Levonorgestrel Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 7, 2024.

Applies to levonorgestrel: oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• intrauterine insert extended release

Serious side effects of levonorgestrel

Along with its needed effects, levonorgestrel 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 side effects

• 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 levonorgestrel

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 side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• tenderness of the breasts
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• diarrhea

For healthcare professionals

Applies to levonorgestrel: intrauterine device, oral tablet, subcutaneous implant.

General adverse events

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?

Further information

Levonorgestrel side effects can vary depending on the individual. 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.

Medical Disclaimer