Oral contraceptives
This contraception must be used as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after the unprotected sexual intercourse, particularly;
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Emergency contraception is a rescue method that is aimed to prevent fertilization in case of unprotected intercourse.
This contraception must be used as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after the unprotected sexual intercourse, particularly;
- if you have had sexual intercourse whereas either yourself or your partner did not use a contraceptive method;
- if you have forgotten to take consecutive 3 contraceptive pills;
- if your partner’s condom has broken, slipped, or been improperly removed, or if he has forgotten to use it;
- if you fear that your intrauterine device has been expelled;
- if your vaginal diaphragm or your contraceptive cap has moved or if you have removed it too early;
- if you are afraid that the method of coitus interruptus has failed or if you have had sexual intercourse during the period when you are supposed to be fertile while using the rhythm method;
- in the event of rape.
0.75 mg Tablet: The first Levonorgestrel tablet must be taken within 72 hours of the intercourse and the second tablet should be taken after 12 hours of the intake of the first tablet. Levonorgestrel must be taken within 48 hours of unprotected intercourse and in no way after 72 hours because the effectiveness of the medicine starts reducing after 48 hours of intercourse. Levonorgestrel can be taken at any moment during the menstrual cycle.
After using emergency contraception, it is recommended to use a local contraceptive mean (condom, spermicide, and cervical cap) until the next menstrual period resumes. The use of Levonorgestrel does not contraindicate the continuation of regular hormonal contraception. If you have used this medicine while you were using oral contraception (contraceptive pill), you should carry on taking the usual tablets until the end of the treatment. In case no menstrual period occurs in the next pill-free period following the use of Levonorgestrel a pregnancy test should be performed to rule out a pregnancy.
Undesirable effects which have been observed are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness, fatigue, headache
- Abdominal pain
- A feeling of breast tenderness
- Bleeding can occur after taking this medicine
Inform the doctor of any unwanted effect which is not mentioned here.
Emergency contraception must be used exceptionally, since:
- It does not allow to prevent a pregnancy in every instance:
- The associated hormonal overdosing is not advisable in the case of regular intake.
- It cannot replace regular contraception.
After taking Levonorgestrel, the menstrual period usually occurs at the expected date nevertheless, it can occur earlier or later by a few days. After taking this medicine, it is therefore mandatory to check the absence of pregnancy by performing a pregnancy test in case of abnormal bleeding at the date of excepted menses or in case of menstrual delay of more than 5 days.
The use of emergency contraception does not replace the necessary precautions against sexually transmitted diseases and the measures to be taken in case of risk of transmission.
Taking this medicine is not recommended if you have had an ectopic pregnancy or if you have had salpingitis or if you have a severe digestive disease that impairs the absorption of medications.
If vomiting would occur within three hours after taking this medicine, it is recommended to take immediately another Levonorgestrel tablet.
