levonorgestrel oral (Rx, OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, more...My Way, Aftera, Econtra EZ, Fallback Solo, Opcicon One-Step, React, Take Action, Preventeza

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

tablet

  • 1.5mg

Emergency Post-coital Contraception

Progestin-only emergency contraceptive indicated for prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure

1 tablet (1.5 mg) PO as soon as possible within 72 hr of unprotected coitus

Most effective if taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse

Dosage Forms & Strengths

tablet

  • 1.5mg

Emergency Post-coital Contraception

Progestin-only emergency contraceptive indicated for prevention of pregnancy in postmenarchal adolescents following unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure

1 tablet (1.5 mg) PO as soon as possible within 72 hr of unprotected coitus

Most effective if taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse

Dosing Considerations

Age restriction for exclusivity expired April 30, 2016

All of products listed are available OTC without age restrictions

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and levonorgestrel oral

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              Serious - Use Alternative (35)

              • abametapir

                abametapir will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. For 2 weeks after abametapir application, avoid taking drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates. If not feasible, avoid use of abametapir.

              • antithrombin alfa

                levonorgestrel oral, antithrombin alfa. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • antithrombin III

                levonorgestrel oral, antithrombin III. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • apalutamide

                apalutamide will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration of apalutamide, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates can result in lower exposure to these medications. Avoid or substitute another drug for these medications when possible. Evaluate for loss of therapeutic effect if medication must be coadministered. Adjust dose according to prescribing information if needed.

              • argatroban

                levonorgestrel oral, argatroban. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • belzutifan

                belzutifan will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration of belzutifan with hormonal contraceptives may lead to contraceptive failure or increased breakthrough bleeding. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective nonhormonal contraception. Based on animal studies, belzutifan can cause fetal harm.

              • bemiparin

                levonorgestrel oral, bemiparin. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • bivalirudin

                levonorgestrel oral, bivalirudin. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • brigatinib

                brigatinib will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Brigatinib induces CYP3A4 in vitro. Coadministration of hormonal contraceptives with brigatinib can result in decreased concentrations and loss of efficacy. Brigatinib can cause fetal harm. Women should use an effective nonhormonal method of contraception during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last brigatinib dose.

              • calaspargase pegol

                calaspargase pegol, levonorgestrel oral. unknown mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Due to the potential for an indirect interaction between calaspargase pegol and oral contraceptives, concomitant use of these drugs is not recommended. Use another non-oral contraceptive method for females of childbearing potential.

              • dalteparin

                levonorgestrel oral, dalteparin. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • elagolix

                levonorgestrel oral decreases effects of elagolix by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Based on the mechanism of action of elagolix, estrogen-containing contraceptives are expected to reduce elagolix efficacy. Effects of progestin-only contraceptives on the efficacy of elagolix is unknown. Advise women to use nonhormonal contraceptives during treatment with elagolix and for 1 week after discontinuing elagolix.

              • enoxaparin

                levonorgestrel oral, enoxaparin. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • eslicarbazepine acetate

                eslicarbazepine acetate will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Use additional or alternative nonhormonal birth control.

              • fexinidazole

                fexinidazole will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Fexinidazole inhibits CYP3A4. Coadministration may increase risk for adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.

              • fondaparinux

                levonorgestrel oral, fondaparinux. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • heparin

                levonorgestrel oral, heparin. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • idelalisib

                idelalisib will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Idelalisib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor; avoid coadministration with sensitive CYP3A substrates

              • isavuconazonium sulfate

                isavuconazonium sulfate will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

              • lesinurad

                lesinurad decreases effects of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Use additional methods of nonhormonal contraception. Do not rely on hormonal contraception alone when taking lesinurad.

              • lorlatinib

                lorlatinib will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

              • mavacamten

                mavacamten will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Progestin and ethinyl estradiol are CYP3A4 substrates. Mavacamten may decrease systemic exposures of ethinyl estradiol and progestin, which may lead to contraceptive failure or an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Advise patients to use a contraceptive method that is not affected by CYP450 enzyme induction (eg, intrauterine system) or add nonhormonal contraception (eg, condoms) during coadministration and for 4 months after last mavacamten dose.

              • mifepristone

                mifepristone will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Contraindicated.

              • mobocertinib

                mobocertinib will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration of mobocertinib with hormonal contraceptives may lead to contraceptive failure or increased breakthrough bleeding. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception.

              • nefazodone

                nefazodone will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

              • omaveloxolone

                omaveloxolone will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Omaveloxolone may reduce efficacy of hormonal contraceptives (eg, pill, patch, ring), implants, and progestin-only pills owing to weak CYP3A4 induction.

              • perampanel

                perampanel will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Levonorgestrel levels reduced by 40% when coadministered with high dose perampanel (ie, 12 mg/day); effect on other progestins is unknown, consider back up contraception

              • pexidartinib

                levonorgestrel oral and pexidartinib both increase Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Pexidartinib can cause hepatotoxicity. Avoid coadministration of pexidartinib with other products know to cause hepatoxicity.

              • phenindione

                levonorgestrel oral, phenindione. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • pretomanid

                levonorgestrel oral, pretomanid. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Pretomanid regimen associated with hepatotoxicity. Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic agents, including herbal supplements and drugs other than bedaquiline and linezolid.

              • protamine

                levonorgestrel oral, protamine. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of thromboembolic disorders.

              • ritonavir

                ritonavir will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

              • sugammadex sodium

                sugammadex sodium decreases effects of levonorgestrel oral by receptor binding competition. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. In vitro binding studies showed that sugammadex may bind to progestogen, thereby decreasing progestogen exposure. Therefore, a sugammadex bolus dose is considered to be equivalent to missing dose(s) of hormonal contraceptives containing an estrogen or progestogen. If an oral contraceptive is taken on the same day of sugammadex, or the patient has a transdermal or implant hormonal contraceptive, the patient must use an additional, nonhormonal contraceptive method or back-up method of contraception (eg, condoms and spermicides) for the next 7 days.

              • tucatinib

                tucatinib will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid concomitant use of tucatinib with CYP3A substrates, where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious or life-threatening toxicities. If unavoidable, reduce CYP3A substrate dose according to product labeling.

              • voxelotor

                voxelotor will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Voxelotor increases systemic exposure of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates. Avoid coadministration with sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index. Consider dose reduction of the sensitive CYP3A4 substrate(s) if unable to avoid.

              Monitor Closely (59)

              • albiglutide

                levonorgestrel oral decreases effects of albiglutide by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Oral contraceptives may decrease hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetics by impairing glucose tolerance. Monitor for glycemic control in diabetic patients.

              • amobarbital

                amobarbital will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • atazanavir

                atazanavir, levonorgestrel oral. affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Atazanavir may increase or decrease levels of levonorgestrel oral. Use alternatives if available. .

              • bosentan

                bosentan decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • carbamazepine

                carbamazepine decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • cenobamate

                cenobamate will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Increase dose of CYP3A4 substrate, as needed, when coadministered with cenobamate.

                cenobamate will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by unspecified interaction mechanism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Advise women to use additional or alternative non-hormonal birth control when concomitantly using cenobamate with oral contraceptives.

              • ceritinib

                ceritinib will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • clobazam

                clobazam will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Clobazam is a weak CYP3A4 inducer; effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives may be diminished when given concurrently with clobazam. Additional non-hormonal forms of contraception are recommended.

              • crofelemer

                crofelemer increases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Crofelemer has the potential to inhibit CYP3A4 at concentrations expected in the gut; unlikely to inhibit systemically because minimally absorbed.

              • cyclosporine

                levonorgestrel oral, cyclosporine. Either increases levels of the other by decreasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Combined oral contraceptives containing EE may inhibit the metabolism and increase plasma concentrations of cyclosporine.

              • dabrafenib

                dabrafenib will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

              • dexamethasone

                dexamethasone decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • efavirenz

                efavirenz decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • elagolix

                elagolix decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Elagolix is a weak-to-moderate CYP3A4 inducer. Monitor CYP3A substrates if coadministered. Consider increasing CYP3A substrate dose if needed.

              • encorafenib

                encorafenib, levonorgestrel oral. affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Encorafenib both inhibits and induces CYP3A4 at clinically relevant plasma concentrations. Coadministration of encorafenib with sensitive CYP3A4 substrates may result in increased toxicity or decreased efficacy of these agents.

              • enzalutamide

                enzalutamide decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • etravirine

                etravirine decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • exenatide injectable solution

                levonorgestrel oral, exenatide injectable solution. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Oral contraceptives may decrease hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetics by impairing glucose tolerance. The effect of exenatide to slow gastric emptying may reduce the extent and rate of oral medications that require rapid GI absorption. Advise patients to take oral contraceptives at least 1 hr before exenatide. .

              • exenatide injectable suspension

                levonorgestrel oral, exenatide injectable suspension. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Oral contraceptives may decrease hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetics by impairing glucose tolerance. The effect of exenatide to slow gastric emptying may reduce the extent and rate of oral medications that require rapid GI absorption. Advise patients to take oral contraceptives at least 1 hr before exenatide.

              • fedratinib

                fedratinib will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Adjust dose of drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates as necessary.

              • felbamate

                felbamate decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • fosphenytoin

                fosphenytoin decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • griseofulvin

                griseofulvin decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • iloperidone

                iloperidone increases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Iloperidone is a time-dependent CYP3A inhibitor and may lead to increased plasma levels of drugs predominantly eliminated by CYP3A4.

              • insulin degludec

                levonorgestrel oral decreases effects of insulin degludec by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Progestins may impair glucose tolerance.

              • insulin degludec/insulin aspart

                levonorgestrel oral decreases effects of insulin degludec/insulin aspart by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Progestins may impair glucose tolerance.

              • insulin inhaled

                levonorgestrel oral decreases effects of insulin inhaled by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Progestins may impair glucose tolerance.

              • istradefylline

                istradefylline will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Istradefylline 40 mg/day increased peak levels and AUC of CYP3A4 substrates in clinical trials. This effect was not observed with istradefylline 20 mg/day. Consider dose reduction of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates.

              • ivosidenib

                ivosidenib will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by unspecified interaction mechanism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of ivosidenib may decrease the concentrations of hormonal contraceptives, consider alternative methods of contraception in patients receiving ivosidenib.

              • lamotrigine

                levonorgestrel oral will decrease the level or effect of lamotrigine by increasing hepatic clearance. Use Caution/Monitor. Combination oral contraceptives have been shown to significantly decrease plasma concentrations of lamotrigine, likely due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation.

              • lenacapavir

                lenacapavir will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Lencapavir may increase CYP3A4 substrates initiated within 9 months after last SC dose of lenacapavir, which may increase potential risk of adverse reactions of CYP3A4 substrates.

              • liraglutide

                levonorgestrel oral decreases effects of liraglutide by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Oral contraceptives may decrease hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetics by impairing glucose tolerance. Monitor for glycemic control in diabetic patients.

              • maraviroc

                levonorgestrel oral increases levels of maraviroc by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Potential for increased toxicity.

              • metformin

                levonorgestrel oral decreases effects of metformin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • mifepristone

                mifepristone decreases effects of levonorgestrel oral by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Backup contraceptive method recommended.

              • mitotane

                mitotane decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Mitotane is a strong inducer of cytochrome P-4503A4; monitor when coadministered with CYP3A4 substrates for possible dosage adjustments.

              • mycophenolate

                mycophenolate decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider additional birth control methods during mycophenolate administration.

              • nafcillin

                nafcillin decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • nevirapine

                nevirapine decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • oxcarbazepine

                oxcarbazepine decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • pentobarbital

                pentobarbital decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • phenobarbital

                phenobarbital decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • phenytoin

                phenytoin decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • pitolisant

                pitolisant will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Pitolisant is a borderline/weak inducer of CYP3A4. Monitor sensitive CYP3A4 substrates for reduced effectiveness if coadministered.

              • primidone

                primidone decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • ribociclib

                ribociclib will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • rifabutin

                rifabutin decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • rifampin

                rifampin decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • rifapentine

                rifapentine decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • rucaparib

                rucaparib will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Adjust dosage of CYP3A4 substrates, if clinically indicated.

              • secobarbital

                secobarbital will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • siltuximab

                siltuximab, levonorgestrel oral. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: CYP450 activity in the liver is down regulated by infection and inflammation stimuli including cytokines (eg, IL-6); inhibition of IL-6 by siltuximab may restore CYP450 enzymatic activity; caution if coadministered with CYP substrates that have a narrow therapeutic index.

              • St John's Wort

                St John's Wort decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • stiripentol

                stiripentol, levonorgestrel oral. affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Stiripentol is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and inducer. Monitor CYP3A4 substrates coadministered with stiripentol for increased or decreased effects. CYP3A4 substrates may require dosage adjustment.

              • tazemetostat

                tazemetostat will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • tecovirimat

                tecovirimat will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Tecovirimat is a weak CYP3A4 inducer. Monitor sensitive CYP3A4 substrates for effectiveness if coadministered.

              • teriflunomide

                teriflunomide increases levels of levonorgestrel oral by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • tesamorelin

                tesamorelin will decrease the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by altering metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Use alternative contraception

              • topiramate

                topiramate decreases levels of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              Minor (6)

              • acetazolamide

                acetazolamide will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • anastrozole

                anastrozole will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • cyclophosphamide

                cyclophosphamide will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • enasidenib

                enasidenib, levonorgestrel oral. unknown mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Coadministration of enasidenib may increase or decrease the concentrations of combined hormonal contraceptives. Clinical significance of this interaction is unknown.

              • larotrectinib

                larotrectinib will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • levoketoconazole

                levoketoconazole will increase the level or effect of levonorgestrel oral by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

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              Adverse Effects

              >10%

              Headache (12%)

              Acne (15%)

              Ovarian cysts (13%)

              Enlarged follicles (12%)

              Amenorrhea (1-12%)

              Abdominal pain (12%)

              Uterine/vaginal bleeding alterations (52%)

              Intermenstrual bleeding/spotting (23%)

              Vulvovaginitis (20%)

              Ectopic pregnancy (≤50%)

              1-10%

              Depression (4%)

              Migraine (2%)

              Alopecia (1%)

              Dysmenorrhea (9%)

              Menorrhagia (6%)

              Breast tenderness (3-9%)

              Pelvic pain (6%)

              Leukorrhea (5%)

              Vaginal discharge (4%)

              Pelvic infection (1%)

              <1%

              Angioedema

              Cervical perforation

              Failed insertion

              Sepsis

              Uterine bleeding

              Device breakage

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              Warnings

              Contraindications

              Documented hypersensitivity

              Cautions

              Cigarette smoking & risk of cardiovascular disease

              • Cigarette smoking increases risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects from combination hormonal contraceptive use
              • This risk increases with age (>35 yr) and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes/day)
              • Advise women who use hormonal oral contraceptives not to smoke

              Family history of breast cancer and or DVT/PE, current/history of depression, endometriosis, DM, HTN, bone mineral density changes, renal/hepatic impairment, bone metabolic disease, SLE; conditions exacerbated by fluid retention (eg, migraine, asthma, epilepsy)

              Discontinue if the following develop jaundice, visual problems (may cause contact lens intolerance), any signs of VTE, migraine with unusual severity, significang blood pressure increase, severe depression, increased risk of thromboembolic complications after surgery

              Discontinue 4 week before major surgery or prolonged immobilization. Patients on warfarin, oral anticoagulants (increase in anticoagulant dose may be warranted)

              Some studies link OCP use with increased risk of breast cancer, whereas other studies have not shown a change in risk. Woman's risk depends on conditions where naturally high hormone levels persist for long periods of time including early onset menstruation before age 12, late onset menopause, after age 55, first child after age 30, nulliparity

              Increased risk of cervical cancer with OCP use, however HPV remains as main risk factor for this cancer. Evidence suggests long-term use of OCPs, 5 or more years, may be associated with increased risk

              Increased risk of liver cancer with OCP use; risk increases with longer duration of OCP use

              Delay product insertion a minimum of six weeks or until involution complete following a delivery or a second trimester abortion

              Lactation at time of insertion of an IUD/IUS associated with increased risk of perforation

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              Pregnancy & Lactation

              Pregnancy

              Use of is contraindicated in pregnancy or with a suspected pregnancy because there is no need for pregnancy prevention in a woman who is already pregnant and therapy may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes; if a woman becomes pregnant likelihood of ectopic pregnancy is increased and there is increased risk of miscarriage, sepsis, premature labor, and premature delivery; remove product if possible, if pregnancy occurs in a woman; if product cannot be removed, follow pregnancy closely

              Studies report no adverse effects on fetal and infant development associated with long-term use of contraceptive doses of oral womens-health-reproduction#progestins in a pregnant woman; however, there have been reported cases of masculinization of external genitalia of female fetus following exposure to womens-health-reproduction#progestins at doses greater than those currently used for oral contraception; animal reproduction studies not conducted

              Lactation

              Published studies report presence of LNG in human milk; small amounts of womens-health-reproduction#progestins (approximately 0.1% of total maternal doses) were detected in breast milk of nursing mothers who used other LNG-releasing IUSs, resulting in exposure of LNG to the breastfed infants; there are no reports of adverse effects in breastfed infants with maternal use of progestin-only contraceptives; isolated cases of decreased milk production reported with a LNG-releasing IUS; developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for therapy and any potential adverse effects on breastfed child therapy or from underlying maternal condition

              Pregnancy Categories

              A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

              B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

              C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

              D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

              X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

              NA: Information not available.

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              Pharmacology

              Mechanism of Action

              Synthetic progestin, ovulation is inhibited from a negative feedback mechanism on hypothalamus, leading to reduced secretion of FSH and LH

              Absorption

              Peak Plasma Time: 1.4-2.5 hr

              Distribution

              Protein Bound: 50%

              Vd: 1.6-1.9 L/kg

              Metabolism

              Metabolized in liver

              Metabolites: Tetrahydrolevonorgestrels, hydroxynorgestrel, conjugates of sulfate or glucuronide

              Elimination

              Half-Life: 11-45 hr

              Excretion: Urine (40-50%), feces (32%)

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              Images

              No images available for this drug.
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              Patient Handout

              A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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              Formulary

              FormularyPatient Discounts

              Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

              To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

              Adding plans allows you to:

              • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
              • Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
              • Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
              • Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

              The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

              Tier Description
              1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
              2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
              3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
              4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
              Code Definition
              PA Prior Authorization
              Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
              QL Quantity Limits
              Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
              ST Step Therapy
              Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
              OR Other Restrictions
              Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
              Additional Offers
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              Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.