Uses of Norpill: - Emergency contraception Contraception, Emergency contraception, Menopausal hormone replacement therapy, Menorrhagia, Pregnancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, severe arterial disease; liver adenoma, porphyria; after recent evacuation of hydatidiform mole; history of breast cancer; hepatic impairment.

Emergency Contraceptive Pill, Oral Contraceptive preparations

Levonorgestrel is a progestin or a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. In a woman's normal menstrual cycle, an egg matures and is released from the ovaries (ovulation). The ovary then produces progesterone, preventing the release of further eggs and priming the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels in the body remain high, maintaining the womb lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels in the body fall, resulting in a menstrual period. Levonorgestrel tricks the body processes into thinking that ovulation has already occurred, by maintaining high levels of the synthetic progesterone. This prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries.

How to use Levonorgestrel: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Levonorgestrel may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Administration: May be taken with or without food. Adult Dose: Oral Emergency contraception Adult: 1.5 mg as soon as possible or within 72 hr of coitus. Alternatively, 750 mcg as soon as possible or within 72 hr of coitus followed by a 2nd dose 12 hr later. Most effective if taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse Menopausal hormone replacement therapy Adult: As progestogenic component: 75-250 mcg for 10-12 days of a 28-day cycle. Contraception Adult: Monotherapy: 30 or 37.5 mcg daily.

Reduced efficacy with enzyme-inducing drugs; aminoglutethimide. May inhibit ciclosporin metabolism.

Pregnancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, severe arterial disease; liver adenoma, porphyria; after recent evacuation of hydatidiform mole; history of breast cancer; hepatic impairment.

Common - Anxiety - Bloating - Depression - Edema (swelling) - Irritation - Muscle pain >10% Headache (12%),Acne (15%),Ovarian cysts (13%),Enlarged follicles (12%),Amenorrhea (1-12%),Abdominal pain (12%),Uterine/vaginal bleeding alterations (52%),Intermenstrual bleeding/spotting (23%),Vulvovaginitis (20%),Ectopic pregnancy (≤50%) 1-10% Depression (4%),Migraine (2%),Alopecia (1%),Dysmenorrhea (9%),Menorrhagia (6%),Breast tenderness (3-9%),Pelvic pain (6%),Leukorrhea (5%),Vaginal discharge (4%),Pelvic infection (1%) <1% Angioedema,Cervical perforation,Failed insertion,Sepsis,Uterine bleeding,Device breakage Potentially Fatal: Thrombocytopenia, stroke.

The medicine is not indicated in case of pre-existing pregnancy and cannot interrupt it in case of failure of this contraceptive mean with persisting pregnancy. Epidemiological studies indicates no adverse effects of progestogen on malformation of a fetus. Lactation is possible. However, since Levonorgestrel is secreted into breast milk it is suggested that you breast feed immediately before taking each tablet and that you skip nursing following each Levonorgestrel tablet administration.

Precaution: Sex-steroid dependent cancer, past ectopic pregnancy, malabsorption syndromes, functional ovarian cysts, active liver disease, recurrent cholestatic jaundice, history of jaundice in pregnancy, CV or renal impairment, DM, asthma, epilepsy, migraine, conditions aggravated by fluid retention, depression and thromboembolism (high doses); lactation.

No acute toxicity has been demonstrated with this medicine in case of intake of several doses

Store in a cool & dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children

Levonorgestrel, a nortestosterone derivative, is an active isomer of norgestrel. It is a potent inhibitor of ovulation and has androgenic activity.