Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 26, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Jadelle
Pharmacologic Class: Progestin
Uses for levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel implant is used to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.
Levonorgestrel is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a trained healthcare professional.
Before using levonorgestrel
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For levonorgestrel, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to levonorgestrel or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levonorgestrel implants in teenage females. Levonorgestrel may be used for birth control in teenage females but is not recommended before the start of menstruation.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of levonorgestrel implant have not been performed in the geriatric population. Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use in elderly women.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving levonorgestrel, it ...
