Can You Take Tylenol After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Can I take Tylenol after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, Yu Ting?

Hello, doctor.
After my girlfriend had sexual intercourse, the condom slipped off (with external ejaculation), and she took the emergency contraceptive pill, Plan B (active ingredient: Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg).
However, after taking the medication, she experienced a headache and wants to take Tylenol (active ingredient: Acetaminophen 500 mg) to relieve the headache symptoms.
Can she take Tylenol tablets? Or how long should she wait before taking Tylenol to ensure it does not affect the efficacy of the emergency contraceptive pill? Thank you for your guidance.

Charlie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/26

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

You can take Panadol, but if you still have a headache after taking it, you should seek medical attention to identify the underlying cause of the headache.

Reply Date: 2020/03/26

More Info

Yes, you can take Tylenol (acetaminophen) after taking emergency contraceptive pills like Plan B (Levonorgestrel). There is no known interaction between acetaminophen and Levonorgestrel that would affect the efficacy of the emergency contraceptive.
Emergency contraceptive pills work primarily by preventing ovulation, and they do not interfere with the pain-relieving effects of acetaminophen. Therefore, if your girlfriend is experiencing a headache after taking the emergency contraceptive, it is generally safe for her to take Tylenol to alleviate her discomfort.

In terms of timing, there is no specific waiting period required between taking the emergency contraceptive and acetaminophen. However, it is always a good practice to follow the general guideline of spacing out medications by at least 1-2 hours when possible, just to ensure that the body has time to process each medication. This is particularly relevant if she is taking multiple medications, as it can help minimize any potential for side effects or interactions.

It’s important to note that while acetaminophen is safe to use in this context, other pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, may have different considerations. However, in the case of acetaminophen, it is widely regarded as a safe option for pain relief.

Additionally, if your girlfriend experiences persistent headaches or any other side effects after taking the emergency contraceptive, it would be advisable for her to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide further guidance and ensure that there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In summary, taking Tylenol after emergency contraceptive pills is safe and should not affect the effectiveness of the contraceptive. If there are any concerns or unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a prudent approach.

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