How does it work?

This medicine is commonly known as 'the morning after pill'. It is used to reduce the chance of becoming pregnant after unprotected sexual intercourse. It contains a combination of two synthetic derivatives of the naturally occuring female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Ethinylestradiol is the synthetic version of oestrogen and norgestrel is similar to progesterone. The morning after pill works by altering the lining of the womb. Every month, the lining of the womb thickens and becomes rich with nutrients to prepare for a potential pregnancy. If an egg from the ovaries is fertilised, the egg then embeds into the lining of the womb where it starts to grow. When the morning after pill is taken, it stops the womb lining from being prepared for a fertilised egg. This means that an egg cannot implant into the womb and therefore pregnancy is avoided. The whole process from fertilisation to implantation in the womb can take up to three days, therefore the morning after pill is only effective for up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The sooner it is taken after unprotected intercourse the more effective it will be.

What is it used for?

Emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected sex

Warning!

Seek immediate medical advice if there is any lower abdominal pain or heavy bleeding following the administration of this medicine.

Vomiting and severe diarrhoea may interfere with the absorption of this medicine thereby decreasing it's effectiveness as contraception.

The repeated use of the emergency contraceptive within a single monthly cycle is to be avoided.

Use with caution in

Diabetes

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Migraine

Obesity

Smokers

Varicose veins

Not to be used in

Abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause

Anaemia caused by a hereditary blood disorder where abnormal haemoglobin is produced (sickle cell anaemia)

Cancers which are dependent on sex hormones for growth, such as breast cancer

Deterioration of a disorder causing worsening deafness (otosclerosis) during a previous pregnancy

Disorders of lipid metabolism

History of herpes infection during pregnancy

History of jaundice in pregnancy

Inherited disorder of bile excretion that causes jaundice (Rotor syndrome)

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Liver cancer

Metabolic disorder that runs in families and causes mild jaundice (Dubin-Johnson syndrome)

Past history of blood clots

Pregnancy

Severe diabetes associated with circulatory problems

Severe liver disease

Women who have had unprotected intercourse more than 72 hours previously, or whose menstrual period is overdue

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Irregular menstrual cycle

Breast tenderness/swelling

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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