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Levonorgestrel: the best morning-after pill

A single dose of 1500 micrograms of levonorgestrel in the hours following unprotected sexual intercourse is the best morning-after contraception method.

A 1500-microgram (µg) dose of levonorgestrel is available in France in the form of a morning-after pill to be taken after unprotected sexual intercourse, preferably within 72 hours. The Yuzpe method (ethinylestradiol 50 µg + levonorgestrel 250 µg) and the insertion of an IUD are other methods sometimes used. The 2004 update of a review of 48 comparative trials concludes that the single dose of 1500 µg of levonorgestrel is the form of morning-after contraception with the most favourable benefit-harm balance. With the Yuzpe method there is a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy and more adverse effects. 1500 µg of levonorgestrel taken in the 72 hours following unprotected intercourse makes the best morning-after pill.

©Prescrire April 2005

Source: "Contraception postcoïtale" Rev Prescrire 2005 ; 25 (260) : 299.

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