Progestogen (hormonal contraceptive)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Levonorgestrel is a synthetic hormone (man-made version of the natural female hormone progesterone) used mainly as emergency contraception — it works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary, so pregnancy doesn't happen after unprotected sex.
Binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, inhibiting the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge necessary for ovulation; additionally alters cervical mucus viscosity and endometrial morphology to prevent sperm penetration and implantation.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist — no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
For emergency contraception (e.g. Postpill, Freekem 72, Back-Up): Take one 1.5 mg tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 24 hours but no later than 72 hours (3 days). You can take it with or without food. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking it, take another tablet. For daily mini-pill (e.g. Microlut): Take one tablet at the same time every day without breaks — do not miss even one day.
For the emergency pill, there is no missed dose — you take it once. For the daily mini-pill (e.g. Microlut), if you miss a dose by more than 3 hours, take it as soon as you remember and use a condom or avoid sex for the next 2 days, as you may not be protected from pregnancy.
Buy only from licensed pharmacies — avoid roadside sellers or market stalls, as fake emergency pills are common in Nigeria and may not protect you. Levonorgestrel emergency pills like Postpill are meant for emergencies only, not as your regular family planning method — using them too often can disrupt your menstrual cycle. If your period is more than one week late after taking the emergency pill, do a pregnancy test.
Some medications used for epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin) and TB treatment (e.g. rifampicin) can reduce how well levonorgestrel works, meaning it may not prevent pregnancy. Herbal remedies containing St. John's Wort can also reduce its effectiveness. There is no major interaction with alcohol, but drinking heavily may cause vomiting which could stop the drug from working.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Levonorgestrel with your other drugs?
Do not take levonorgestrel if you are already pregnant — it is not an abortion pill and will not end an existing pregnancy; if you are breastfeeding, it is generally considered safe, but consult your doctor or pharmacist first.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so do not leave it in your car or near a window. Keep it in its original packaging and far away from children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Levonorgestrel?
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