Levonelle
Levonelle is a type of morning after pill which can be taken to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
In stock. Prices from £18.95
Simply fill in a brief consultation questionnaire and one of our doctors will review your request today.
-
Levonelle is a type of emergency contraceptive often referred to as the morning after pill. It contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel and can be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. If more than 72 hours have passed, EllaOne or the copper coil might be a more suitable option.
Prices
1 tablet(s) / 1500 mcg - £18.95
1 tablet(s) / 1500 mcg - £18.95
2 x 1 tablet(s) / 1500 mcg - £34.95
About Levonelle
-
-
Levonelle is an emergency contraceptive pill, also known as a ‘morning after pill’. You can take Levonelle to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex. It is effective for up to 72 hours (3 days) after having sex.
You can take Levonelle if you are on other types of birth control, like the contraceptive pill. Levonelle does not, however, protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
-
-
Levonelle works by: stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg, a process known as ovulation; making it harder for sperm to fertilise any released egg
Levonelle contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel which is a synthetic version of the natural hormone progesterone, normally produced by the ovaries to delay the release of an egg (ovulation). Ovulation usually occurs about halfway through your menstrual cycle, or roughly 2 weeks before your period. Levonelle is not effective if you’re taking it after ovulation.
Everyone’s menstrual cycle is different, so it’s a good idea to track what stage of your cycle you are in. If you have already ovulated, it’s best to use the copper intrauterine device (IUD) as a form of emergency contraception. You can get this fitted at a sexual health or family planning clinic.
Does Levonelle work if you’ve already ovulated?
No, Levonelle prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation. If you have already ovulated and an egg has been released, Levonelle will not prevent pregnancy. If you think ovulation may have happened and that you might be pregnant, you should speak to your doctor. They can discuss any further options that are available to you.
How quickly does Levonelle work?
Levonelle gets to work straight away as soon as you take it. It is up to 99% effective if you take it as soon as possible (within 12 to 24 hours of unprotected sex).
It prevents 84% of pregnancies when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after having unprotected sex.
-
-
After unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure take 1 Levonelle tablet:
- by swallowing the tablet whole with water (do not chew)
- with or without food
- even if you are already taking regular contraception (like the contraceptive pill), you can continue to take it at your regular times
How often can I use Levonelle?
If you find yourself needing to take emergency contraception on a regular basis or multiple times a month, you should consider taking a form of regular contraception like the contraceptive pill or alternative non-hormonal birth control options.
If you have questions about how often a morning after pill can be used, you should speak to your doctor.
Should I keep taking my contraceptive pill after taking Levonelle?
Yes, it is recommended that you take your next contraceptive pill within 12 hours of taking Levonelle. You should then take your contraceptive pill as normal going forward.
You should also use alternative contraception, such as condoms, for:
- 9 days if you use the combined pill Qlaira
- 2 days if you take a progestogen-only pill
What should I do if I vomit after taking Levonelle?
Vomiting is one of the known side effects of Levonelle. If you vomit after taking Levonelle and it has been less than 3 hours since you took the tablet, you will need to get another. Speak to a pharmacist, doctor, or sexual health clinic so you can get another dose.
If you vomit after taking Levonelle and it has been longer than 3 hours, your body will have absorbed the medication and it is not recommended to take another tablet unless you have unprotected sex again.
-
-
The only way to know for sure if Levonelle or any form of emergency contraception has worked is by waiting for your next period. If your period arrives when it should, you are most likely not pregnant. If your period is late, you can take a pregnancy test.
-
-
Source: EMC
Levonelle is up to 99% effective if taken within 12 to 24 hours after having unprotected sex. However, it is 84% effective across the whole 72-hour window that it can be taken.
For an overview of the effectiveness of Levonelle in comparison with other emergency contraceptives, here is a timeline:
-
-
You may feel some side effects when taking a morning after pill such as Levonelle. These are usually temporary and will disappear within a few hours.
Very common side effects of Levonelle include:
- nausea (feeling sick)
- irregular bleeding
- tiredness
- headache
- pain in your lower abdomen
Some common side effects of Levonelle are:
- vomiting (being sick)
- abnormal periods
- breast tenderness
- dizziness
- diarrhoea
If you think you’ve had an allergic reaction after taking Levonelle, call 999 immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- severe itching
- swelling of the face, throat, eyes or lips
- difficulty breathing
You can read the patient information leaflet for further information on side effects.
-
-
Each Levonelle tablet contains 1500 mcg of the active ingredient levonorgestrel. Each tablet also contains:
- potato starch
- maize starch
- colloidal silica anhydrous
- magnesium stearate
- talc
- lactose monohydrate
-
-
You can take Levonelle if you are a woman over the age of 16. If you are under 16, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or sexual health clinic first.
You should not use Levonelle if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or other ingredients in the tablet.
Speak to your doctor before taking Levonelle if you have:
- a history of liver problems
- ever had an ectopic pregnancy (where the baby grows outside the womb)
- a disease that affects your small bowel such as Crohn’s disease
- a condition called salpingitis where your fallopian tubes are inflamed
Your doctor may suggest using another type of emergency contraception if these conditions affect you. They’ll guide you towards the best treatment choice for you.
-
-
Levonelle can interfere with how other medications work. Some medicines can also stop Levonelle from working.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:
- epilepsy treatment, such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine
- HIV treatment, such as ritonavir
- tuberculosis treatment, such as rifampicin
- antifungal medication like griseofulvin
- St John’s wort, a herbal remedy used to treat low moods
- ciclosporin, a medicine that suppresses the immune system
You may need an alternative method of emergency contraception in these cases.
-
-
If you are currently taking, or planning on starting Mounjaro (tirzepatide), please be aware that it can reduce the effectiveness of Levonelle (levonorgestrel). This means that as a result of taking the 2 together, you risk your emergency contraception not working. The copper coil is the most effective form of emergency contraception, and it’s not affected by Mounjaro.
To make sure you are protected from pregnancy while taking Mounjaro, if you are using a regular contraceptive pill, we recommend using barrier methods of contraception like condoms for:
- 4 weeks after you start Mounjaro
- 4 weeks after each time you increase your dose
Alternative option: The copper coil is a safe, effective alternative as both an emergency and long-term regular contraception while taking Mounjaro. It is a small T-shaped device inserted by a healthcare professional and is accessible through some local GPs or sexual health clinics.
Overview of when you can insert the copper coil:
When to insert the copper coil: Emergency contraception
Up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex or ovulation for protection.
Regular contraception
Any time in the cycle, as long as pregnancy has been ruled out.
Other GLP-1 treatments like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Nevolat (liraglutide) do not change the effectiveness of levonorgestrel (Levonelle).
-
-
Yes. You can take Levonelle if you are breastfeeding but it’s recommended to wait 8 hours between feeds after taking it. Small amounts of hormones (levonorgestrel) can be passed into your breastmilk, though there is no evidence that this can be harmful to your baby. It also should not have an impact on the quality or quantity of your breastmilk.
If you have any questions or concerns about taking Levonelle whilst breastfeeding, or during pregnancy, you should speak to your doctor, nurse, or midwife.
-
-
If you’re still unsure if Levonelle is right for you, there are other emergency contraception alternatives:
- oral tablet
- can be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy
- works by preventing ovulation (release of the egg)
- 99% effective if taken within 24 hours (day 1) and 98% effective for the remaining 4 days
- short-term emergency pregnancy prevention solution
- oral tablet
- generic (unbranded) version of Levonelle, cheaper in price
- works by preventing ovulation (release of the egg)
- take it within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy
- up to 99% effective if taken within 12 to 24 hours of unprotected sex or 84% effective across the whole 72-window it can be taken
- short-term emergency pregnancy prevention solution
Copper coil
IUD (copper coil):
- small plastic t-shape device that a healthcare professional inserts into the uterus
- over 99% effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
- works by preventing fertilisation of the egg by spermicide, does not stop ovulation (release of the egg)
- you’ll need to visit your doctor or your local family planning clinic to get the copper IUD fitted
- long-term contraceptive after use (once fitted it works between 5 to 10 years)
- great alternative if you cannot take the morning after pill
-
-
This table compares the morning after pills ellaOne and Levonelle (levonorgestrel), with the copper coil, so you can decide which is best for you.
Morning after pills Copper Coil (IUD) When you can take it - ellaOne: Effective up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex
- Levonelle: Effective up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex
Effective up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex
How it works Prevents ovulation
Prevents fertilisation
How to take it Oral tablet
Plastic t shape device fitted in the uterus
Effectiveness - ellaOne: 98-99% effective
- Levonelle: 84-97% effective
Over 99% effective
Pregnancy prevention Short-term pregnancy prevention
Long-term pregnancy prevention
-
Frequently asked questions
Can you get Levonelle on the NHS?
Yes, Levonelle is available on the NHS. A doctor or pharmacist will need to talk to you and check that Levonelle is right for you first.
Can you get Levonelle over the counter?
Yes, Levonelle is available over the counter from most pharmacies or reputable online doctors, such as ZAVA. You will still need to answer a few questions for the pharmacist to make sure it’s safe and suitable for you.
How long after taking Levonelle should I do a pregnancy test?
A pregnancy test can normally detect pregnancy 21 days (3 weeks) after unprotected sex. If you want to check whether Levonelle has worked with a pregnancy test, you should wait at least this long.
What is the difference between Levonelle and ellaOne?
Levonelle and ellaOne contain different active ingredients but both work in similar ways. Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, whereas ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate. They can also be taken at different times. Levonelle is effective up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, while ellaOne can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after.
Can Levonelle delay your period?
Levonelle can affect your period by making it slightly earlier or later than normal. If your period is more than 5 days late or you experience any abnormal vaginal bleeding, speak to your doctor. You should also do a pregnancy test to check if you are pregnant. If you have taken Levonelle and find out you are pregnant, speak to your doctor.
Can you drink alcohol after taking Levonelle?
Yes, you can drink alcohol after taking Levonelle – alcohol is not known to cause any interactions. If you get side effects like nausea and vomiting, it is best to avoid alcohol until you feel better.
Can Levonelle cause spotting?
Yes, a very common side effect of Levonelle is irregular bleeding. This is usually not a cause for concern but speak to your doctor if you are bleeding heavily or your period is very painful.
Is Levonelle safe?
Yes, Levonelle is safe to take if approved by a doctor or pharmacist, but can sometimes cause some mild side effects. As you are only taking Levonelle as a single dose, it is not likely to cause any long term effects. There is no evidence that Levonelle will affect your ability to have a baby in the future.
Will Levonelle affect my fertility in the future?
Taking Levonelle should not affect your fertility in the future, even if it’s been taken more than once in a short period. However, it is safer and much more effective to use condoms or other methods of contraception regularly and to avoid taking Levonelle too often. Levonelle, or any other form of emergency contraception, should only be used in emergencies, and not as a regular form of contraception.
Do you bleed after taking Levonelle?
Some people may experience irregular bleeding after using Levonelle. If you’re unsure whether your bleeding is from your period, you can take a pregnancy test as long as it is at least 21 days (3 weeks) since you had unprotected sex.
Can Levonelle cause mood swings?
Levonelle contains hormones which can affect mood, and a common side effect of the medication is mood swings. They normally go away after a few days, but if they do not then you should speak to your doctor.
Does Levonelle stop sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No, Levonelle will only delay ovulation and prevent pregnancy. You are not protected from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when you take it. You should use alternative contraception such as condoms in order to prevent STIs.
Does Levonelle cause stomach pain?
You may experience some stomach pain after using Levonelle. This is normally mild and will go away within a few days. If the pain becomes unmanageable or does not go away, you should speak to your doctor.
What if I vomit after taking Levonelle?
If you vomit after taking Levonelle and it has been less than 3 hours since you took the tablet, you will need to get another. Speak to a pharmacist, doctor, or sexual health clinic so you can get another dose. If you vomit after taking Levonelle and it has been longer than 3 hours, your body will have absorbed the medication and it is not recommended to take another tablet unless you have unprotected sex again. A known side effect of Levonelle is vomiting, but this should pass within a few days.
Can Levonelle delay your period?
Yes, Levonelle can make your period come earlier or later than usual. Speak to your doctor and take a pregnancy test if your period is delayed for longer than 5 days.
What if I take Levonelle too late?
If you take Levonelle more than 72 hours (3 days) late, it will not be effective. However there are other emergency contraception options like ellaOne that are effective after unprotected sex for up to 120 hours (5 days). ellaOne is available to request with ZAVA online doctor. If you have taken Levonelle too late and have concerns or questions, you should speak with your doctor.
Can I take Levonelle while taking GLP-1 weight loss medications?
It depends on the medication. Mounjaro can affect whether or not Levonelle works. If you are currently taking Mounjaro, and you need to use emergency contraception, we recommend the copper coil, which is:
- a small, T-shaped device inserted by a healthcare provider
- highly effective, and can be inserted 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex (or ovulation) for emergency contraception
- accessible at some local GP surgeries or at sexual health clinics
- available to use as a regular day-to-day contraceptive, this can be inserted at any point in your cycle, as long as pregnancy has been ruled out
- not affected by Mounjaro
Other GLP-1 treatments like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Nevolat (liraglutide) do not affect the effectiveness of levonorgestrel (Levonelle).
Crystal qualified in Medicine at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2010. She then trained as a GP in London hospitals and practices. She has a particular interest in reproductive, sexual and women’s health.
Meet our doctorsLast reviewed: 12 Feb 2026
-
Levonelle 1500 microgram tablet (Patient Leaflet) EMC [accessed 05 February 2026]
-
Emergency contraception (morning after pill, IUD) National Health Service [accessed 05 February 2026]
-
Shohel M, Rahman MM, Zaman A, Uddin MM, Al-Amin MM, Reza HM (2014). A systematic review of effectiveness and safety of different regimens of levonorgestrel oral tablets for emergency contraception. BMC Womens Health Apr [accessed 05 February 2026]
-
Levonelle, Summary of Product Characteristics EMC [accessed 05 February 2026]
-
Emergency contraception, NICE/British National Formulary [accessed 05 February 2026]
You might need emergency contraception if you’ve recently had unprotected sex and want to reduce your risk of getting pregnant. ZAVA offers a morning after pill service, which includes a variety of options.
Secure payment 
