Who can take LoviOne 1.5 mg tablet (levonorgestrel)?
LoviOne can be used by women:
- 16 years and over
- who have started their periods
- who have had unprotected sex within the last 72 hours (3 days)
If the women is not currently using a reliable method of contraception it may be a good opportunity to discuss daily or long term contraceptive methods. Find out more about the different contraceptive methods available.
Who can’t take LoviOne 1.5 mg tablet (levonorgestrel)
LoviOne is contraindicated for women if they answer to any of the questions listed below is YES. In such cases LoviOne should not be supplied and alternative emergency contraception should be considered.
LoviOne can’t be taken by people who:
- Are pregnant or suspect they might be pregnant
- Have had unprotected sex more than 72 hours (3 days) ago
- Have had unprotected sex and taken emergency contraception earlier during this cycle
- Have a previous history of infection or inflammation of fallopian tubes or at risk of or had a previous ectopic pregnancy
- Suffer from any bowel/digestive or liver problems
- Are currently taking or have taken in the last 4 weeks any medicines to treat epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV infection, fungal infections or herbal remedies containing St. John’s Wort.
- Are taking a medicine called cyclosporin which suppresses the immune system as LoviOne may impact its effectiveness.
- Are lactose intolerant or allergic to levonorgestrel or any other ingredients of this medicine. Other ingredients include potato starch, maize starch, silica colloidal anhydrous, magnesium stearate, talc and lactose monohydrate.
Tip: the copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective form of emergency contraception. LoviOne might not be some peoples preferred method of emergency contraception regardless of whether it is suitable for them or not. Additional options should be discussed with them including the copper IUD, to ensure they understand the choice that they have.
Safeguarding
In some circumstances, requests for emergency contraception may follow acts of abuse or rape. When discussing contraception and LoviOne with women, consider your training on safeguarding and competency.
You should look out for:
- If the sex was non-consensual
- If a child under the age of 13 was involved
- If there is fear surrounding the partner or situation
- If the person has been threatened or pressured to take emergency contraception
Where it is safe to do so, enquire about the situation following your safeguarding policies. With this, you should offer support and report the information at the earliest opportunity if appropriate.
