Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is a form of emergency contraception often called the morning after pill. It works by delaying or preventing ovulation so sperm cannot fertilise an egg. It does not harm an existing pregnancy and is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

Levonorgestrel is most effective when taken within 12-24 hours and becomes less effective over time. It can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but earlier use offers the strongest protection. While not 100 percent reliable, it significantly lowers the risk of pregnancy when taken promptly.

You should take it as soon as possible. The sooner levonorgestrel is taken, the more effective it is. It works best within 12-24 hours and becomes less reliable as more time passes, especially beyond 48 hours. Acting quickly gives the highest chance of preventing pregnancy.

Take one tablet as soon as you can after unprotected sex. Swallow it with water, and avoid repeating the dose unless advised by a clinician. Continue or restart regular contraception as recommended. Levonorgestrel will not protect you for the rest of your cycle, so extra precautions may be needed.

Side effects can include nausea, tummy discomfort, tiredness, breast tenderness or a mild headache. Your next period may be slightly earlier or later. These changes are usually short-lived. Seek medical advice if you develop severe pain or symptoms suggesting pregnancy.

Levonorgestrel is unsuitable if you have certain liver conditions, severe malabsorption problems or if you are taking medicines that reduce its effectiveness. It may be less suitable if you are close to ovulation. A clinician can advise if an alternative like ulipristal is better for your situation.

Yes. UK-regulated online pharmacies supply levonorgestrel after a short clinical assessment to confirm it is safe for you. It cannot be sold legally without checks. Avoid unregulated websites, as they may supply incorrect or unsafe medicines.

Levonorgestrel becomes less effective the closer you are to ovulation because it works mainly by delaying egg release. If you think you may already be ovulating, a clinician may recommend ulipristal instead. Pregnancy cannot be completely ruled out, so follow-up testing may be advised.

If you vomit within three hours of taking the tablet, the medicine may not have been absorbed properly. You may need another dose, so contact a clinician or pharmacy immediately. Acting quickly is important to keep protection as high as possible.

Yes, your next period may come slightly earlier or later than usual after taking emergency contraception. Some people notice lighter or heavier bleeding. These changes are common and temporary. If your period is more than seven days late, take a pregnancy test for reassurance.

Yes. People often use it after missed pills, patch problems or condom issues. You can restart or continue your normal contraception afterwards, though the timing depends on your method. Your clinician or pharmacist can advise what to do next.

Yes. Some medicines, including certain epilepsy treatments and herbal supplements like St John’s wort, can reduce its effectiveness. If you take interacting medicines, ulipristal may work better. Always mention your current medication during the assessment.

Body weight can influence effectiveness. Levonorgestrel may be less reliable for people who weigh over 70kg (154 lbs), so a double dose of Levonorgestrel (3mg total) or Ulipristal is often preferred in those cases. A clinician will advise the most effective option based on your circumstances.

Yes, but it’s not ideal as a regular method because it is less reliable than ongoing contraception and can make your cycle irregular. Repeated use does not harm long-term fertility, but a more consistent method is usually safer and more effective.

Take a test if your period is more than seven days late, or if you develop symptoms suggesting pregnancy. Even when taken promptly, no emergency contraception is guaranteed, so testing is recommended if your cycle changes significantly.