Synthetic progestin (emergency contraception)
Levonorgestrel in Brazil: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Levonorgestrel in Brazil under ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária): prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in BRL. Levonorgestrel belongs to the Synthetic progestin (emergency contraception) class.
- Regulator
- ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- Currency
- BRL
About Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel is approved for emergency contraception (single 1.5mg dose), regular oral contraception (combined with ethinylestradiol or as progestin-only), and as the active component of hormonal intrauterine devices for long-term contrac… Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies.
Mechanism and action
In emergency contraception, levonorgestrel works primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation when taken before the LH surge.
Brands and generics in Brazil
In Brazil, Levonorgestrel is typically dispensed as one internationally recognised brand along with their corresponding authorised generics. Brazilian farmácias and drogarias range from major chains (Drogasil, Pacheco, RaiaDrogasil) to small independents. Pharmacist counsel is common but less central than in Europe. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) equivalence rules, and the price difference in BRL is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online pharmacy is well-developed in Brazil through chain platforms; ANVISA-licensed channels handle Rx medication with verified prescriptions, while informal online sales of Rx are illegal but exist. For Levonorgestrel specifically, the legal online options in Brazil depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária).
Frequently asked questions
Is Levonorgestrel available in Brazil? ▾
Yes — Levonorgestrel and its brands are available in Brazil through pharmacies authorised by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), in various strengths depending on the commercial product. Authorised generics offer a lower-cost alternative with the same active substance.
Do I need a prescription for Levonorgestrel in Brazil? ▾
Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies. The exact status of Levonorgestrel (Rx or OTC) is determined by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária); most active ingredients in the Synthetic progestin (emergency contraception) class require prescription, although there are exceptions by country and formulation.
How much does Levonorgestrel cost in Brazil? ▾
The price in BRL depends on the manufacturer (brand vs authorised generic), the strength and the pack size. Generics are typically substantially cheaper than brands and serve as the economic reference for ongoing use.
Products with Levonorgestrel in Brazil
Levonorgestrel in other countries
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.