Julie Side Effects
Generic name: levonorgestrel
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 24, 2024.
Note: This document contains side effect information about levonorgestrel. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Julie.
Applies to levonorgestrel: oral tablet. Other dosage forms:
Serious side effects of Julie
Along with its needed effects, levonorgestrel (the active ingredient contained in Julie) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking levonorgestrel:
More common
- Heavy or light menstrual bleeding
Incidence not known
- Absent missed or irregular menstrual periods
- cramps
- irregular menstruation
- pain
- pain in the pelvis
- stopping of menstrual bleeding
Other side effects of Julie
Some side effects of levonorgestrel may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- tenderness of the breasts
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
Less common
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to levonorgestrel: intrauterine device, oral tablet, subcutaneous implant.
General
The most commonly reported adverse effects are alterations of menstrual bleeding patterns, nausea, abdominal/pelvic pain, headache/migraine, dizziness, fatigue, amenorrhea, ovarian cysts, genital discharge, acne/seborrhea, breast tenderness, and vulvovaginitis.[Ref]
Genitourinary
Very common (10% or more): Irregular menstrual bleeding (67%), infrequent menstrual bleeding (up to 57%), ovarian cyst (31.2%), menstrual changes (up to 31.9%), decreased uterine bleeding (23.4%), prolonged menstrual bleeding (22%), vulvovaginitis (20.2%), amenorrhea (18.4%), genital discharge (up to 14.9%), heavier menstrual bleeding (13.8%),vaginal infections (13.6%), vulvovaginal infections (13.3%), lighter menstrual bleeding (12.5%), increased scheduled uterine bleeding (11.9%), breast tenderness (10.7%)
Common (1% to 10%): Dysmenorrhea, breast pain/discomfort, upper genital tract infection, genital tract bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, dyspareunia, pelvic discomfort/pain, delay of menses more than 7 days, vaginal discharge, bleeding not related to menses
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Uterine spasm, cervicitis/Papanicolaou smear normal class II, change in vaginal secretion
Rare (less than 0.1%): Uterine perforation
Frequency not reported: Breast enlargement, vaginal candidiasis, changes in cervical erosion, changes in cervical secretion, ectopic pregnancy
Postmarketing reports: Oligomenorrhea, irregular menstruation[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 23.1%), abdominal/pelvic pain (up to 22.6%)
Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, vomiting
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal distension
Frequency not reported: Bloating, abdominal cramps[Ref]
Other
Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (16.9%)
Common (1% to 10%): Partial/complete IUS expulsion, weight increased
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema, change in body weight
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Face edema
Frequency not reported: Decreased weight, sepsis, group A streptococcal sepsis
Postmarketing reports: IUS breakage, procedural bleeding[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 16.8%), dizziness (11.2%)
Common (1% to 10%): Migraine
Postmarketing reports: Stroke, syncope, IUS insertion related vasovagal reaction or seizure[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Depression/depressed mood, mood changes, mood swings, decreased libido, nervousness
Frequency not reported: Changes in libido[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Acne/seborrhea (15%)
Common (1% to 10%): Alopecia, hirsutism
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, eczema, pigmentation changes/hyperpigmentation
Rare (less than 0.1%): Rash, urticaria
Frequency not reported: Chloasma, melasma
Postmarketing reports: Angioedema[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Postmarketing reports: Increased blood pressure, arterial/venous thrombotic events, pulmonary emboli, deep vein thrombosis, stroke[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10%): Back pain[Ref]
Oncologic
Frequency not reported: Benign/malignant liver tumors
Postmarketing reports: Breast cancer[Ref]
Ocular
Frequency not reported: Contact lens intolerance[Ref]
Metabolic
Frequency not reported: Diabetes mellitus[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction
Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]
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?
- What's the weight limit for Plan B?
- How many times can you take Plan B?
- Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla & Liletta - What's the difference?
More about Julie (levonorgestrel)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Latest FDA alerts (1)
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: contraceptives
Patient resources
Other brands
Mirena, Plan B One-Step, Kyleena, Liletta, ... +18 more
Professional resources
Other brands
Mirena, Plan B One-Step, Kyleena, Liletta, ... +3 more
Related treatment guides
References
1. (2003) "Product Information. Mirena (levonorgestrel)." Berlex Laboratories
2. (2003) "Product Information. Plan B (levonorgestrel)." Women's Capital Corporation
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
5. (2013) "Product Information. Skyla (levonorgestrel)." Bayer Pharmaceutical Inc
6. (2016) "Product Information. Liletta (levonorgestrel)." Actavis Pharma, Inc.
7. (2018) "Product Information. Kyleena (levonorgestrel)." Bayer Pharmaceutical Inc
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.