Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel (or L-Norgestrel) is a molecule used in hormonal contraceptives. It is a 19-nortestosterone progestin derived from testosterone. It has mostly progestogenic effects, but also has androgenic and oestrogenic effects.

Oral Contraceptives

At a relatively low dose, levonorgestrel can be formulated as a monophasic, biphasic, or triphasic tablet. In the United States, the available dosages for the monophasic formulation range from 0.1 to 0.15 mg. This range is slightly modified in biphasic and triphasic forms.

Emergency Contraception

Barr Laboratories distributes a high dosage levonorgestrel product as a progesterone-only emergency contraception under the brand name Plan B. Plan B is two doses of levonorgestrel, with each pill containing 0.75 mg. These two doses are separated over a period of 12 hours. This medication, popularly known as the morning after pill, was approved for over-the-counter sales by the FDA in the United States to persons over the age of 18 on August 24, 2006. For more on the legalization of this drug and other day-after medications, see Emergency contraception.

IUD

Levonorgestrel is the active ingredient in Mirena.

Contraceptive Implants

Levonorgestrel is the active ingredient in Norplant and Jadelle.

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