnancy. It should not replace regular, long-term contraception."
Answered by AI
What kind of birth control is levonorgestrel?
"The combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol is used to prevent pregnancy by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. This prevents the egg from being able to accept a sperm, and therefore fertilization and pregnancy cannot occur."
Answered by AI
What is levonorgestrel used for?
"The morning-after pill, or emergency contraception, is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It can also be used after a birth control method has failed, to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing, or by preventing the egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus."
Answered by AI
What does levonorgestrel do to your period?
"Levonorgestrel, which is found in birth control pills, can alter your body's natural hormone levels if taken in a higher dose as found in Plan B. This can then affect the menstrual cycle, causing an earlier or delayed period, as well as heavier or lighter bleeding."
Answered by AI