Levonorgestrel
Emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel is a hormone preparation used to prevent pregnancy. This type of hormonal contraception will slow down or prevent ovulation, so that fertilization does not occur. Levonorgestrel is a type of synthetic progesterone. Unlike birth control pills in general, this drug is not intended for routine use and is only effective if used at the right time. Levonorgestrel emergency contraception also cannot prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV.
Emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel trademark:
- Andalan Postpil
- Exita
- Microlut
- Postinor-2
- Valenor 2
Warnings Before Taking Emergency Contraception Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel should only be used according to a doctor’s prescription. There are several things you need to pay attention to before taking emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel, namely:
- Tell your doctor about your mother’s history of allergies. Levonorgestrel should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug or other synthetic progesterones, such as progestins.
- Tell your doctor if you are experiencing vaginal bleeding of unknown cause.
- Tell your doctor if you and your family have or are suffering from endometriosis, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, migraines, asthma, breast cancer, epilepsy, or thromboembolic disease, such as pulmonary embolism or venous thrombosis. in.
- Tell your doctor if you are using certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Emergency contraceptive levonogestrel should not be used by pregnant women. Tell your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding.
- Do not smoke or consume alcoholic beverages while using emergency contraception levonogestrel, because this can increase the risk of side effects.
- See a doctor immediately if an overdose or serious side effects occur after taking levonorgestrel.
Rules for Use and Dosage of Levonorgestrel
The emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel is used as an emergency contraceptive. This drug is effective in preventing pregnancy if used immediately after sexual intercourse. The dose is 1.5 mg, consumed within 0–72 hours after sexual intercourse. An alternative dose is 0.75 mg, taken within 0–72 hours after sexual intercourse, followed by 0.75 mg, 12 hours later.
How to Take Levonorgestrel Correctly
Follow the doctor’s recommendations and read the information listed on the medicine packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose without first consulting your doctor. Take emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel within 0–72 hours after sexual intercourse for it to be effective. Emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel can be taken with or without food. If you experience vomiting within 2 hours after taking levonorgestrel, contact your doctor. There is a possibility that the mother will need to take levonorgestrel again. Please note that levonorgestrel can cause spots or blood spots to appear for several days after the drug is consumed. Contact a doctor immediately if this condition lasts for more than 7 days.
Levonorgestrel can also cause your next period to be earlier or later than usual. If menstruation is late for more than 7 days, immediately consult a doctor to find out the cause of the delay in menstruation. Store levonorgestrel in a closed container in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Drug interaction effects that can arise if levonorgestrel is used with certain drugs include:
- Decreased levels and effectiveness of levonorgestrel when used with clarithromycin, bexacarotene, barbiturates, bosentan, phenytoin, efavirenz, diltiazem, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, rifampicin, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, verapamil, or John’s Wort supplements.
- Increased risk of forming blood clots that can block blood vessels if used with carfilzomib or tranexamic acid.
- Increased levels of ciclosporin in the blood.
Side effects that may occur after taking levonorgestrel are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or headache
- The amount of menstrual blood is less or more than usual
- Breasts feel sore
- Bleeding outside of menstruation
Immediately consult a doctor if the side effects above do not improve or get worse. See a doctor immediately if the mother experiences an allergic reaction to the drug or serious side effects, such as:
- Severe lower abdominal pain, occurring 3–5 weeks after use of levonorgestrel
- Depression
- Severe migraine
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
