What is Levonelle OneStep?
Levonelle OneStep is an emergency contraceptive (commonly known as the “morning after pill”) used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a condom breaking or missing a contraceptive pill. It contains levonorgestrel 1.5mg, which works mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation. Levonelle OneStep is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex and should be taken within 72 hours (3 days).
Who is the ideal candidate for Levonelle OneStep?
Levonelle OneStep is suitable for women of reproductive age who:
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Have had unprotected sex
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Have experienced contraceptive failure (e.g. condom breakage, missed pill)
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Need a reliable emergency contraceptive taken within 72 hours
Levonelle OneStep may not be suitable if you:
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Are already pregnant
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Have a rare hereditary problem of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption
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Are taking certain medicines that may reduce its effectiveness (such as some treatments for epilepsy, tuberculosis, or HIV)
Our clinicians will review your medical history to ensure Levonelle OneStep is safe and appropriate for you.
How does Levonelle OneStep work to prevent pregnancy and How Effective is it?
Levonelle OneStep contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that helps prevent pregnancy by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It may also prevent fertilisation or implantation if ovulation has already occurred. It is not effective if you are already pregnant and will not harm an existing pregnancy.
Levonelle is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. When taken within 24 hours, it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 95%. Its effectiveness decreases the longer you wait, so it’s important to take it within 72 hours (3 days) for the best chance of preventing pregnancy.
How do I take Levonelle OneStep?
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Take one tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex (ideally within 12 hours, but no later than 72 hours or 3 days).
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Levonelle OneStep can be taken with or without food.
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If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, contact a healthcare professional as you may need to take another dose.
What are the main side effects of Levonelle OneStep?
Like all medicines, Levonelle OneStep can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them,These side effects are usually mild and temporary. Common side effects include:
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Nausea
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Abdominal pain
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Tiredness
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Headache
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Dizziness
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Breast tenderness
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Changes in your next period (earlier, later, heavier, or lighter than usual)
Will Levonelle OneStep affect my future fertility?
Levonelle OneStep is designed for occasional use as an emergency contraceptive and has no long-term impact on fertility. It does not provide ongoing contraception, so you should consider starting or continuing a regular contraceptive method.
What else should I know about Levonelle OneStep?
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Levonelle OneStep does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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Your next period may be different in timing or flow. If your period is more than 5–7 days late, or is unusually light or heavy, take a pregnancy test.
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Levonelle OneStep should not be used as a regular form of contraception.
Where can I get Levonelle OneStep?
Ordering Levonelle OneStep is simple. Complete our short online medical questionnaire. Our experienced clinicians will review your information and, if suitable, your medication can be delivered discreetly to your door or collected from The Kingston Pharmacy.
