Levonelle, also known as its generic version Levonorgestrel, is an emergency contraceptive that contains the active ingredient Levonorgestrel, which can prevent 84% of expected pregnancies when you take it within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. It is much more effective when taken as soon as possible. Levonelle is also known as the morning-after pill.
Levonelle 1500 is an emergency contraceptive that can be used within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or if your usual contraceptive method has failed. This can mean that no contraception was used during sexual intercourse or the contraception was used incorrectly (for example if a condom breaks, slips away or was used in the wrong way or if a diaphragm changed position, was broken or taken out ahead of time).
Levonelle contains a synthetic hormone-like active substance called Levonorgestrel. It will not prevent a pregnancy every time and is more effective if you take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is better to take it within 12 hours rather than delay it until the third day.
Levonelle works by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg and preventing sperm from fertilising any egg you may have already released. It does not work if you are already pregnant. If another unprotected intercourse takes place after the use of Levonelle (also if this is during the same menstrual cycle), the tablet will not exert its contraceptive effect and there is again the risk of pregnancy.
