norplant

How long does Levonorgestrel stay in your body?

The elimination half-life of levonorgestrel is about 36 hours (36 ± 13 hours at steady state) — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. This is the terminal elimination half-life stated directly for levonorgestrel; the label reports no active metabolite that outlasts the parent, and levonorgestrel is not a prodrug. The number comes from a levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol combination oral-contraceptive label (Aviane), where it is attributed specifically to the levonorgestrel component; the single-ingredient OTC emergency-contraceptive labels do not state a half-life. On populations: the label says no formal studies evaluated hepatic or renal impairment, but cautions that steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function; it notes no apparent pharmacokinetic differences across races, and states nothing about older adults.

This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: Aviane (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) label — DailyMed, Clinical Pharmacology / Pharmacokinetics.

Frequently asked questions

How does Norplant work?

Norplant is a progestin. Progestins are lab-made versions of the hormone progesterone. Acting through progesterone receptors, they quiet the brain signals that trigger ovulation, thicken cervical mucus so sperm cannot pass, and thin the uterine lining, which together help prevent pregnancy and regulate periods.

How much does Norplant cost?

Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $192.31 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Megestrol Acetate — about $7.14 on the same basis.

Is there a coupon or discount for Norplant?

pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Norplant. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.

Who makes Norplant?

Norplant is marketed by Population Council. You can see Population Council's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.

Is Norplant a brand-name or generic drug?

Norplant is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Levonorgestrel.

Is Norplant available over the counter?

No. Norplant is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.

What forms does Norplant come in?

Norplant is currently marketed as implant, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.

What class of drug is Norplant?

Norplant is classified as progestin, progestin-containing intrauterine system, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.

Is Norplant FDA-registered?

Norplant is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA019897. You can verify this on its official FDA label.