Unwanted 72 (Levonorgestrel)

Unwanted 72 is an emergency contraceptive pill.

It contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel in one tablet.

Levonorgestrel is a synthetic version of a natural hormone.

The same hormone is used in ordinary contraceptive pills.

Here it is given as one higher dose, once only.

It is used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

That includes a split condom or missed contraceptive pills.

It reduces the chance of becoming pregnant.

It is often called the morning-after pill.

It is recommended for use within 72 hours of sex.

The World Health Organization lists it as a first-line option.

It is available without a prescription in India.

It is not an abortion pill and works in a different way.

It is not intended as a regular method of contraception.

Pregnancy needs an egg to be released from the ovary.

That release is called ovulation.

Levonorgestrel changes the hormone signals that trigger ovulation.

The egg is therefore not released, or its release is delayed.

With no egg available, sperm have nothing to fertilise.

It also thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb.

That makes it harder for sperm to travel through.

Delaying ovulation is the main way it works.

An abortion pill ends a pregnancy that has already begun.

Levonorgestrel prevents a pregnancy from starting.

Published reviews state clearly that it is not abortifacient.

If you are already pregnant, it will not work.

Your next period may come early, on time or late.

It may be heavier or lighter than usual.

Some spotting between periods is common and harmless.

Most periods arrive within a week of the expected date.

If your period is more than seven days late, take a test.

Also test if your period is unusually light or short.

Home pregnancy tests are accurate and widely available.

Take the tablet as soon as you possibly can.

Do not delay in order to read more or to decide.

Swallow the single tablet whole with water.

You may take it with or without food.

Taking it with a little food may reduce nausea.

It can be taken at any point in your cycle.

Note the time you took it in case you vomit.

Contact a pharmacist if you vomit within two hours.

Use condoms or avoid sex until your next period.

This tablet does not protect you going forward.

Resume or start a regular contraceptive method.

Ask a doctor which regular method would suit you.

Are allergic to levonorgestrel or any tablet ingredient.

Are already pregnant, since it will not work.

Have vaginal bleeding that has not been explained by a doctor.

There are very few reasons not to take it.

It has no life-threatening contraindications.

It is approved for all age groups in several countries.

Take medicines for epilepsy such as carbamazepine or phenytoin.

Take rifampicin or rifabutin for infection.

Take St John’s wort, a herbal remedy for low mood.

Take certain medicines for HIV.

Take any medicine described as an enzyme inducer.

Have had an ectopic pregnancy before.

Have severe liver disease.

Have a condition affecting how you absorb food.

Are breastfeeding, which is generally compatible.

Weigh significantly more than average, which may reduce the effect.

Have already taken emergency contraception this cycle.

Are under sixteen years of age.

No food or drink needs to be avoided.

Taking it with food may reduce nausea.

Alcohol does not stop the tablet working.

Heavy drinking makes vomiting more likely, which does matter.

Avoid St John’s wort around the time you take it.

Keep hydrated if you feel nauseous.

Ordinary activity, work and exercise are all fine.

Has it been less than 72 hours since unprotected sex?

Could you take it right now rather than later?

Do you know it will not end an existing pregnancy?

Do you know it gives no protection for future sex?

Do you take any epilepsy or tuberculosis medicine?

Do you take St John’s wort?

Have you had an ectopic pregnancy before?

Do you have a plan for regular contraception afterwards?

Have you considered sexual health testing?

Do you know when to take a pregnancy test?

Have you checked the expiry date on the pack?

It does not affect your future fertility.

It does not cause long-term harm to the womb.

It does not cause weight gain.

It does not build up in the body.

One dose leaves the body within a few days.

Those concerns come up often and are not supported by evidence.

Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital or primidone.

Rifampicin or rifabutin, used for infection.

Griseofulvin, an antifungal medicine.

Some medicines used to treat HIV.

St John’s wort, sold as a herbal remedy.

Any medicine your doctor called an enzyme inducer.

Do not combine it with ulipristal emergency contraception.

Those two work against each other.

Ordinary painkillers such as paracetamol are fine.

Most antibiotics do not affect it.

Enzyme inducers make the body clear levonorgestrel faster.

Lower levels may mean it does not work as well.

A doctor may advise a different approach instead.

A copper coil is unaffected by these medicines.

That makes it the better option for many people on them.

The interaction can persist for weeks after stopping such a medicine.

Severe pain low in the abdomen, especially on one side.

That pain three to five weeks after taking the tablet.

Dizziness or fainting alongside abdominal pain.

Shoulder tip pain with abdominal pain.

Very heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through protection.

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Difficulty breathing or a widespread rash.

Rarely a pregnancy can implant outside the womb.

That is called an ectopic pregnancy and is a medical emergency.

It can happen whether or not you took this tablet.

Severe one-sided pain weeks later should always be checked.

Tell the doctor you took emergency contraception.

Your period is more than seven days late.

Your period is unusually light or unusually short.

You have a positive pregnancy test.

You have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection.

Those include unusual discharge, pain or sores.

You would like to start a regular contraceptive method.

It gives a second chance after unprotected sex.

It is available without a prescription in India.

A single tablet is simple with no follow-up dose.

It can be taken at any point in the menstrual cycle.

It has no life-threatening contraindications.

It does not affect future fertility.

The World Health Organization lists it as a first-line option.

It is one of the most studied emergency contraceptives available.

Buying it discreetly online removes a barrier for some people.

It is not an abortion pill and ends no pregnancy.

It is not a regular contraceptive method.

It is less effective than ongoing contraception.

It gives no protection against infection.

It gives no protection for sex after you take it.

It works less well the longer you leave it.

It may work less well at higher body weight.

A copper coil is more effective if you can access one.

Repeated use is not dangerous and is not a reason for shame.

It does cause more irregular bleeding each time.

It is also less effective than a regular method would be.

Needing it often is a good reason to discuss options with a doctor.

Many effective and convenient methods are available.

Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Keep the tablet in its original blister until use.

Protect from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.

Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink.

Do not refrigerate or freeze the tablet.

Keep it out of sight and reach of children.

Keep away from pets at all times.

Check the expiry date before taking it.

Some people keep a pack at home in advance.

Having one already means no delay if it is ever needed.

Check the expiry date of any advance pack periodically.

Do not use a tablet that is chipped, damp or discoloured.

Do not transfer the tablet into an unlabelled container.

Return expired tablets to a pharmacy take-back scheme.