Like all medications, LoviOne might have side effects for some people, but not others. Some of these might include:
- Very common – nausea, irregular bleeding, lower abdominal pain, tiredness, headache
- Common – being sick, changes to their next period, breast tenderness, diarrhoea, feeling dizzy
- Very rare – rash, urticaria (hives), pruritus (itchy skin), swelling of the face, pelvic pain, painful periods
As mentioned, LoviOne can create bleeding irregularities or delay an expected period, which could alter the fertile window of the women after taking LoviOne. The date that the next period arrives might vary by a few days, or some irregular bleeding may be present before the start of the period. If their period is any later than 5 days, then pregnancy should be ruled out. If bleeding is lighter or heavier than usual at this time, then they should contact their doctor as soon as possible, to rule out ectopic pregnancy.
Additional considerations (or FAQs) with supply of LoviOne 1.5mg Tablet
STIs and sexual health consultation
The consultation should be used as an opportunity to discuss general sexual health as well as contraceptive options, including an IUDs so the patient can make an informed choice. Women should be advised that LoviOne does not protect against HIV infections or other sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs/STDs) and if they have had unprotected sex they should consider getting tested for STIs/STDs.
Supply to a patient representative
It may be possible for you to supply someone else (other than the patient directly) if you are satisfied it is a genuine request and the treatment is clinically appropriate for the patient. You should telephone the patient to assess suitability contraceptive if their representative cannot provide you with the necessary information to determine whether the request is appropriate and genuine. If you have any concerns you can refer the person to their GP. Remember to consider your safeguarding training.
Advance supply
LoviOne can be sold on advanced supply, for people to use it at a later date if the patient is clinically suitable and you believe they are competent and intends to use it appropriately. Circumstances for this include:
- Going on holiday
- Going to university
- Having a back-up for failure if other contraceptive methods.
Fertility
LoviOne increases the possibility of menstrual disturbances which can sometimes lead to earlier or later ovulation resulting in a modified fertility date. Although there are no long term fertility data available after use, after treatment with LoviOne a rapid return to fertility is expected and therefore, regular contraception should be continued or initiated as soon as possible after LoviOne use.
Breastfeeding
The active ingredient levonorgestrel is excreted into the breast milk. Therefore, if LoviOne is required, it is recommended that it is taken immediately after breast feeding and nursing is avoided for at least 8 hours after LoviOne is taken while draining the milk with a breast pump. Using this method will reduce the amount of active ingredient the baby may take in from the breast milk.
Frequent use
LoviOne should only be used in emergencies and not as a regular method of contraception. If LoviOne is used more than once in a menstrual cycle, it is less reliable, and it is more likely to upset the menstrual cycle (period). LoviOne is not as effective at preventing pregnancy as a regular contraceptive method. If someone is coming in for repeat supplies of emergency contraception you should discuss long-term methods of contraception with them. Find out more about the different contraceptive methods available here: (link to contraceptive options on the Lovima HCP site)
