Levonorgestrel Medications
Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen used in contraception. It prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus in emergency and ongoing methods.
Buy Levonorgestrel Medications
Levonorgestrel Information
Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen widely used for both emergency contraception and as a component of long-acting reversible contraceptives. In Singapore it is approved for preventing pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, for daily oral contraceptive pills, and in intrauterine systems that provide up to five years of protection. The active ingredient belongs to the class of progestins, which mimic the natural hormone progesterone by binding to the progesterone receptor and modulating the endometrial environment. By preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and destabilising the endometrium, levonorgestrel reduces the likelihood of fertilisation and implantation. Commercially, it appears under brand names such as Plan B One-Step, Next Choice, Levonelle, and Postinor, while generic tablets are readily available through our online pharmacy. Off-label, levonorgestrel has been investigated for treatment of certain hormonal disorders, although such uses remain experimental and are not endorsed by regulatory agencies.
What is Levonorgestrel?
Levonorgestrel is a second-generation progestin synthesized to provide potent contraceptive activity with minimal androgenic effects. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) granted market authorization in 1998 for emergency-contraception tablets, and subsequent approvals have expanded its use to combined oral contraceptives and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS). The United States FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) similarly list levonorgestrel as an essential component of emergency contraceptive products.
At the molecular level, levonorgestrel binds with high affinity to the intracellular progesterone receptor (PR). This interaction triggers transcriptional changes that suppress the luteinising hormone surge, thereby inhibiting ovulation when administered before follicular rupture. In the uterine lining, the drug induces a secretory transformation that is incompatible with implantation, and in the cervix it promotes mucus viscosity that hinders sperm passage. Both branded and generic formulations of levonorgestrel are stocked by our pharmacy service, ensuring easy access without compromising quality.
How Levonorgestrel Works
Mechanism of Action
Levonorgestrel acts as a selective progesterone receptor agonist. By occupying the PR, it prevents the mid-cycle peak of luteinising hormone (LH) that would normally trigger ovulation. When taken within 72 hours of intercourse, the drug can still block ovulation even if the follicle has begun to mature.
Therapeutic Effects
The suppression of LH leads to the cessation of follicular release, effectively averting fertilisation. Simultaneously, levonorgestrel alters the endometrium, making it less receptive to a fertilised egg, and thickens cervical mucus, reducing sperm motility. These combined actions give emergency contraceptive tablets an overall failure rate of .6-2. % when used correctly.
Onset and Duration
Clinical trials show that levonorgestrel begins to inhibit ovulation within 4-6 hours after ingestion, with maximal effect observed by 12 hours. The drug’s half-life is approximately 24 hours, and its contraceptive effect persists for the duration of the menstrual cycle in which it is taken. For intrauterine systems, levonorgestrel provides continuous endometrial suppression for up to five years.
Approved Uses and Applications
Approved Indications
- Emergency Contraception: Up to 72 hours after unprotected sex; recommended by HSA, FDA, and EMA.
- Combined Oral Contraceptives: Fixed-dose pills containing levonorgestrel and an estrogenic component for daily use.
- Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS): Long-acting method providing up to five years of contraception.
Off-Label Uses
Levonorgestrel has been studied as a therapeutic option for endometriosis-related pain and for hormonal management in certain menstrual disorders. These applications remain investigational and are not officially sanctioned by regulatory bodies.
Clinical Efficacy
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in The New England Journal of Medicine reported a 1.4 % pregnancy rate among women who took a single 1.5 mg dose of levonorgestrel within 72 hours, compared with 5. % in the placebo group. Long-term data for LNG-IUS show a Pearl Index of .2 pregnancies per 100 woman-years, confirming high efficacy for sustained contraception.
Buying Levonorgestrel from Our Online Pharmacy
Why Choose Our Service
Access to levonorgestrel can be limited by pharmacy stock or insurance constraints. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, offering discreet delivery, secure payment, and competitive pricing for both brand-name and generic options.
Brand Names and Generic Options
- Plan B One-Step (1.5 mg tablet) - widely recognised for emergency use.
- Next Choice (.75 mg tablets, two-dose regimen).
- Levonelle (combined oral contraceptive).
- Postinor (emergency tablet popular in Europe).
Generic levonorgestrel tablets are typically 30 % cheaper than their branded counterparts, delivering the same pharmacological effect at reduced cost.
Quality & Safety
Our pharmacy service partners with licensed international distributors that adhere to WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and local HSA regulations, ensuring each product meets stringent quality standards.
Pricing & Access
Generic levonorgestrel tablets start at SGD 12 per pack, while branded versions range from SGD 25 to SGD 35. Customers enjoy a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making repeat access affordable.
Discreet Delivery
Orders ship via express service in approximately seven business days or standard delivery within three weeks. Packages are sealed in unmarked boxes, protecting privacy throughout the logistics chain.
Dosing, Formulations & Administration
Available Formulations
- Tablets: .75 mg (single-dose or two-dose regimens) and 1.5 mg emergency tablets.
- Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills: 150 µg levonorgestrel with 30 µg ethinylestradiol.
- Intrauterine System: 52 mg levonorgestrel released over five years.
Typical Dosing Ranges
For emergency contraception, adults are often instructed to take a single 1.5 mg tablet within 72 hours of intercourse, or two .75 mg tablets 12 hours apart. Daily oral contraceptives commonly contain 150 µg levonorgestrel taken at the same time each day. Intrauterine devices provide a continuous low-dose release without daily dosing. These examples reflect common clinical practice; exact regimens must be individualized by a healthcare professional.
Administration Guidelines
Levonorgestrel tablets may be taken with or without food; however, high-fat meals can delay absorption slightly. For emergency use, prompt intake maximises efficacy. Intrauterine insertion should be performed by a trained clinician under aseptic conditions.
A qualified clinician should determine the appropriate dose, formulation, and schedule based on personal health history and therapeutic goals.
Safety Profile & Considerations
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (≈15 % of users).
- Headache (≈10 %).
- Fatigue (≈8 %).
- Abdominal pain or cramping (≈6 %).
- Breast tenderness (≈5 %).
These effects are generally mild and resolve within a few days.
Serious Adverse Events
Rare cases of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, have been reported. Immediate medical attention is required if symptoms like swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, or rash develop.
Contraindications
Levonorgestrel should not be used by individuals with:
- Known hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel or any tablet excipients.
- Active or suspected breast cancer.
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Severe liver disease.
Drug Interactions
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine) can reduce levonorgestrel efficacy.
- Enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase drug levels, potentially heightening side-effect risk.
- Concurrent use with other hormonal contraceptives may lead to additive progestogenic effects.
Special Populations
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Levonorgestrel is contraindicated during pregnancy; it is considered safe for lactating women when used as a contraceptive.
- Older Adults: No dose adjustment is required solely based on age, but renal or hepatic impairment warrants clinical assessment.
- Renal/Hepatic Impairment: Severe dysfunction may alter drug metabolism; clinicians should evaluate suitability.
Professional medical guidance is essential to navigate these considerations safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does levonorgestrel differ from ulipristal acetate for emergency contraception? Levonorgestrel blocks ovulation primarily by suppressing the LH surge, whereas ulipristal acetate acts as a selective progesterone receptor modulator, extending the effective window to 120 hours and providing higher efficacy closer to ovulation.
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How long does levonorgestrel take to work after a single dose? Therapeutic activity begins within 4-6 hours, with maximal ovulation inhibition observed by 12 hours. Effectiveness decreases sharply after 72 hours.
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What should I do if I experience persistent nausea after taking levonorgestrel? Mild nausea is common; staying hydrated and eating bland foods can help. If vomiting occurs within two hours of ingestion, consider a repeat dose after consulting a healthcare professional.
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Does taking levonorgestrel with food affect its absorption? Food, especially high-fat meals, may modestly delay absorption but does not substantially reduce overall efficacy. Prompt intake remains the priority.
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Can levonorgestrel be used continuously as a daily contraceptive? Yes, when formulated in combined oral contraceptive pills. Daily dosing maintains consistent hormone levels, providing reliable contraception when taken as directed.
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Are there any foods or supplements I should avoid while using levonorgestrel? St. John’s wort, a herbal supplement that induces CYP3A4, can lower levonorgestrel plasma concentrations and reduce effectiveness.
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What are the risks of taking levonorgestrel if I have a history of blood clots? Progestin-only formulations carry a lower thrombotic risk than estrogen-containing pills, but any history of clotting disorders should be discussed with a physician before use.
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Is levonorgestrel safe for long-term use in intrauterine systems? The LNG-IUS has been studied for up to five years with a very low pregnancy rate and a favorable safety profile, making it a reliable long-term option for many women.
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What information should I provide my doctor when discussing levonorgestrel?
- Complete medical history, including any hormonal or clotting disorders.
- Full list of current medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements.
- Specific contraceptive goals and concerns about side effects.
- Any recent pregnancies or breastfeeding status.
Disclaimer
The information provided about levonorgestrel is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing levonorgestrel for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing levonorgestrel.
