Levonorgestrel (LNG) is a synthetic progestogen similar to [Progesterone] used in contraception and hormone therapy.[A181988,T659] Also known as Plan B, it is used as a single agent in emergency contraception, and as a hormonal contraceptive released from an intrauterine device, commonly referred to as an IUD. Some of these devices are known as Jaydess, Kyleena, and Mirena. A subdermal implant of levonorgestrel that slowly releases the hormone over a long-term period is also available.[L7823] In addition to the above uses, levonorgestrel is used as a component of long-term combination contraceptives.[A181991,L7760,L7778] Globally, levonorgestrel is the most commonly used emergency contraceptive. It was initially granted FDA approval in 1982 and was the first emergency contraceptive containing only progesterone, showing high levels of efficacy and a lack of estrogenic adverse effects when compared to older emergency contraceptive regimens.[A181976,A181994,L7760]
Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol and Ethinyl Estradiol
Levonorgestrel Tablet, 1.5 mg
Teva-levonorgestrel
Min-ovral 28 Tab
Vienva TM
Triphasil 21 Tab
Levonorgetsrel and Ethinyl Estradiol
Emergency Contraceptive
Take Action
LEADER Emergency Contraceptive Levonorgestrel
Esme 21
Next Choice
Simpesse
Basic Care Levonorgestrel
Her style
Norplant System Kit 36mg/implant
Aviane 28 Day
Myzilra
Min-ovral 21
Vienva Tm
Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol
Levora
Seasonale
AfterPlan
Backup Plan Onestep
Liletta
Fayosim
Kurvelo
Kyleena
Jolessa
Rivelsa
Skyla
Plan B
Audrina 28
Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraceptive
Empowered Choice
Fem Choice morning after
Lojaimiess
EContra EZ
Triquilar 21
Triquilar 28
Levonorgestrel
BionaFem
Econ Morning After
Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradoil
Min-ovral 28
Mirena
Afirmelle
Aviane 28
Aviane 21
Alysena 21
After Banger
Iclevia
Quartette
Portia 21
Julie Morning After Pill
camrese Lo
Lo Simpesse
Triphasil 21
Aviane
Orsythia
Opcicon One-Step
Altavera
Falmina
Delyla
Setlakin
Amethyst
Ovima 21
Audrina 21
PostDay One-Step
Lybrel
Rosyrah
Larissia
Jaydess
Her Style
Plan B One-Step
Next Choice One Dose
Triphasil-21
Introvale
Lutera
Tyblume
Laylaa 28
Nordette
Climara Pro
Athentia Next
Option 2
Esme 28
Contingency One
Amazon Basic Care Levonorgestrel
Trivora
Ovima 28
Portia
Portia 28
Seasonique
Indication
**Emergency contraception** Levonorgestrel, in the single-agent emergency contraceptive form, is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy after the confirmed or suspected failure of contraception methods or following unprotected intercourse. It is distributed by prescription for patients under 17, and over the counter for those above this age.[L7760] This levonorgestrel-only form of contraception is not indicated for regular contraception and must be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours after intercourse.[A181976,L7760] It has shown a lower efficacy when it is used off label within 96 hours.[T659] **Long-term contraception or nonemergency contraception** In addition to the above indication in emergency contraception, levonorgestrel is combined with other contraceptives in contraceptive formulations designed for regular use, for example with ethinyl estradiol.[L7766] It is used in various hormone-releasing intrauterine devices for long-term contraception ranging for a duration of 3-5 years.[L7778,L7781,L7787] Product labeling for Mirena specifically mentions that it is recommended in women who have had at least 1 child and can be indicated for the prevention of pregnancy for up to 8 years.[L7778,L42950] A subdermal implant is also available for the prevention of pregnancy for up to 5 years.[L7823] **Hormone therapy and off-label uses** Levonorgestrel is prescribed in combination with estradiol as hormone therapy during menopause to manage vasomotor symptoms and to prevent osteoporosis.[L7805]Off-label, levonorgestrel may be used to treat menorrhagia, endometrial hyperplasia, and endometriosis.[T659]
Categories
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Combination Contraceptives (with Estrogen and derivatives)
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraceptive Agents, Hormonal
Contraceptives, Oral
Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic
Contraceptives, Postcoital
Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Substrates
Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A4 Substrates
Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A5 Substrates
Cytochrome P-450 Substrates
Fused-Ring Compounds
Genito Urinary System and Sex Hormones
Hormonal Contraceptives for Systemic Use
Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents
Inhibit Ovum Fertilization
Norpregnanes
Norpregnenes
Norsteroids
Progestin Contraceptives
Progestin-containing Intrauterine Device
Progestins
Progestogens and Estrogens, Sequential Preparations
Drug Info/Drug Targets: DrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs. Knox C, Law V, Jewison
T, Liu P, Ly S, Frolkis A, Pon A, Banco K, Mak C, Neveu V, Djoumbou Y, Eisner R, Guo AC, Wishart DS.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan; 39 (Database issue):D1035-41. | PMID:21059682