Levonorgestrel: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Levonorgestrel is a progestogen hormonal contraceptive. It is used for emergency contraception, birth control and heavy menstrual bleeding. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 8 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Levonorgestrel works
Levonorgestrel is a man-made form of the hormone progesterone. As emergency contraception it mainly works by delaying or preventing the release of an egg from the ovary. It will not end a pregnancy that has already started.
What is Levonorgestrel used for?
- Emergency contraception
- Birth control
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive tablets are used to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or when a contraceptive method has failed, such as a split condom or missed pills. It should be taken as soon as possible, as it works best the sooner it is used. Levonorgestrel is also found in many regular birth control pills and in hormonal coils, which are also used for heavy periods.
Side effects of Levonorgestrel
After taking Levonorgestrel, some women experience:
- Nausea
- Changes in the timing of the next period
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Lower abdominal pain
- Tiredness or dizziness
See a doctor urgently for severe lower abdominal pain, especially on one side, as this could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Do a pregnancy test if your period is more than a week late or unusually light.
Precautions and warnings
- Emergency contraception is not a substitute for regular contraception, so speak to a pharmacist or doctor about an ongoing method.
- Some medicines, including certain epilepsy medicines, rifampicin, some HIV medicines and St John's wort, can make it less effective, so tell your pharmacist what you take.
- If you vomit soon after taking it, contact a pharmacist or doctor, as you may need another dose.
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Tell your pharmacist if you have severe liver disease, a history of ectopic pregnancy or a condition that affects absorption from the gut.
Frequently asked questions about Levonorgestrel
What is the price of Levonorgestrel in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Levonorgestrel products currently in stock range from Rs 35 to Rs 28,399 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Emkit 0.7mg Tablet at Rs 35. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Levonorgestrel are available in Pakistan?
Levonorgestrel is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Queen (Hansel), Emket (Zafa Pharmaceutical Labortories Ltd), Emergency (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd), Emkit (Zafa Pharmaceutical Labortories Ltd), Mirena (Bayer Pharma (PVT.) Ltd), Nova (Greenstar), Postinor (Medipex) and Nordette (Pfizer Laboratories Ltd), along with 1 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Levonorgestrel?
Levonorgestrel is generally available without a prescription. Read the leaflet before use and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.
Can Levonorgestrel be used during pregnancy?
Tell your pharmacist if you have severe liver disease, a history of ectopic pregnancy or a condition that affects absorption from the gut.
Are all Levonorgestrel brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Levonorgestrel in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Levonorgestrel brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 11 products containing Levonorgestrel from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
