Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen. Progestogens are hormones that produce the same effects to those of progesterone. One of the uses of these progestogens is for birth control or contraception.
Levonorgestrel prevent pregnancy through several different mechanisms of action. Included are inhibition of ovulation, inhibition of implantation, thickening of the cervical mucus which inhibits the sperm from passing through the uterus, and negative feedback mechanism on the hypothalamus that could lead to the decrease in the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone as well as leteinizing hormone.
Levonorgestrel is also considered and used in ECPs or emergency contraceptive pills in combination with the Yuzpe regimen. It is taken within 3 days of unprotected sex. However, once implantation occurs, the contraceptive effects of Levonorgestrel become useless.
According to studies, Levonergestrel does not cause any congenital defects when used prior to pregnancy or even during early pregnancy.
Levonorgestrel is administered using two different systems: Intrauterine system and subdermal system. In the intrauterine system, Levonorgestrel is inserted into the uterine cavity within 7 days of the onset of menstruation or it could be inserted after first trimester abortion. The implant is replaced every 5 years.
In the subdermal system, 6 capsules are inserted in the mid portion of the upper arm. It is usually inserted within 7 days from onset of menstruation. They are removed after five years. In both systems, it is important to not let the implants stay for more than 5 years.
Other than the intrauterine system and subdermal system, Levonorgestrel can also be taken through the mouth. Within 72 hours or 3 days of unprotected sex, 0.75 mg of the drug must be taken. A second dose of Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg should be taken after 12 hours of the initial dose.
Basically, it is very important to inform your physician whether you are allergic to Levonorgestrel and its other components before taking the drug. If you do not know if you do have any allergy to the drug, you can just enumerate any allergies you may have from other medicines, food, dyes, and preservatives.
It will also be good to let your physician know of all the prescription and non-prescription substances you are taking. This would include herbal medicines, vitamins and other dietary supplements.
You should know that by using Levonorgestrel, your menstrual cycle will be altered. You will miss some of your periods so don’t fret and take these as early signs of pregnancy.
It has been misconceived that by using contraceptives, a person will already be protected from different sexually transmitted diseases like HIV but this is not actually the case. Even with the use of contraceptives, you are just as susceptible as other women. Using Levonorgestrel is not any different.
Levonorgestrel could have adverse reactions related to the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, skin, gastrointestinal system, genitourinary, respiratory and metabolic. In the cardiovascular system a person taking Levonorgestrel may experience syncope, bradycardia and hypertension. In the CNS, a person may experience headache, dizziness, and even decreased libido. In terms of the skin, acne, itching and hair loss may manifest. Nausea, loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort may be experienced in relation to the gastrointestinal tract. Adverse effects on the genitourinary system include scanty bleeding or spotting. In the respiratory system URTI (upper respiratory tract infection) and sinusitis may occur. And as for adverse reactions in the metabolism, a person could have significant weight gain.
However, it is important to remember that these adverse reactions may or may not occur. And if these adverse reactions do occur, a person will only experience only a few of the mentioned above. If any of the adverse reactions persist, you have to contact your doctor right away.
Levonorgestrel has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of levonorgestrel is
• Chemical IUPAC Name is
• Molecular weight is 312.4458 g/mol
• Levonorgestrel available : 30mg tablets
Generic name: L-Norgestrel
Brand name(s): Follistrel, Jadelle, Levlen, Levlen Ed, Levonorgestrelum, Levonova, Malloside, Microgyn, Microlution, Microval, Minivlar, Mirena, Neogynon, Nordet, Nordette, Ovral-Lo, Ovranette, Ovrette, Preven, Stediril, Triagynon, Triciclor, Trifeme, Trigoa, Trinordiol, Triphasil, Triquilar Ed, Trivora
Review published on: 18 June 2008
Your Levonorgestrel review
| .: Add date: 2009-04-13 12:45:08 |
.: Score: 1 |
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I had the Mirena IUS for 6 months and had it removed 1 month ago. I am still trying to heal to a point where I will be able to work again. I emphatically urge that more studies be done on this drug, or at the least, the potential side effects be made more realistic to women considering this form of contraception. I have had a severe upper respiratory infection FOR 3 MONTHS, in spite of the fact that I quit smoking 2 months ago. I have headaches that make me vomit and cannot even be compared to any headaches I may have had pre-Mirena. My entire body aches soooo bad that I can barely roll over in bed sometimes, which is where I spend most of my time since my level of fatigue is such that I require 16-18 hours of sleep. I also have chest pain, heart palpitations, and almost desperate cravings for sweets and carbohydrates. I have been to the doctor and had most potentially fatal problems ruled out, thank God. And, of course, the doctors will not consider that the wonderful Mirena could have anything to do with my troubles, since it is so awesome and has virtually no side-effects. Right . . . USER BEWARE.
Added by Karen McCormick
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