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Plan B is a progestogen of a synthetic origin with contraceptive action. It has expressed progestogenic and antiestrogenic properties. Levonorgestrel suppresses ovulation and fertilization when taken in the recommended dosing regimen. It is taken if sexual intercourse takes place during the pre-ovulation phase when the possibility of fertilization is greatest. It can also cause endometrium changes that prevent implantation. The drug is not effective if implantation has already happened.
Indications for use
These pills prevent pregnancy in about 85% of cases, under the condition that the first pill is taken within 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse if no protective measures were applied. This preparation prevents pregnancy in all cases. The drug’s effectiveness depends on the time the pill is taken after sexual intercourse (in order to be more effective, it is recommended to take the first pill the next day after sexual intercourse). The second pill should be taken 12 hours later (but no later than 16 hours) after the first one.
This medication acts as follows:
- prevents the release of the egg from the ovary;
- prevents fertilization of an egg that has already left the ovary;
- prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity.
Plan B does not terminate an already existing pregnancy.
Before you start taking the pills, we ask you to consult a pharmacist, since emergency contraception is not prescribed to everyone.
If you need emergency contraception, if you are under the age of 16, consult your doctor or outpatient clinic for emergency contraception.
Plan B can be used on any day of the menstrual cycle. When delaying menstruation, it cannot be taken, in this case, you should consult a gynecologist.
Before starting to take these pills, the pharmacist may ask you some questions related to the nature of menstruation, the presence of pregnancy and the time left from sexual intercourse.
Dosage and administration
The pill should be taken as soon as possible (no later than 72 hours) after unprotected intercourse. The pill should be taken the whole (without chewing), washed down with a small amount of water. The first pill should be taken as early as possible. The effectiveness of the drug is higher, the less time spent between sexual intercourse and taking the pill. The second pill should be taken 12 hours later (but no later than 16 hours) after the first one. It is possible that the second pill needs to be taken at night. If you have any further questions, contact your pharmacist.
How often can I use pills?
These tablets can be used only in emergency cases. They do not replace the use of regular contraceptive methods. Repeated administration of such pills is not recommended during one menstrual cycle, due to the possibility of menstrual disorders. The effectiveness of the pills is lower than that of regular contraceptive methods. If you think that it may be necessary to reuse emergency contraceptive methods, then you should consider choosing a long-term contraceptive method.
Side effect
Allergic reactions: possible – urticaria, rash, itching, face swelling.
Transient side effects that occur with different frequency and do not require medical therapy:
- sometimes (1-10%) – vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, breast tenderness, delayed menstruation (no more than 5-7 days);
- if menstruation is delayed by a greater period of time, it is necessary to exclude pregnancy);
- often (more than 10%) – nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, acyclic bleeding.
Contraindications
- Adolescence up to 16 years;
- Severe liver failure;
- Pregnancy;
- Rare inherited diseases such as lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption;
- Hypersensitivity to the drug components.
With care: diseases of the liver and biliary ducts, jaundice (including history), Crohn’s disease, lactation.
Drug interaction
With simultaneous administration of liver enzyme inducer drugs, levonorgestrel metabolism accelerates.
The effectiveness of levonorgestrel may be reduced by: amprenavir, lansoprazole, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, tacrolimus, topiramate, tretinoin, barbiturates, including primidone, phenytoin, and carbamazepine, preparations that contain St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum, and others, and the same,), with carbamazepine. rifabutin, griseofulvin.
Levonorgestrel decreases the effectiveness of hypoglycemic and anticoagulant (coumarin derivatives, phenindione) drugs. It increases plasma concentrations of GCS. Women taking these drugs should consult a doctor.
Drugs containing levonorgestrel may increase the risk of cyclosporine toxicity due to its metabolism suppression.