What is morning after pill?

Since I worked in the pharmacy, for the past 11 years, there are so many questions on morning after pills (emergency oral contraceptive pills). I believe it would be easier to simplify everything in questions and answers format as below. Hope it is clear enough to clear my patients’ and readers’ doubts ^_^!

Don't feel embarrassed to consult your pharmacist. Morning after pills is actually very common in Malaysia.

What is morning after pill?

Levonogestrel pills, in layman term emergency contraceptive pills, including the brands POSTINOR TABLET 2’s and ESCAPELLE TABLET 1’s. They are up to 89% effective when taken within 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex. They continue to reduce the risk of pregnancy up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex, but they are less effective as time passes.

How does Levonorgestrel Tablet work?

Levonorgestrel Tablet is one pill with Levonorgestrel, a hormone that has been used in many birth control pills for over 35 years. Levonorgestrel Tablet contains a higher dose of Levonorgestrel than birth control pills, but works in a similar way to prevent pregnancy. It works mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. It is possible that Levonorgestrel Tablet may also work by preventing fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg) or by preventing attachment (implantation) to the uterus (womb).

How effective is Levonorgestrel Tablet?

The sooner you take Levonorgestrel Tablet, the better it will work. Take Levonorgestrel Tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If it is taken as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, it will significantly decrease the chance that you will get pregnant. 7 out of every 8 women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant.

How will I know if Levonorgestrel Tablet worked?

Most women will have their next menstrual period at the expected time or within a week of the expected time. If your menstrual period is delayed beyond 1 week, you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare professional.

What if I am already pregnant and use Levonorgestrel Tablet?

There is no medical evidence that Levonorgestrel Tablet would harm a developing baby. If you take Levonorgestrel Tablet (accidentally) after you are already pregnant or it does not work and you become pregnant, it is not likely to cause any harm to you or your pregnancy. The pregnancy will continue. Levonorgestrel Tablet will not work if you are already pregnant.

What should I do if my menstrual period is delayed beyond 1 week and I have severe lower stomach (abdominal) pain?

If you have severe lower stomach (abdominal) pain about 3 to 5 weeks after taking Levonorgestrel Tablet, you may have a pregnancy outside the uterus, which is called a tubal pregnancy. A tubal pregnancy requires immediate medical treatment, so you should see a healthcare professional immediately!!

However, morning after pills cannot be taken more than 2 times in a month. It has been reported with many unwanted side-effects. Please consult your pharmacist for other safer and more effective alternative for long term use.