Levonorgestrel Tablets
Levonorgestrel tablets are a type of emergency contraception that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. They are also known as the morning-after pill or plan B. In this blog post, we will provide some information about levonorgestrel tablets, their uses, side effects, and market potential for exporters based in UAE who want to sell them to the world market.
What are levonorgestrel tablets and how do they work?
Levonorgestrel tablets contain a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel, which is similar to the natural hormone progesterone that women produce in their ovaries. Levonorgestrel tablets work mainly by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). They may also prevent fertilization (the joining of sperm and egg) or implantation (the attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterus).
Levonorgestrel tablets should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex or birth control failure, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days). The sooner they are taken, the more effective they are. They are not intended to be used as a regular method of birth control, but only as a backup option in case of emergencies.
What are the side effects of levonorgestrel tablets?
Levonorgestrel tablets are generally safe and well-tolerated by most women, but they may cause some side effects such as:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Tiredness or dizziness
- Headache or breast tenderness
- Changes in menstrual bleeding (heavier, lighter, earlier, or later than usual)
These side effects are usually mild and short-lived, and they do not indicate that the tablets have failed to prevent pregnancy. However, if the side effects are severe or persist for more than a few days, or if the menstrual period is more than 7 days late, a pregnancy test should be done to rule out the possibility of pregnancy.
Levonorgestrel tablets may not work well in women who are overweight (more than 74 kg or 164 lbs) or who have used certain medications (such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, or herbal products) within the past month. These factors may reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel tablets and increase the risk of pregnancy. Therefore, women who fall into these categories should consult their doctor before using levonorgestrel tablets.
Levonorgestrel tablets do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. Women who have had unprotected sex should also consider getting tested and treated for STIs if needed.
What is the market potential of levonorgestrel tablets?
Levonorgestrel tablets are widely available and affordable in many countries around the world. They are often sold over-the-counter without a prescription, making them accessible and convenient for women who need them. According to a report by Transparency Market Research, the global market for emergency contraception was valued at US$ 1.2 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2019 to 2027.
The report also identified some of the key factors driving the demand for emergency contraception, such as:
- The increasing awareness and acceptance of emergency contraception among women and health care providers
- The rising incidence of unwanted pregnancies and abortions due to contraceptive failure or non-use
- The growing need for family planning and reproductive health services in developing countries
- The emergence of new products and technologies that offer more convenience and efficacy
The report also highlighted some of the challenges and opportunities facing the emergency contraception market, such as:
- The lack of awareness and availability of emergency contraception in some regions and cultures
- The social stigma and ethical issues associated with emergency contraception in some communities
- The regulatory hurdles and legal barriers that limit the access and distribution of emergency contraception in some countries
- The potential for innovation and expansion of emergency contraception products and services to meet the diverse needs and preferences of women
What are the top 5 global brands of levonorgestrel tablets?
There are many brands of levonorgestrel tablets available in the market, but some of the most popular and widely recognized ones are:
- Plan B One-Step: This is the original and most widely used brand of levonorgestrel tablet in the US and many other countries. It contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel and is taken as a single dose within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
- Aftera: This is another brand of levonorgestrel tablet that is similar to Plan B One-Step. It also contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel and is taken as a single dose within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
- Ella: This is a different type of emergency contraceptive that contains ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator. It works by delaying or inhibiting ovulation and may also affect implantation. It can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, but it requires a prescription in most countries.
- NorLevo: This is a brand of levonorgestrel tablet that is widely used in Europe and other regions. It contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel and is taken as a single dose within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
- Postinor: This is another brand of levonorgestrel tablet that is widely used in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It contains 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel and is taken as two doses, 12 hours apart, within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
What are the prices of levonorgestrel tablets in different countries?
The prices of levonorgestrel tablets may vary depending on the brand, the availability, the demand, and the regulations in different countries. Here is a table showing some examples of the prices of levonorgestrel tablets in different countries, based on online sources (as of October 2023):
<td
| Country | Brand | Price (US$) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Plan B One-Step | 49.99 | https://www.planbonestep.com/ |
| Canada | Plan B One-Step | 39.99 | https://www.planb.ca/ |
| UK | NorLevo | 16.95 | https://www.lloydspharmacy.com/products/norlevo-emergency-contraception-tablet |
| Australia | EllaOne | 39.95 | https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/100195/ellaone-30mg-tablet |
| India | I-pill | 3.00 | https://www.netmeds.com/prescriptions/i-pill-1-s |
| Pakistan | Pregnon | 2.00 | https://dawaai.pk/pregnon-levonorgestrel-15mg-tablet-1s-1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.html |
| Nigeria | Postinor-2 | 1.50 | https://drugstore.ng/products/postinor-2 |