Levonorgestrel (emergency contraceptive) 1.5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Emergency contraception after unprotected sex; Emergency contraception when a condom broke or slipped, or regular pills were missed.
Listed MRPs range from ₹20.00 to ₹76.00 per tablet across 6 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel Tablet IP 1.5 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 1 | ₹20.00 | ₹20.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ezee 1.5 | DKT India Ltd | 1 | ₹65.63 | ₹65.63 | 19 October 2026 |
| Nofear 72 | Solitaire Pharmacia Pvt Ltd | 1 | ₹74.06 | ₹74.06 | 19 October 2026 |
| Leepill 1.5 | Leeford Healthcare Ltd | 1 | ₹75.00 | ₹75.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Post 72 | Orange Biotech Pvt Ltd | 1 | ₹75.00 | ₹75.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Unwanted-72 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 1 | ₹76.00 | ₹76.00 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Emergency contraception after unprotected sex.
- Emergency contraception when a condom broke or slipped, or regular pills were missed.
- It works mainly by delaying or stopping the release of an egg. It does not end an existing pregnancy and does not protect against HIV or other infections.
How to take it
Swallow the single 1.5 mg tablet with water as soon as possible after unprotected sex – it must be within 72 hours (3 days), and the sooner it is taken, the better it works. It can be taken with or without food, at any time of the menstrual cycle. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking it, you may need another tablet – ask a pharmacist or doctor. It is not a regular contraceptive: use condoms or restart your normal contraception immediately, because you can still get pregnant from sex later in the same cycle. If your period is more than a week late, do a pregnancy test.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting.
- Headache, dizziness, tiredness.
- Breast tenderness.
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps.
- Spotting or a period that comes earlier, later, heavier or lighter than usual.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe lower abdominal pain 3 to 5 weeks after taking it – could be an ectopic pregnancy; see a doctor urgently.
- Period delayed by more than 7 days – do a pregnancy test.
- Allergic reaction – rash, swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing (rare).
Safety information
Alcohol
Alcohol does not affect how the pill works, but if alcohol makes you vomit within 2 hours of the dose the tablet may not have been absorbed.
Pregnancy
Do not take it if you are already pregnant – it will not work and is not meant to end a pregnancy. Breastfeeding mothers can take it; feed the baby just before the dose and the medicine in milk is minimal.
Kidney problems
No dose change needed; tell your doctor about kidney disease.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about severe liver disease before use.
Children
Meant for women of reproductive age; younger teenagers should talk to a doctor or counsellor.
Missed dose
There is no missed dose – it is a single tablet. If you vomit within 2 hours, a repeat dose is needed. If you took it later than 72 hours, ask a doctor about alternatives such as a copper IUD.
Interactions
- Epilepsy medicines such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital – make it less effective; a doctor may advise a double dose or a copper IUD.
- Rifampicin (TB medicine) and efavirenz (HIV medicine) – reduce its effect.
- St John's wort (herbal antidepressant) – reduces its effect.
- Regular contraceptive pills – restart them straight after, with condoms for the next 7 days.
- Ulipristal (another emergency pill) – do not take both in the same cycle.
Frequently asked questions
How soon should I take Unwanted-72?
As soon as possible after unprotected sex, and within 72 hours (3 days) at the latest. Effectiveness is highest in the first 24 hours and falls with every day of delay. If more than 72 hours have passed, see a doctor about other options such as a copper IUD.
Is Unwanted-72 an abortion pill?
No. Levonorgestrel works by delaying ovulation so the egg and sperm do not meet. It cannot end a pregnancy that has already started and does not harm an existing pregnancy. Abortion pills are different medicines, available only on prescription under the MTP Act.
How many times can I take Unwanted-72 in a month?
It is meant for emergencies only, not as a regular contraceptive. Taking it repeatedly makes periods very irregular and it is less reliable than regular methods. If you are using it often, talk to a doctor about daily pills, an IUD or injections.
My period is late after taking Unwanted-72 – is that normal?
Yes, the next period can come up to a week earlier or later than usual, and may be heavier or lighter. If it is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test. Severe one-sided lower abdominal pain needs urgent medical attention.
Can I take Unwanted-72 while breastfeeding?
Yes. Levonorgestrel passes into milk only in tiny amounts. Breastfeed just before taking the tablet to keep the baby's exposure as low as possible, and then feed normally.
What if I vomit after taking Ezee or Unwanted-72?
If you vomit within 2 hours of the tablet it may not have been absorbed, and you should take another one. Vomiting after 2 hours does not matter – the medicine is already in your system.
Does Unwanted-72 protect for the rest of the month?
No. It only covers the episode of sex that happened before you took it. You can still get pregnant from sex later in the same cycle, so use condoms or start a regular contraceptive right away.
Is Unwanted-72 available without prescription in India?
Yes, the levonorgestrel 1.5 mg emergency pill is sold over the counter at chemists across India and does not need a prescription. It is also listed at Jan Aushadhi stores at a lower price.
Unwanted-72 vs i-pill – are they the same?
Both contain levonorgestrel 1.5 mg and work the same way; they are just different brands. Choose whichever is available – the key is taking it quickly, not the brand.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Levonorgestrel (emergency contraception) (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Emergency contraception (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms