Emergency Contraception: Effectiveness of REMEXIN and Nausea Medication - Pharmacology

Share to:

Emergency contraception


If you want to use emergency contraception, you have purchased "Remexin" tablets and a large anti-nausea medication, taking one of each every 12 hours.
I would like to ask if this will be effective for emergency contraception? If it is not effective, what other remedies are available? (It has been approximately 38 hours since the first dose, and you are taking the third dose now.)

Yongyun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/28

Dr. Zhang Jinteng reply Pharmacology


Hello: In response to your question, emergency contraception, also known as postcoital contraception, can be achieved through the use of medications.
One method is the Yuzpe regimen, which involves taking 100 mg of ethinyl estradiol (EE) combined with 0.5 mg of levonorgestrel within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, followed by a second dose 12 hours later.
The pregnancy rate using this method is approximately 3.2%, but the incidence of nausea is around 50%, and vomiting occurs in about 18.8% of cases.

The medication "Remexin" contains 20 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 10 mg of norethindrone acetate per tablet.
Taking one tablet every 12 hours does not meet the required dosage for the Yuzpe regimen and may not achieve the desired emergency contraception effect.

An alternative method for emergency contraception is the insertion of a copper intrauterine device (IUD) within five days of unprotected intercourse, which has a pregnancy rate of only 0.1%, significantly lower than other contraceptive methods.

Reply Date: 2005/06/28

More Info


When it comes to emergency contraception, timing and the specific medication used are crucial factors in determining effectiveness. In your case, you mentioned using "REMEXIN" (which contains the active ingredient Levonorgestrel) as your emergency contraceptive, along with an anti-nausea medication.
Effectiveness of REMEXIN:
REMEXIN is a form of emergency contraception that is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. It is designed to prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg. The effectiveness of Levonorgestrel is highest when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, but it can still be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) with decreasing effectiveness. Since you mentioned that you are approximately 38 hours post-intercourse and have taken the medication three times, you are still within the window for it to be effective, provided you are following the dosing instructions correctly.

Nausea Medication:
The anti-nausea medication you are taking can help mitigate potential side effects of REMEXIN, such as nausea and vomiting, which can occur in some individuals after taking emergency contraceptive pills. However, it’s important to ensure that the nausea medication does not interfere with the absorption of the emergency contraceptive. Most anti-nausea medications do not have a significant interaction with Levonorgestrel, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional regarding specific medications.

What to Do If It Doesn’t Work:
If you are concerned about the effectiveness of the emergency contraception, here are a few steps you can consider:
1. Follow-Up: If your next menstrual period is delayed by more than a week, consider taking a pregnancy test. This will help determine if the emergency contraception was effective.

2. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on further steps, including additional contraceptive options.

3. Consider Other Options: If you find that emergency contraception is not effective and you are at risk of pregnancy, you might want to discuss other options with your healthcare provider, such as a copper IUD, which can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within five days after unprotected intercourse.

4. Future Contraception: To avoid the need for emergency contraception in the future, consider discussing long-term contraceptive options with your healthcare provider. There are various methods available, including hormonal birth control pills, IUDs, implants, and barrier methods.

In summary, taking REMEXIN within the appropriate time frame after unprotected intercourse is crucial for its effectiveness. Since you are within the 72-hour window and have taken the medication as directed, you still have a chance for it to work. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and consulting with a healthcare provider for further advice is recommended.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Effectiveness and Usage

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about my situation. I had unprotected sexual intercourse twice on February 26, once at 3 AM and again at 10 AM. My last menstrual period started on February 7. On March 1, I took two pills of emergency contraception. Will these two instances...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills is 97% within 72 hours, but there is a difference in effectiveness between 24 hours and 72 hours. This is a matter of probability and also depends on individual physiology. If your period is late, it is best to undergo rel...

[Read More] Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Effectiveness and Usage


Understanding T-033: Proper Dosage and Potential Side Effects

I would like to know the usage of T-033. I asked the pharmacy staff, and they told me to take one tablet after each meal, totaling five tablets. Is this correct? Also, what are its side effects? Thank you!


Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: Is the T-033 you mentioned Remexin? Remexin is a combination preparation of estrogen and progestin, which can be used as an emergency contraceptive. According to the package insert, the possible side effects are as follows: thrombotic venous inflammation, pulmonary embolis...

[Read More] Understanding T-033: Proper Dosage and Potential Side Effects


Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Vomiting

On the morning of December 24th, I had unprotected intercourse and in the afternoon, I bought Plan B (emergency contraceptive pill). I have gastroesophageal reflux disease, which caused me to vomit an hour and a half after taking the medication. Will the effectiveness of the pill...


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is generally advisable to take preventive measures for contraception at all times, and not to rely on the calendar method. If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Vomiting


Can Oral Medications Affect the Efficacy of Emergency Contraceptives?

I am currently taking the contraceptive pill Aivei (28-day regimen, one tablet at bedtime) and have been prescribed oral medications by a dermatologist for acne treatment: Chimin 0.5mg (betamethasone for itching and anti-inflammatory), Keflex (500mg) for bacterial infections such...


Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Short-term use (more than 4 weeks) does not significantly affect contraceptive efficacy, but if there are concerns, additional protective measures such as condoms can be used.

[Read More] Can Oral Medications Affect the Efficacy of Emergency Contraceptives?


Related FAQ

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Contraceptive Pills

(Pharmacology)

Medication To Induce Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Abortion Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menstrual Regulation Medication

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Ovulation Medication

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Drug Interactions

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Sleeping Pills

(Psychiatry)

Drug Side Effects

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Medication Safety

(Pharmacology)