Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Levonorgestrel (BAY98-7196)

Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin that prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and altering cervical mucus and endometrial conditions.

Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin that prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and altering cervical mucus and endometrial conditions. Used for Oral contraception, Emergency contraception.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Levonorgestrel acts as a progestin receptor agonist, primarily inhibiting the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge necessary for ovulation. It also increases cervical mucus viscosity to impede sperm transport and alters the endometrium to reduce implantation likelihood. As a second-generation progestin, it has been widely used in oral contraceptives and emergency contraception for decades.

Approved indications

• Oral contraception
• Emergency contraception

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular bleeding
• Dizziness

Key clinical trials

• Bay98-7196, Dose Finding / POC Study (PHASE2)
• Safety and Contraceptive Efficacy of an Intravaginal Ring With LNG (Levonorgestrel) Over One Year in Healthy Women (PHASE3)
• Effect of Concomitant Use of an Antimycotic, an Antibiotic, a Spermicide or Tampons on Pharmacokinetics of Anastrozole and Levonorgestrel Released From Intra-vaginal Ring (PHASE1)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Levonorgestrel (BAY98-7196) CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Levonorgestrel (BAY98-7196) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Bayer portfolio CI