Levonelle One Step 1500 Microgram Tablet is an emergency contraceptive medicine used to help prevent pregnancy following unprotected sexual intercourse or failure of a regular contraceptive method.

Each tablet contains levonorgestrel 1500 micrograms (1.5mg), a synthetic hormone that primarily works by delaying or preventing ovulation.

Levonelle One Step should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days).

Levonelle is not an abortion pill and will not terminate an existing pregnancy.

It is intended for occasional emergency use rather than as a regular contraceptive method.

What Is Levonelle One Step Used For?

Levonelle One Step may be suitable when:

• You have had sex without using contraception.
• A condom has split, slipped off or been used incorrectly.
• You have missed contraceptive pills or made another error with your regular contraception.
• Your contraceptive patch or vaginal ring has not been used correctly.
• You are concerned that your usual contraceptive method may have failed.

A pharmacist can help determine whether Levonelle, another emergency contraceptive pill or an emergency copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the most appropriate option.

Key Benefits

Emergency Contraception Within 72 Hours

Levonelle can reduce the risk of pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex.

Convenient Single-Tablet Dose

The standard treatment consists of one 1500 microgram tablet taken orally.

Works by Delaying Ovulation

Levonorgestrel primarily prevents or delays the release of an egg from the ovary.

Available Without a Prescription

Levonelle One Step is a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK and can be supplied following a pharmacist's suitability assessment.

How Does Levonelle One Step Work?

Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestogen hormone.

It works mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, Levonelle may not be effective.

It does not reliably prevent pregnancy in every situation and does not provide ongoing contraception for future sexual intercourse.

Levonelle does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How Effective Is Levonelle One Step?

Levonelle reduces the risk of pregnancy but is not 100% effective.

Effectiveness depends on several factors, including:

• How soon the tablet is taken.
• Whether ovulation has already occurred.
• Whether certain interacting medicines are being used.
• Body weight and BMI, which may influence effectiveness.
• Whether vomiting occurs soon after the dose.
• The sooner Levonelle is taken, the better the chance of preventing pregnancy.

A copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraceptive option and should be discussed when appropriate.

Who Should Not Take Levonelle One Step?

Do not take Levonelle if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or another ingredient.

Speak to a pharmacist before taking it if you:

• Think you may already be pregnant.
• Have experienced unprotected sex earlier in the same menstrual cycle.
• Have severe liver disease.
• Have a condition that significantly affects absorption, such as severe malabsorption associated with Crohn's disease.
• Have a history of ectopic pregnancy or certain fallopian tube conditions.
• Are taking medicines that may reduce its effectiveness.
• Have a higher body weight or BMI and want advice about the most effective emergency contraception option.

A pharmacist should assess whether Levonelle is suitable or whether another method would be more appropriate.

Important Medicine Interactions

Some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel emergency contraception.

Examples include certain:

• Epilepsy medicines, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone and oxcarbazepine.
• Tuberculosis treatments, including rifampicin and rifabutin.
• HIV medicines, including efavirenz.
• Herbal products containing St John's wort.
• Other medicines that induce liver enzymes.

If you have taken an enzyme-inducing medicine within the previous four weeks, tell your pharmacist immediately.

A copper IUD is generally preferred in this situation. Where an IUD is unsuitable or unavailable, a healthcare professional may recommend an adjusted levonorgestrel dose under relevant clinical guidance. Do not double the dose without professional advice.

Also tell your pharmacist if you have recently taken ulipristal acetate emergency contraception, because using the two treatments close together may reduce effectiveness.