The morning-after pill is the common name to identify with some drugs containing a particular active ingredient progestin and used in the so-called contraception emergency or emergency contraception. The Morning after pill can be used following unprotected or not adequately protected sexual intercourse or following the failure of other contraceptive methods, thereby exposing the risk of unwanted pregnancy, before going on to describe the main characteristics of the morning-after pill. It should be noted that this drug is not an abortion, therefore. It has nothing to do with the so-called mifepristone-based abortion pill. This is also know as RU486. This medicine is used to practice pharmacological abortion by interrupting a pregnancy in progress. From here, you will be clear about what is in the Morning after pill? Let’s know.
What is in the Morning after pill, and is it useful?
The morning-after pill, on the other hand, is use to prevent its onset. From this content, you can know what is in the Morning after medicine? So, let’s start the whole process. What is in the Morning after pill – Pregnancy Risk Report. We talk about sexual intercourse at risk of pregnancy when it is suspected that the relationship has potentially established fertilization. This can happen in all of the following cases:
- Failure of natural contraceptive methods ( coitus interruptus, Ogino-Knaus method, symptothermal method, Billings method, etc.);
- Accidental breakage of the condom ;
- Non-compliance with the correct frequency of taking the estrogen-progestogen pill ( contraceptive pill );
- A detachment of the transdermal contraceptive patch (not bothering to apply a new one in the prescribed time and manner);
- Error in calculating potentially infertile days;
- Violence and abuse.
What does the Morning After medicine contain, and what is in the Morning after pill?
The morning-after medicine is a drug containing a progestogen-type active ingredient. More precisely, we are talking about levonorgestrel ( Norlevo ®, Afterel®, Escapelle®). To be used in the context of emergency contraception, levonorgestrel is used in high concentrations or high doses, if you prefer (1.5 mg of active ingredient per tablet). Levonorgestrel-based medicines indicated for emergency contraception purchased only and exclusively in pharmacies.
Currently, the dispensing methods are as follows:
- Patients 18 years of age and older: Levonorgestrel medicines for emergency contraception considered SOP, i.e., non-prescription drugs. In other words, they purchased without a prescription.
- Patients under 18 years of age: Levonorgestrel-containing medicines for emergency contraception require a non-repeatable prescription (RNR) to be purchased.
How and when should I take the Morning After medicine?
The Morning after medicine is nothing more than a tablet for oral use containing, in fact, the active ingredient levonorgestrel.
The tablet swallowed whole with water in a single administration. For it to practical, the tablet take as soon as possible. Preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (three days) if you unprotect or inadequately protected sexual intercourse. If you need some essential info, then read the medicine package leaflet to be taken and ask your doctor, gynecologist, or possibly pharmacist for advice.
How does a Pill work
At the dosages used in emergency contraceptive medicines. The morning-after pill – or rather, the active ingredient levonorgestrel it contains. We believe to act primarily by preventing ovulation and fertilization when intercourse occurs pre-ovulatory phase. More precisely, it is thought that the primary mechanism of action to block or delay ovulation by suppressing the luteinizing hormone (LH) peak. Given the mechanism of action. Suppose intercourse taken place when the process leading to ovulation has already begun. Levonorgestrel does not affect. It is necessary to promptly contact your doctor, your gynecologist, or a clinic in such cases. Similarly, if the implantation process began, the Morning after medicine ineffective.
Within what terms is the Morning After medicine Effective?
Based on the studies done. It knows that the morning-after medicine more effective the sooner it taken. In detail, the effectiveness maximum if the morning-after pill taken within the first 12 hours of intercourse at risk. The success rate then tends to drop until it undergoes a drastic drop three days after the relationship.
Can The Morning After medicine Cause Unwanted Effects?
Like any other medicine, the Morning after pill can also cause side effects.
Disorders such as nausea, fatigue, headache, pain in the lower abdomen, irregular bleeding until the next menstrual cycle are pervasive. Always common are undesirable effects such as vomiting , diarrhea, altered menstruation, breast tenderness and dizziness.
When the Morning After medicine NOT used?
The Morning after medicine contraindicated in case of a known allergy to levonorgestrel and / or to one or more of the excipients contained in the mixture to taken.
At the same time, the use of the Morning after medicine should be avoided :
- If the first menstrual bleeding ( menarche ) has not yet occurred ;
- Together with drugs containing ulipristal acetate (see next chapter);
- If you are pregnant (the Morning after medicine DOES NOT terminate the pregnancy).
Final word on what is in the Morning after pill
As for use in breastfeeding women. Since the active ingredient levonorgestrel excreted in breast milk. It would be advisable to ask your doctor or gynecologist for advice before taking the morning-after medicine. In any case, the importance of contacting the health above professionals reiterated and to carefully read the package leaflet of the Morning after treatment that you intend to take. Now you are clear on what is in the Morning after pill? Thanks for your effort.