Aygestin vs Levonorgestrel: brand vs ingredient
Aygestin contains Norethindrone, while Levonorgestrel is a different active ingredient in the Synthetic progestin (emergency contraception) class. This page compares them: when each is used, how the mechanisms and indications differ, and whether the question "Aygestin vs Levonorgestrel" makes sense to ask at all.
What is the relationship?
Aygestin and Levonorgestrel are different things: Aygestin is a branded medication whose active ingredient is Norethindrone (in the Santé sexuelle féminine class), whereas Levonorgestrel is in the Synthetic progestin (emergency contraception) class. They belong to different therapeutic classes and are chosen for different indications.
When Aygestin is used
Aygestin est autorisé dans les douleurs associées à l'endométriose, les saignements utérins anormaux d'origine hormonale et l'aménorrhée secondaire.
When Levonorgestrel is used
Le lévonorgestrel est autorisé en contraception d'urgence (dose unique de 1,5 mg), en contraception orale régulière (associé à l'éthinylestradiol ou en progestatif seul), et comme principe actif des dispositifs intra-utérins hormonaux, pour…
Mechanisms compared
Aygestin: La noréthistérone se lie aux récepteurs de la progestérone et exerce des effets progestatifs : épaississement de la glaire cervicale, suppression du pic de LH, amincissement de l'endomètre et réduction de l'activité des… Levonorgestrel: En contraception d'urgence, le lévonorgestrel agit principalement en retardant ou en inhibant l'ovulation lorsqu'il est pris avant le pic de LH.
When the comparison makes sense
Comparing Aygestin with Levonorgestrel makes sense when both are in the same clinical decision: the prescriber has weighed both for different but related conditions. If the question is between two options for the same need, the prescriber decides based on prior response, comorbidities and tolerance.
Questions fréquentes
Do Aygestin and Levonorgestrel treat the same thing? ▾
No — they treat different conditions because they belong to different therapeutic classes. The question of which to use is for the prescriber to answer based on the specific indication.
Can Aygestin and Levonorgestrel be combined? ▾
It depends on the interaction profile of Norethindrone with Levonorgestrel. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it. Self-medicating with both is not recommended without pharmacist review.
Which is better, Aygestin or Levonorgestrel? ▾
"Better" doesn't apply between medications for different indications. The sensible question is which fits your specific clinical need — that is the prescriber's call.
Les informations publiées sur ce site sont fournies à titre documentaire et pédagogique. Elles ne remplacent pas l'avis d'un professionnel de santé qualifié.