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 Sandra, what ARVs are you taking? Some medications may stop the morning after pill being as effective.
Am taking anti retro viral drugs . I took after morning pill an hour after taking my anti retro viral drug . Can I be pregnant ?
Hi Juliet, there is a small chance of interaction between Aluvia and the Plan B pill. Aluvia can increase how much Plan B pill is in the body. However, as this pill is only used once there is not likely to be any adverse effect of clinical significance. Have you had your period now?
Hi Juliet
I’m underdetectable HIV patient.Taking Aluvia and Zovilam twice a day. I had the unprotected sex and 14hrs late i took planB 0.75mg tabs 2 but, still I don’t see my periods as I was already aspecting them any day. how safe am i
Hi Bernedatte,
Your status and the fact that you take ARVs won’t have any impact on the effectiveness of the morning after pill.
If you’re sexual active and not using any form of contraception you may wish to think about using one.
Hi I took morning after pills after unprotected sex. That was after my 12 days periods. And I’m hiv positive I’m on nerevipene and tenemine treatment. Will morning after pills work for me? I drink it after 11 hours after unprotected sex
Hi Anna,
What medication are you taking? Are you talking about the morning after pill that woman can take to prevent a pregnancy?
i am hiv positive taking ART , cd 4 count low does morning after tablets affect me
Hi Christine, As Simon says above, there isn’t a safety concern about your HIV treatment. But the morning after pill might not work. Can you talk to the doctor or pharmacist for advice on contraception?
I took levonorgestral 1.5mg and am on efaviranz. How safe ami