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
BionaFem
Amethyst
Min-ovral 21 Tab
Levora
Audrina 21
Simpesse
Contingency One
Minivlar 30
Triphasil 28 Tab
Marlissa
Min-ovral 21
Norlevo
Preven Emergency Contraceptive
Lo Simpesse
Sronyx
React
Lybrel
Option 2
Triphasil 28
Optionelle
Balcoltra
Vienva Tm
Morning After Pill
Mirena
Levlite
Enpresse
Lutera 21
Lutera
AfterPlan
Fallback Solo
Backup Plan Onestep
Curae
Next Choice One Dose
Laylaa 21
Skyla
Min-ovral 28 Tab
Delyla
EContra EZ
Triphasil 21 Tab
Basic Care Levonorgestrel
Take Action
Quasense
LoJaimiess
Levonest
Julie
Twirla
Dolishale
Stix Restart
Aviane
My Way
Tyblume
Aubra EQ
Esme 28
Chateal EQ
Esme 21
Iclevia
Ayuna
Triphasil-21
Econ Morning After
Amazon Basic Care Levonorgestrel
Introvale
Portia
Triquilar 21
Plan B
Triquilar 28
New Day
Emergency Contraceptive
Portia 28
Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraceptive
Jaimiess
Her style
Larissia
Alesse 28
Aftera
Daysee
Seasonique
LoSeasonique
PostDay One-Step
Quartette
Alysena 21
Rosyrah
Empowered Choice
Backup Plan
Norplant System Kit 36mg/implant
Opcicon One-Step
Nordette
Triphasil 21
Ashlyna
Orsythia
Altavera
Vienva TM
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