Levonorgestrel is a progestogen hormone most commonly used in birth control applications, which can be divided into three categories:

• Combined contraception (includes 'the pill' and patches)
• Progestogen only contraception (includes 'mini pills', implants, and intrauterine devices)
• Emergency contraception pills (often referred to as Plan B or the morning-after pill)

The primary difference between the products is the amount of levonorgestrel in each pill; combined oral contraceptives typically contain about 0.15 mg, progestogen-only pills about 0.03 mg, and emergency contraceptives around 1.5 mg.

The medication's effect is similar in all uses:

• Prevents release of eggs from the ovaries;
• Inhibits fertilization in already-released eggs;
• Inhibits fertilized eggs from attaching to the uterus.

Used properly, levonorgestrel is highly effective at preventing pregnancy.

Combined Contraceptives

For the vast majority of women, combined contraceptives containing levonorgestrel are generally indistinguishable from any other, similar method containing containing a different progestogen:

• Like most birth control pills an 'active' tablet is taken daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of 'reminder' pills.
• Like most patches, a patch is applied once weekly for 3 weeks, followed by a 'break' week.

Risks and side effects associated with products containing levonorgestrel are also the same as other combined contraceptives. In essence there is no particular advantage to using a pill or patch containing levonorgestrel over other progestogens unless there is a specific sensitivity or some other reason which prevents use of particular hormones.

Progestogen-Only Contraceptives

Again there is little about levonorgestrel which distinguishes it from similar products when used as a progestogen-only pill; what sets it apart from combined contraceptives is the options available:

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are inserted into the uterus by a trained professional and provide birth control for 5 years, at which time it may be replaced if further birth control is desired. The product may be removed at any time and fertility will be restored.
• Implants consist of 6 small capsules being placed under the skin, usually in the upper arm. The capsules gradually release the levonorgestrel over a period of 5 years, preventing pregnancy during that time.

Some women also buy levonorgestrel 'mini pills' instead of the more standard combined oral contraceptives; progestogen-only pills are as effective as combined oral contraceptives and carry less risk of side effects, but are simply not very popular. They are also widely used as birth control in women who need to avoid the estrogen found in combined contraceptives, and used on a monthly basis by many women receiving estrogen hormone therapy.

Emergency Contraception

Levonorgestrel is the active ingredient in the notorious "morning after" pill, which prevents pregnancy when taken shortly after unprotected sex. Use is straightforward:

• Take one pill as soon as possible after intercourse.
• Treatment will be highly effective for up to 72 hours after sex.
• It may still be effective as long as 5 days after sex, but is not reliable after 72 hours.
• Use should be restricted to emergencies; it is not a replacement for conventional birth control.

One of the side effects of treatment is vomiting; if this occurs within 2 hours of taking the pill, another pill should be taken. If you plan to buy levonorgestrel to have on-hand as an emergency contraceptive, you may want to get more than one just in case.

A Pharmacy at your Fingertips

In many areas a prescription is not required for adults to buy levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive, but most do have restrictions for underage patients. Clients who buy levonorgestrel from Kiwi Drug are solely responsible for complying with local regulations.

Kiwi Drug does require a prescription for the emergency contraceptive Levonelle and to buy levonorgestrel as a combined oral contraceptive.

Patients who don't have a prescription to buy levonorgestrel products may want to take advantage of our online doctor services; simply begin checkout and answer the questions on the following page to see if you qualify. This process usually takes just a few moments.

Those who do have a prescription to buy levonorgestrel will be given instructions to transfer it to us after completing checkout.

We're always here to help if you have any questions or need a hand with your order.