Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin hormone used in combination oral contraceptives (COCs) to prevent pregnancy. It works by suppressing ovulation and altering the cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration.
Levonorgestrel is a progestin hormone used in birth control pills to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G03AC03
- RxNorm
- 6373
- Generic
- Levonorgestrel
- Class
- atc-g03
- Brands
- Next Choice One Dose, Skyla, My Way, Take Action, Mirena, Afterpill, Opcicon One-Step, Aftera, EContra, Liletta, Morning After, Option 2, React, Her Style, Kyleena
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1.5mg as single dose
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once (or 0.75mg dose followed by 0.75mg dose 12 hours later)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1.5mg as single dose
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 52mg total device
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- releases 20 mcg/day initially, decreasing to 10 mcg/day over 5 years
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
contraindicated in confirmed or suspected pregnancy. emergency contraception should not be used if pregnancy is already established
pregnancy test recommended before administration
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid use
not recommended during second or third trimester
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding. small amounts of levonorgestrel may pass into breast milk but are not considered harmful to infant
no specific monitoring required
pediatric_age
post menarchal adolescentsstandard adult dose
appropriate for post-menarchal adolescents. not recommended for pre-pubertal children
ensure no contraindications exist
geriatric
postmenopausalnot applicable
not typically indicated for postmenopausal women. emergency contraception not relevant in this population
as per indication
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for emergency contraception in mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution in severe renal impairment due to limited data
clinical judgment required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
use with caution in mild to moderate hepatic impairment. levonorgestrel is metabolized hepatically
monitor for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment or hepatic tumors
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for emergency contraception
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary mechanism
Mechanism of action for emergency contraception
Emergency contraception efficacy
Pregnancy prevention rate when taken as directed
Used for the prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive age. It may also be used in emergency contraception formulations when taken within a specified timeframe after unprotected intercourse.
As a progestin component of combined oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel suppresses ovulation by inhibiting the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. It also thickens cervical mucus and may alter the endometrial lining to create an unfavorable environment for implantation.
Levonorgestrel is typically combined with an estrogen in oral contraceptives and is not suitable for use during pregnancy. Effectiveness depends on consistent daily dosing. Women with certain medical conditions (such as thromboembolic disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, or smoking over age 35) should consult their healthcare provider before use, as combined hormonal contraceptives may increase cardiovascular risks.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy