Emergency Contraceptives: Effectiveness and Side Effects

Pharmacy contraceptive pills

Could you please tell me about the effectiveness of the contraceptive pills prepared by the pharmacist and what side effects they may have? I just went to the pharmacy and received two white pills and one pink pill, along with a long strip of a medication labeled "prunerux beauti" that he said I should take immediately at home, preferably within 72 hours?

A, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/29

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills taken within 72 hours after intercourse is about 97%.
However, it is not 100%, and there is a failure rate of approximately 3%.
It is still considered a remedial option.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2016/02/29

More Info

Emergency contraceptives (ECs) are medications designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Understanding their effectiveness, side effects, and proper usage is crucial for anyone considering their use.

Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptives
Emergency contraceptives are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. There are two primary types of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs): those containing levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step and its generics) and those containing ulipristal acetate (ella).
1. Levonorgestrel: This is effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse. Its efficacy decreases the longer you wait, with studies showing it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89% if taken within the recommended time frame.

2. Ulipristal Acetate: This can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse and is generally more effective than levonorgestrel, especially in the later days of the 5-day window.

Both types of emergency contraceptives work primarily by delaying ovulation. They do not terminate an existing pregnancy and are not effective if taken after implantation has occurred.

Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptives
While emergency contraceptives are generally safe, they can cause side effects. Common side effects include:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals may experience nausea, and in some cases, vomiting. If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking the pill, it may be necessary to take another dose.

- Fatigue: Users may feel tired after taking the medication.

- Headaches: Some may experience headaches as a side effect.

- Dizziness: Feelings of dizziness can occur.

- Breast Tenderness: Some may notice tenderness in their breasts.

- Changes in Menstrual Cycle: Emergency contraceptives can cause changes in the timing of the next menstrual period. It may come earlier or later than expected, and the flow may be lighter or heavier than usual.

Instructions for Use
The instructions provided by the pharmacist regarding the timing of taking the pills are crucial. It is recommended to take the emergency contraceptive as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. If you received two white pills and one pink pill, it is likely that the white pills are the emergency contraceptive pills, while the pink one may be an additional medication (possibly for nausea).
The mention of "prunerux beauti" is unclear, but it could be a brand name or a specific formulation related to the medication. Always ensure to follow the pharmacist's instructions and consult with a healthcare provider if there are any uncertainties about the medications.

Conclusion
Emergency contraceptives are a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, especially when taken promptly. While they can have side effects, most are mild and temporary. If you have any concerns about the medications you received or experience severe side effects, it is essential to contact a healthcare professional for guidance. Always remember that while ECs are a valuable option, they should not be used as a regular form of contraception, and ongoing contraceptive methods should be discussed with a healthcare provider for long-term family planning.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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