Levonelle One Step

Levonelle One Step is a morning-after pill (levonorgestrel 1.5mg) for emergency contraception up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.

  • Single tablet – take as soon as possible, works best early
  • Effective up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex
  • Delays or prevents ovulation to reduce the chance of pregnancy
  • Pharmacy (P) medicine for ages 16 and over
  • Discreet service from a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy

£24.00

Levonelle One Step morning after pill - levonorgestrel 1.5mg emergency contraception
Levonelle One Step - Image 2

Levonelle One Step is a morning-after pill for emergency contraception. The single tablet contains levonorgestrel 1.5mg and can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure – but the sooner you take it, the better it works.

What is Levonelle One Step?

Levonelle One Step is an emergency contraceptive containing levonorgestrel 1500 micrograms (1.5mg) in one tablet. It is a pharmacy (P) medicine supplied from our GPhC-registered UK pharmacy for people aged 16 and over, to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex, a split condom or a missed pill.

How does Levonelle work?

Levonelle works mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation (the release of an egg). Because it works around ovulation, it becomes less effective the closer you already are to releasing an egg – which is why taking it as early as possible gives the best chance of preventing pregnancy. It does not end an existing pregnancy.

When to take Levonelle

  • Take one tablet as soon as possible, ideally within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex.
  • It can be taken at any time in your menstrual cycle.
  • If you vomit within 3 hours of taking it, take another tablet and speak to your pharmacist.

Please read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before use.

How effective is the morning after pill?

Taken early and correctly, levonorgestrel prevents a large proportion of expected pregnancies, but no emergency contraceptive is 100% effective and it becomes less effective the longer you wait. It is meant for emergencies and is not as reliable as regular contraception.

Levonelle or ellaOne?

Levonelle (levonorgestrel) is licensed for up to 72 hours. ellaOne (ulipristal acetate) works for up to 120 hours (5 days) and may be more effective near ovulation. If you are unsure, your pharmacist can help you choose, and you can compare options in the emergency contraception range.

Side effects and your period

Side effects are usually mild – nausea, headache, tummy pain, tiredness or breast tenderness – and settle quickly. Your next period may be a few days early or late, with some spotting beforehand. If your period is more than 5 days late, unusually light or heavy, or you have lower tummy pain, take a pregnancy test and seek advice.

Who should not take Levonelle?

Do not take it if you are already pregnant (it will not work) or are allergic to levonorgestrel. Tell your pharmacist if you have had an ectopic pregnancy or salpingitis, have a condition affecting absorption such as Crohn’s disease, or take medicines that can reduce its effect (some epilepsy and HIV medicines, rifampicin or St John’s Wort). Levonelle does not protect against pregnancy from later sex in the same cycle, and gives no protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Buy Levonelle One Step online

Order Levonelle One Step from Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. As a pharmacy medicine, your order includes a short confidential suitability check so our team can make sure it is right for you.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. For ongoing contraception or if you need emergency contraception often, speak to your pharmacist or a sexual-health service.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.

Levonelle FAQs

How long after sex can you take Levonelle?
Levonelle One Step can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure, but it works best the sooner you take it – ideally within 12 hours. If it is already close to 72 hours, or you need protection beyond 3 days, ellaOne (ulipristal) works for up to 120 hours (5 days).
How does the morning after pill work?
Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, which works mainly by delaying or preventing the release of an egg (ovulation). It does not end an existing pregnancy – if you have already ovulated, it may be less effective, which is why taking it as early as possible matters.
How effective is Levonelle?
Taken correctly and as early as possible, levonorgestrel emergency contraception prevents a high proportion of expected pregnancies, but it is not 100% effective and is less effective the longer you leave it. It is not as reliable as regular contraception, so it is for emergencies rather than routine use.
What if I am sick after taking Levonelle?
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, the dose may not have been absorbed – take another tablet as soon as possible and speak to your pharmacist. After 3 hours no further dose is needed.
Levonelle or ellaOne – which morning after pill is better?
Levonelle (levonorgestrel) is licensed for up to 72 hours; ellaOne (ulipristal acetate) works for up to 120 hours and may be more effective around the time of ovulation. Your pharmacist can help you choose based on timing, any medicines you take and your cycle. Browse the full emergency contraception range to compare.
Will Levonelle affect my period?
Your next period may come a few days earlier or later than usual, and you might have some spotting before then. If your period is more than 5 days late, unusually light or heavy, or you have tummy pain, take a pregnancy test and seek advice to rule out pregnancy.
What are the side effects of Levonelle?
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as nausea, headache, tummy pain, tiredness, dizziness or breast tenderness, and some irregular bleeding. If you feel unwell or have severe lower tummy pain in the weeks afterwards, seek medical advice as this should be checked.
Can you take the morning after pill more than once?
If you have another episode of unprotected sex later in the same cycle you can use emergency contraception again, but it should not be used as a regular method of contraception. If you find you need it often, speak to your pharmacist or a sexual-health service about ongoing contraception.
Does Levonelle work if you take other medicines?
Some medicines make Levonelle less effective, including certain epilepsy medicines (carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone), rifampicin, some HIV medicines and St John’s Wort. If you take any of these, tell your pharmacist – a copper coil or a different dose may be recommended.
Does the morning after pill cause an abortion?
No. Levonelle works by delaying or preventing ovulation so an egg is not released; it does not disturb or harm an established pregnancy. If you are already pregnant it will not work as emergency contraception and will not cause a miscarriage.

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