Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 12, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- My Way
- Next Choice
- Plan B
- Plan B One-Step
In Canada
- Option 2
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Contraceptive, Progestin
Pharmacologic Class: Progestin
Uses for levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive that is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or after failure of another birth control method. It works by preventing a woman's egg from fully developing. It may also prevent the attachment of the woman's egg to the wall of the uterus (womb).
No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective. Levonorgestrel should not be used as a regular method of birth control. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.
Plan B One-Step® is available as an over-the-counter medicine for any woman of childbearing potential.
Before using levonorgestrel
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For levonorgestrel, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to levonorgestrel or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levonorgestrel in teenage females. Levonorgestrel may be used for birth control in teenage females but is not recommended before the start of menstruation.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of levonorgestrel have not been performed in the geriatric population. Levonorgestrel is not indicated for use in elderly women.
Breastfeeding
There...
