Levonorgestrel Tablet Contraceptives
Brand name (S): Plan B One-Step
Generic name (S) : levonorgestrel
Uses
Women use levonorgestrel to avoid becoming pregnant in the event that birth control fails—for example, if a condom breaks—or after having unprotected sex. This drug should not be used as a normal means of birth control; rather, it should be used as an emergency contraceptive. It is worth noting that this medicine does not prevent sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, or HIV. It also does not end an already-existing pregnancy.
It’s also important to note that women who weigh more over a certain threshold—typically 164 pounds or 74 kilograms—may not respond as well to levonorgestrel. Its efficacy could also be affected if some other drugs have been used in the previous month, which might raise the chance of becoming pregnant. In order to get further information and to determine if this drug is appropriate for your particular circumstances, it is advised that you speak with your healthcare practitioner (please also refer to the Drug Interactions section for additional considerations).
Even if you have taken Levonorgestrel before, you should always read the label before using the medicine. It’s possible that producers have changed the contents, and items with identical names could have different components meant for various uses. Using the wrong product might have negative consequences.
How to Use Levonorgestrel Tablet Contraceptives Instructions:
Before taking the drug, carefully read all of the directions Check the box of the product if you are using the over-the-counter option remedy for self-treatment. Consult your pharmacist for advice if you have any questions or concerns. Take this medication as directed if your doctor has prescribed it.
As soon as possible after having unprotected sex, take one pill orally, with or without food. When used during the first three days (or 72 hours) after being exposed to the elements. intercourse, this medicine works best.
If, within two hours of taking this medicine, you vomit, speak with your doctor to find out whether you need to take another dosage.
You could notice changes in the frequency and timing of your monthly flow after using this medicine. Notify your healthcare practitioner right away if your menstruation is more than 7 days late; they could suggest a pregnancy test.
Side Effects
When taking this drug, possible adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, exhaustion, disorientation, changes in vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, or headaches. You must notify your doctor or pharmacist right away in the event that any of these adverse effects become more severe or continue.
If this is the drug that your healthcare provider has recommended, you should be aware that your doctor has carefully considered the risks and has determined that the advantages of this therapy exceed any possible negative effects. It is very necessary to bear in mind that there are a lot of individuals who use this drug do not have serious adverse effects.
If you have any serious side effects, such as severe lower abdomen discomfort, especially if it happens three to five weeks after starting levonorgestrel, let your doctor know right away.
A very dangerous adverse response to this medicine is possible, however it is uncommon. Any time you feel the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction response in such a situation, such as a rash, itching, symptoms include bloating, especially in the face, tongue, or neck; acute disorientation; and a persistent cough. or trouble breathing, get medical help right once.
It is important to recognize that the list of possible side effects is not all-inclusive. It is better to discuss this with your primary care physician or pharmacist if you have any other side effects not listed above.
Precaution
It is crucial that you inform your doctor or pharmacist of any known allergies you may have before starting to take levonorgestrel. This goes for levonorgestrel as well as other progestins like norethindrone and other allergens. It should be mentioned that inactive chemicals in this product might cause allergic reactions or other negative effects. To get complete information, it is recommended that you speak with your pharmacist.
It is essential that you communicate your condition to either your physician or pharmacist about all of your medical history before starting this medicine, especially if you have ever had unexplained vaginal bleeding.
This medicine may make you feel lightheaded. It’s critical to recognize that using alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) might make this vertigo worse. Therefore, until such tasks can be carried out securely, it is highly urged not to drive a vehicle, heavy equipment, or participate in any other activities demanding attentiveness. Limiting the use of alcoholic drinks is also advised. It is advised that you let your doctor know if you use marijuana, often known as cannabis.
It is imperative that you notify your doctor or dentist about everything you use right now, including over-the-counter, prescription, and herbal medicines, before having any surgery done.
The fact that this drug should not be used while pregnant must be emphasized. It is crucial that you notify your doctor right away if you get pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant.
Although this drug does make its way into breast milk, there is very little chance that it may damage a nursing child. Before beginning to breastfeed, you should definitely see your physician.
Interaction
Drug interactions may change how well your prescriptions work or increase your chance of suffering serious adverse effects. It is important to understand that not every possible medication interaction is included in this paper. It is also recommended to keep a thorough record of everything you use, including herbal items and prescription and over-the-counter medications. Your pharmacist and physician should also have access to this data. You should never start taking any drug, stop taking it altogether, or change the dose without getting your doctor’s express permission.
Some drugs have the ability to lessen the efficacy of emergency contraception by lowering the level of birth control hormones in your body. Pregnancy risk may rise as a consequence of this decreased effectiveness. Gryfeofulvin, modafinil, rifamycins (including rifampin and rifabutin), St. John’s wort, anticonvulsant medications (including barbiturates, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenytoin, primidone, and topiramate), and HIV drugs (like nevirapine and nelfinavir) are a few examples of such medications. In addition to the Uses section, your doctor or pharmacist is the greatest source of information on this topic.
NOTE
Make sure you show up for your entire arranged lab and medical visits on time.
The idea of a missed dosage does not apply in this situation if one is missed.
It is recommended to keep this drug out of the light and moisture, and to store it at room temperature. It is crucial to avoid keeping it in the bathroom and to take care to keep any prescriptions out of the hands of kids and animals.
Medication disposal in a drain or flushing down the toilet should never occur unless specific instructions have been given. When this product reaches its expiry date or is after it is no longer required, it must be thrown away in the appropriate manner. It is advised to speak with your pharmacist or a nearby trash disposal business for advice on the proper disposal technique.
