A Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablet is an emergency contraceptive that can be used within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or if your usual contraceptive method has failed.
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets contain a synthetic like substance called levonorgestrel. It prevents about 84% of expected pregnancies when it is taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. It will not prevent pregnancy every time and is more effective if you take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is better to take it within 12 hours rather than delay until the third day.
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets are though to work by:
- Stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg;
- Preventing sperm from fertilising any egg you may have already released.
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets can only prevent you becoming pregnant if you take it within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It does not work if you are already pregnant. If you have unprotected sex after taking of Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablets, it will not stop you from becoming pregnant.
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is not indicated for use before the first menstrual bleeding (menarche).
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is not recommended for young women under 16 years of age.
