Levonorgestrel Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 4, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Contraception

Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertion should be performed by a trained healthcare provider thoroughly familiar with product; product manufacturer labeling should be consulted:

Insert 1 IUD (13.5, 19.5 or 52 mg) into uterus

Timing of insertion:

• For women who are not currently using hormonal or intrauterine contraception: Insertion may occur at any time the woman is not pregnant; if inserted after the first 7 days of menstrual cycle, an additional method of contraception should be used for 7 days after insertion.
• Switching from an oral, transdermal, or vaginal hormonal contraceptive: Insertion may occur at any time; if inserted during the hormone phase, continue use for 7 days after insertion or until the end of the current treatment cycle.
• Switching from an injectable progestin contraceptive: Insertion may occur at any time; if inserted more than 3 months after the last injection, an additional method of contraception should be used for 7 days after insertion.
• Switching from a contraceptive implant or another IUD: Insertion should occur on the same day the implant or IUD is removed.
• Inserting after abortion or miscarriage:
• First trimester: May insert IUD immediately after a first trimester abortion or miscarriage.
• Second trimester: Insertion of IUD should be delayed a minimum of 4 weeks or until the uterus is fully involuted; if involution is delayed, insertion should be delayed until involution is complete; consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to insertion and advise patient on need for an additional method of contraception for 7 days after insertion.
• After childbirth: Insertion of IUD should be delayed a minimum of 4 weeks after delivery, or until the uterus is fully involuted; if involution is delayed, insertion should be delayed until involution is complete; consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to insertion and advise patient on need for an additional method of contraception for 7 days after insertion.

Replacement: IUD should be replaced after the prescribed amount of time; a new IUD may be inserted for continued use.

• Skyla(R): Replace after 3 years
• Kyleena(R) and Mirena(R) (for heavy menstrual bleeding): Replace after 5 years
• Liletta(R) and Mirena (R) (for contraception): Replace after 8 years

Comments:

• IUD may be removed at any time but must be removed by the end of the prescribed time; if continued use is desired, replace with a new IUD.

Uses: Prevention of pregnancy (from 3 to 8 years depending on the product), and for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women who choose to use intrauterine contraception as their method of contraception (Mirena(R))

Usual Adult Dose for Postcoital Contraception

Emergency Contraception:

Take 1.5 mg orally once or 0.75 mg orally 12 hours apart.

Comments:

• Doses should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse or known/suspected contraception failure; the sooner it is taken the better.
• If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking dose, consider repeating the dose.
• This product is not intended for regular birth control.

Use: To reduce the chance or pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or a known/suspected contraceptive failure.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Contraception

Postpubertal adolescents:
Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertion should be performed by a trained healthcare provider thoroughly familiar with product; product manufacturer labeling should be consulted:

Insert 1 IUD (13.5, 19.5 or 52 mg) into uterus

Timing of insertion:

• For women who are not currently using hormonal or intrauterine contraception: Insertion may occur at any time the woman is not pregnant; if inserted after the first 7 days of menstrual cycle, an additional method of contraception should be used for 7 days after insertion
• Switching from an oral, transdermal, or vaginal hormonal contraceptive: Insertion may occur at any time; if inserted during the hormone phase, continue use for 7 days after insertion or until the end of the current treatment cycle
• Switching from an injectable progestin contraceptive: Insertion may occur at any time; if inserted more than 3 months after the last injection, an additional method of contraception should be used for 7 days after insertion
• Switching from a contraceptive implant or another IUD: Insertion should occur on the same day the implant or IUD is removed
• Inserting after abortion or miscarriage:
• First trimester: May insert IUD immediately after a first trimester abortion or miscarriage
• Second trimester: Insertion of IUD should be delayed a minimum of 4 weeks or until the uterus is fully involuted; if involution is delayed, insertion should be delayed until involution is complete; consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to insertion and advise patient on need for an additional method of contraception for 7 days after insertion
• After childbirth: Insertion of IUD should be delayed a minimum of 4 weeks after delivery, or until the uterus is fully involuted; if involution is delayed, insertion should be delayed until involution is complete; consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to insertion and advise patient on need for an additional method of contraception for 7 days after insertion

Replacement: IUD should be replaced after the prescribed amount of time; a new IUD may be inserted for continued use.

• Skyla(R): Replace after 3 years
• Kyleena(R) and Mirena(R) (for heavy menstrual bleeding): Replace after 5 years
• Liletta(R) and Mirena (R) (for contraception): Replace after 8 years

Comments:

• IUD may be removed at any time but must be removed by the end of the prescribed time; if continued use is desired, replace with a new IUD.

Uses: Prevention of pregnancy (from 3 to 8 years depending on the product), and for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women who choose to use intrauterine contraception as their method of contraception (Mirena(R))

Usual Pediatric Dose for Postcoital Contraception

Emergency Contraception:

Postpubertal adolescents:
Take 1.5 mg orally once or 0.75 mg orally 12 hours apart.

Comments:

• Doses should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse or known/suspected contraception failure; the sooner it is taken the better.
• If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking dose, consider repeating the dose.
• This product is not intended for regular birth control.

Use: To reduce the chance or pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or a known/suspected contraceptive failure.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Intrauterine Device:

• Acute liver disease or liver tumor: Contraindicated

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to the active component or any of the ingredients
• Known or suspected pregnancy

Intrauterine Device (IUD) is contraindicated if one or more of the following conditions exist:

• Acute liver disease or liver tumor (benign or malignant)
• Uterine bleeding of unknown etiology
• Known or suspected breast cancer or other progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past
• Congenital or acquired uterine anomaly, including fibroids, that distorts uterine cavity and would be incompatible with correct placement
• Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or a history of PID unless there has been subsequent intrauterine pregnancy
• Postpartum endometritis or infected abortion in past 3 months
• Known or suspected uterine or cervical neoplasia
• Untreated acute cervicitis or vaginitis, including bacterial vaginosis, known chlamydial or gonococcal cervical infection, or other lower genital tract infections until infection is controlled
• Conditions associated with increased susceptibility to pelvic infections
• Use as post-coital contraception
• A previously inserted intrauterine device that has not been removed

Safety and efficacy have been established in female patients of reproductive age; use prior to menarche is not indicated.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:
Emergency Contraception:

• Take as soon as possible up to 72 hours after unprotected sex; the sooner it is taken the better it will work.
• If vomiting occurs within 2 hours after taking dose, the dose should be repeated.

Intrauterine Device (IUD):

• Insertion should be performed by a trained healthcare provider thoroughly familiar with product; product manufacturer labeling should be consulted.

Timing of IUD Removal:

• If pregnancy is desired, the IUD may be removed at any time.
• If IUD is to be removed and pregnancy is not desired, a new contraception method should be started prior to removal of the IUD.

Storage requirements:

• IUD: For single use only; store pouch in outer carton until use to protect from light.

Monitoring:

• IUD Follow-up: Re-examine patient 4 to 6 weeks following IUD insertion and once a year thereafter, or more frequently if clinically indicated.
• Emergency Contraception Follow-up: Physical or pelvic exam is recommended if there is any doubt concerning general health or pregnancy status of any woman after use for postcoital contraception.

Patient advice:

• Read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).
• Patients should understand that this drug does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections.
• Counsel patients on the risks of becoming pregnant if intercourse occurs in the 7-day period after insertion as well as before removal of IUD.
• Contact healthcare provider promptly if you become pregnant with IUD intact due to the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• Report any signs/symptoms of lower abdominal pain, long-lasting or heavy bleeding, painful intercourse, chills, or fever.
• Report severe pain or fever following IUD insertion due to the risk of infection.

Frequently asked questions

• Can Plan B make your period late or cause bleeding?
• Can you drink alcohol after taking Plan B?
• How effective is Plan B and how late can you take it?
• How many times can you take Plan B?
• What's the weight limit for Plan B?
• What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
• Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla & Liletta - What's the difference?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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