Description

An emergency contraceptive pill to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse – failure or incorrect use of a regular contraceptive, after rape or incest. You can either take both the tablets together or take one tablet and take the other one 12 hours later. Efficacy depends on the time of consumption. If taken early the effectiveness is definitely more. Does not cause an abortion and should not be used as a regular contraceptive method.

Q: What You Should Know About EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

• Prevents unplanned pregnancy
• Affordable
• Available
• Safe

What you should know about Emergency Contraception?
1. Method to be used by women after an act of unprotected sexual contact, to prevent an unplanned / unwanted pregnancy.
2. Available methods.

• Emergency Contraceptive Pill
• Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device – IUD

Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)

• Contains Progesterone.
• Should be used within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure.
• Type of Pills
  – Progesterone only Pill (Postinor 1 & 2) Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill

How does it work?

• It prevents or delays the release of an egg from the ovary.
• It does not cause an abortion.

How to use ECP?

• Postinor 2 – take both tablets together within 72hrs of unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Mithuri – take 4 tablets as soon as possible and another 4 tablets after 12hrs from the 1st dose. Both doses should be taken within 72hrs of unprotected sexual intercourse.
• If taken within 24hrs the failure rate is less.
• If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of drug intake, the dose must be repeated. (If it occurs after 2hrs repeat dose is not required).
• Swallow tablets after a glass of milk to minimize vomiting.
• Can be used at any time within the menstrual cycle.

What are the advantages?

1.Prevents an unplanned pregnancy
98% effective in women who use it properly. (However, please note that the above mentioned dose is to cover one incident of unprotected sex).

2.Highly effective

3.Cost effective

4.Breast Feeding
Safe in breast feeding mothers.

5.Availability
In pharmacies around the country.

Are there any disadvantages ?

• Should not be used as a regular family planning method.
• Should not be used if you are pregnant.
• Does not protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Early or delayed periods

Reference: https://www.fpasrilanka.org/content/postinor-2