Levonorgestrel side effects?

What are common Levonorgestrel side effects?

Levonorgestrel is a progestin used in birth control pills, emergency contraception, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). While generally considered safe, Levonorgestrel can cause side effects in some users [1]. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, common side effects of Levonorgestrel include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and abdominal pain [2].

What rare but serious side effects can Levonorgestrel cause?

In rare cases, Levonorgestrel can cause more serious side effects, such as blood clots, stroke, and high blood pressure [3]. The FDA requires a warning on Levonorgestrel-containing medications about the increased risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the legs or lungs) [4].

How long do side effects of Levonorgestrel typically last?

Side effects of Levonorgestrel are usually short-term and may last only a few days. However, some users may experience persistent side effects, such as changes in menstrual bleeding patterns or mood changes [5].

Who is at higher risk of Levonorgestrel side effects?

Certain individuals, such as those with a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, or breast cancer, may be at a higher risk of experiencing side effects from Levonorgestrel [6]. Women over 35 years old who smoke may also be at a higher risk of blood clots [7].

Can biosimilars enter the market before patent expiry?

Levonorgestrel is a generic medication, and its patent has expired in many countries. This means that biosimilars, or similar medications, can enter the market at a lower cost [8].

Sources:

[1] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Levonorgestrel. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21045465

[2] RxList. (2023). Plan B (Levonorgestrel). Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/plan-b-side-effects-drug-center.htm

[3] MedlinePlus. (2023). Levonorgestrel. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601016.html

[4] FDA. (2023). Plan B One-Step (Levonorgestrel). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/020850s023lbl.pdf

[5] Drugs.com. (2023). Levonorgestrel. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/levonorgestrel.html

[6] WebMD. (2023). Levonorgestrel Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/side-effects-of-levo-nor

[7] Cancer.Net. (2023). Levonorgestrel and Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/birth-control-and-cancer/levonorgestrel-and-breast-cancer

[8] DrugPatentWatch. (2023). Levonorgestrel Patent Expiration. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/levonorgestrel

Sources:
1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Levonorgestrel.
2. RxList. (2023). Plan B (Levonorgestrel).
3. MedlinePlus. (2023). Levonorgestrel.
4. FDA. (2023). Plan B One-Step (Levonorgestrel).
5. Drugs.com. (2023). Levonorgestrel.
6. WebMD. (2023). Levonorgestrel Side Effects.
7. Cancer.Net. (2023). Levonorgestrel and Breast Cancer.
8. DrugPatentWatch. (2023). Levonorgestrel Patent Expiration.