Levonorgestrel 1.5mg – 1 Tablet

Description

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg – 1 Tablet

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is an emergency contraceptive pill, commonly known as the “morning-after pill.” It is used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your regular contraception has failed.

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How It Works

Levonorgestrel is a synthetic hormone that works primarily by preventing or delaying the release of an egg (ovulation). It may also make it harder for sperm to reach an egg or prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb. It is most effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex, and should ideally be taken within 72 hours (3 days), although it can be used up to 120 hours (5 days) after.

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Directions for Use

Adults and young people aged 16 and over should take one tablet (1.5mg) as a single dose as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The tablet can be taken with or without food. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you may need to take another — contact a pharmacist or doctor straightaway. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If you are unsure about the correct dose, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist.

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Active Ingredients

• Levonorgestrel 1.5mg per tablet

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Possible Side Effects

• Nausea or feeling sick
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods
• Lower abdominal pain or cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Vomiting
If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek medical advice immediately.

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Who Should Not Take This Medicine

• You are allergic to levonorgestrel or any other ingredient in the tablet
• You are already pregnant
• You have severe liver disease
• You have rare hereditary conditions such as galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption (check excipients with your pharmacist)
• Children under 16 years of age should seek medical advice before use

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Interactions

Some medicines can make levonorgestrel less effective, including certain epilepsy drugs (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital), HIV medicines (such as ritonavir and efavirenz), the antibiotic rifampicin, and St John’s Wort (a herbal remedy for depression). If you are taking any of these, the tablet may not work as well, and you should speak to a healthcare professional about alternative emergency contraception such as a copper IUD. Tell your PillSorted pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is not suitable for use if you are already pregnant, as it will not terminate an existing pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding for at least 8 hours after taking the tablet, as small amounts of levonorgestrel may pass into breast milk. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

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Alcohol

There is no known direct interaction between alcohol and levonorgestrel 1.5mg. However, drinking alcohol shortly after taking the tablet may increase the risk of vomiting, which could reduce its effectiveness. It is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol consumption after taking this medicine.

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Driving and Operating Machinery

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg may cause dizziness or fatigue in some people. If you feel dizzy or unwell after taking this tablet, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you feel better.

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Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.

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Important Information

• This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking any other medication or complementary therapy.
• If symptoms worsen or persist, contact your doctor.
• If pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use.
• If you suffer from allergies, confirm suitability with your PillSorted pharmacist before use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children.
• Read the enclosed patient information leaflet carefully before use.
• Contact your GP where appropriate.

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Patient Information Leaflet

For the full Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for this medicine, visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). For further information about this medicine, visit NHS.uk.

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This content has been medically reviewed and approved by Zeinab Ardeshir (GPhC 2075730), Superintendent Pharmacist at PillSorted (GPhC-registered online pharmacy 9011258). Last reviewed: February 2026.

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