Levonelle One Step 1500mcg: How It Works and When to Take It
Levonelle One Step 1500mcg: How It Works and When to Take It
Blog Article
Levonelle One Step 1500mcg is an emergency contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (such as a broken condom or missed birth control pill). It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that helps prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex.
In this guide, we’ll explain how Levonelle works, when to take it, its effectiveness, possible side effects, and key precautions.
What Is Levonelle One Step 1500mcg?
✅ Active Ingredient: Levonorgestrel (1.5mg / 1500mcg)
✅ Purpose: Prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex
✅ How It Works: Stops or delays ovulation, preventing fertilization
✅ When to Take It: Best within 24 hours but up to 72 hours (3 days)
???? Note: Levonelle is not an abortion pill—it does not work if you are already pregnant.
How Does Levonelle Work?
Levonelle prevents pregnancy before it begins by:
✔️ Stopping ovulation – Prevents the release of an egg, so sperm has nothing to fertilize.
✔️ Thickening cervical mucus – Makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
✔️ Altering the uterine lining (in some cases) – Making implantation unlikely.
???? Levonelle does NOT work if the egg has already been fertilized and implanted.
When to Take Levonelle for Best Results
For maximum effectiveness, take Levonelle as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Time After Unprotected Sex | Effectiveness |
---|---|
Within 24 hours (1 day) | 95% effective |
Within 48 hours (2 days) | 85% effective |
Within 72 hours (3 days) | 58% effective |
???? After 72 hours, Levonelle is no longer effective. If more time has passed, consider ellaOne (up to 5 days) or a copper IUD (up to 5 days with 99% effectiveness).
How to Take Levonelle 1500mcg
1️⃣ Take one tablet (1.5mg) with water—with or without food.
2️⃣ Do not break or crush the pill—swallow it whole.
3️⃣ If you vomit within 2 hours of taking it, take another pill immediately.
4️⃣ Continue using protection—Levonelle does not protect against future unprotected sex.
???? Tip: Keep a backup pill if you are prone to nausea.
How Effective Is Levonelle?
-
Best when taken within 24 hours (95% effective).
-
Effectiveness decreases over time (only 58% effective after 72 hours).
-
Less effective in women over 70kg (154 lbs)—consider ellaOne or a copper IUD if over this weight.
???? Remember: No emergency contraceptive is 100% effective. If your period is late, take a pregnancy test.
Possible Side Effects of Levonelle
Most women tolerate Levonelle well, but some may experience mild side effects:
✅ Nausea or vomiting (if vomiting occurs within 2 hours, take another pill)
✅ Irregular periods (may come early, late, or be heavier)
✅ Fatigue or dizziness
✅ Breast tenderness
✅ Mild headache or abdominal cramps
???? When to See a Doctor: If your period is over 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.
Can You Take Levonelle More Than Once?
Yes, you can take Levonelle more than once in a cycle, but:
⚠️ It should not be used as regular contraception—it's less effective than daily birth control pills.
⚠️ It may cause irregular periods if taken frequently.
⚠️ It does not protect against STIs.
???? Best Alternative: If you need ongoing contraception, consider the pill, IUD, or implant.
Levonelle vs. Other Emergency Contraceptives
Feature | Levonelle (Levonorgestrel) | ellaOne (Ulipristal Acetate) | Copper IUD |
---|---|---|---|
Effective Up To | 72 hours (3 days) | 120 hours (5 days) | 120 hours (5 days) |
More Effective? | Less effective over time | More effective for 5 days | 99% effective |
Prescription Needed? | No (OTC) | Yes (in some countries) | Yes |
Weight Concerns? | Less effective if BMI >26 | Less effective if BMI >30 | Works at any weight |
???? Best Option: If it's been more than 72 hours or you have a higher BMI, ellaOne or a copper IUD may be more effective.
Can Levonelle Cause an Abortion?
???? No, Levonelle is NOT an abortion pill.
-
It only prevents ovulation—it does not work if you are already pregnant.
-
If the egg has already been fertilized and implanted, Levonelle will not affect the pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
Levonelle One Step 1500mcg is a safe and effective emergency contraceptive when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. To maximize its effectiveness:
✔️ Take it as soon as possible (within 24 hours for best results).
✔️ If you vomit within 2 hours, take another pill.
✔️ Expect changes in your next period (early, late, or heavier).
✔️ Consider a regular contraceptive method if you need ongoing protection.
✔️ If your period is over 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.