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Emergency Contraceptive

Generic: Levonorgestrel

OTC
Progesterone Congeners✓ FDA-verified
View full FDA label ↗
Emergency contraceptive is a medication used by women to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex, such as when a contraceptive fails or no birth control was used. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation, which means it stops the egg from being released for fertilization. You should take it as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, and if you vomit within 2 hours of taking it, you should contact a healthcare professional to see if you need to take another dose. It's important to know that you should not use this medication if you have had an allergic reaction to levonorgestrel, and if you are taking medications like efavirenz for HIV or rifampin for tuberculosis, these can make the emergency contraceptive less effective.
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Uses

  • Reduce chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex.
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Dosage

Take as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
The sooner you take it, the better it will work.
If you vomit within 2 hours after taking it, call a healthcare professional.
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Side effects

Common

Menstrual changesTirednessBreast painNauseaHeadacheVomitingLower stomach painDizziness
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Warnings

⚠ Important warnings

  • Do not use if allergic to levonorgestrel.
  • Does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other STDs.
  • Do not use if already pregnant.
  • Ask a doctor if taking efavirenz, rifampin, or seizure medications.
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Drug interactions

  • Efavirenzmay reduce effectivenessCaution
  • Rifampinmay reduce effectivenessCaution

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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).