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.
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