Question
Do HIV meds interact with the “morning after pill” levonorgestrel (Levonelle)
21 May 2013. Related: All topics, Drug interactions.
Please can you tell me if Levonelle 1500microgram table will work as an after morning pill following a condom split (within 24 hours?) what are the dangers of taking this with ritonavir? My viral load is undetectable and I did not divulge I was HIV positive to the pharmacist for fear of discrimination but notice it is outlned in the booklet. I’m really fretting as I am now in my late 40’s.
Answer
Hi
Some HIVs drugs interact with the “morning after” pill.
For example, the Liverpool University drug interaction website reports that both ritonavir and efavirenz both can lower levels of levonorgestrel. The interaction is not significant enough to say that both drugs can’t be used together, just that additional monitoring may be required.
This means that there is not a safety concern about your HIV treatment, but the morning after pill may be less effective.
Your doctor or pharmacist can give the best advice, including whether any dose changes are recommended. This can vary depending on the formulation of levonorgestel that is used.
Hi Toby, it is good that you used the pill in plenty of time. Although it can be very effective, I don;t have information about the risk iy will not work. Asking a pharmacist might be good. Info on the UK NHS website is at this link:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/emergency-contraception/
I’m on dolutegravir and tenofovir, I took morning after pill exactly after 13hrs of sex . What are my chances of not getting pregnant?
Hi Alina, taking these medications together will not lead to infertility. What is the name of your HIV treatment? There is some risk that the HIV treatment can reduce how effective the morning after pill is. Have you done a pregnancy test?
I took morning after pill same time with my HIV drugs that was 7days after unprotected sex that was my fertility window,the next day I had coffee like discharge/spotting no bleeding after but my period is supposed to be inthe next week…my question could this affect me from getting pregnant cause now I want a child i regret taking the pill.Am ever experiencing cramps but no periods yet