Postpill Composition, Dose, Use, Side Effect

Postpill is a drug for prevention of pregnancy. It contains just a single tablet in a sachet of one pack. It is made by naari pharma private limited in India and manufactured for naari PTE, Singapore. Deep k. Tyagi foundation, Nigeria is responsible for importation and distribution here in Nigeria.

Postpill

Composition Of Postpill

Each uncoated tablet contains:

Levonorgestrel USP...1.5 mg

Excipients....q.s

Postpill contains 1.5 mg of a synthetic progestogen hormone, levonorgestrel. It is a white to off-white, round, bevel edged, flat faced tablet debossed with "J06" on one side and plain on the other side.

Indications And Use Of Postpill

Postpill is an emergency contraceptive for prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or if you were forced into having sex (rape), or after a known ar suspected contraceptive failure such as: when a condom breaks, or you missed taking your regular contraceptive pills or injections or you did not abstain from sex during your fertile per d etc. POSTPILL can be used by women of all reproductive ages including adolescents.

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Mechanism of Action

Postpill mainly acts by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) or by stopping the egg and sperm from meeting (fertilization), through altering tubal transport of sperm and egg. In addition, it may inhibit implantation by altering the endometrium but it is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.

Contra-indications Of Postpill

Postpill is contraindicated for use in the case of known or suspected pregnancy or if you are hypersensitive to Levonorgestrel.

Dosage and Administration Of Postpill

Take 'one' tablet only of postpill orally to prevent pregnancy as soon as possible, not later than 72hours (3days) after unprotected sex, rape, or suspected contraceptive failure. The earlier you take postpill, the more effective it will be. If you vomit within two hours of taking the tablet, you should repeat the dose. It can be used at any time during your menstrual cycle.

What Happens If You Have Unprotected Intercourse More Than Once In 72 Hours?

Emergency contraceptives like postpill prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation and are most effective within the first 24hours (1day) of unprotected sex. As a result, if you have taken postpill and have unprotected sex again after 24hours, you may be at risk of pregnancy because active sperm could be waiting in the fallopian tubes when the egg is eventually released, therefore another dose of postpill can be taken to ensure prevention of pregnancy.

Please note that even if multiple acts of unprotected sex occur in a day, postpill should not be taken more than once within 24 hours. Subsequently, it is recommended you begin a regular short or long term method of contraception the day after taking postpill and you should consult a healthcare professional for advice on choosing a method.

What Happens If You Take A Postpill More Than Once In Your Cycle?

Repeat use of postpill or emergency contraceptives poses no known health risks, it is medically safe. You may have menstrual changes such as shorter/longer cycles and have a heavier/lighter period than normal and other side effects mentioned in this leaflet should be anticipated. However, it is recommended that you use a regular, ongoing method of contraception as it is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, so subsequently, you should consult a healthcare professional for advice on choosing a regular method.

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How Safe Is Postpill?

Extensive research and many years of monitoring have shown that emergency contraceptives such as postpill are safe. They do not affect fertility or increase the risk of cancer or ectopic pregnancy or cause long term side effects. However, like all drugs they can have side effects, but these are usually minor temporary side effects such as irregular menstruation, nausea etc. (Read more about side effects below). Emergency contraception is a safe and important option for preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Side Effects Of Postpill

The following side effects may occur in about 4% of women on emergency contraceptives such as postpill: Menstrual changes e.g. heavier or lighter bleeding: nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, delay of menses (>7 days). These symptoms may be treated symptomatically and usually resolve within a few days.

Precautions

Effects On Menses

Some women may experience spotting a few days after taking postpill but this is not your period and menstrual bleeding may occur earlier or later than expected by a few days. If your menses is delayed beyond one week of the expected date, consider the possibility of pregnancy.

Existing Pregnancy

Postpill is not effective in terminating an existing pregnancy. It is not an abortion tablet.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A history of ectopic pregnancy is not a contraindication to use of this emergency contraceptive method. If you develop severe lower abdominal pain or still become pregnant after taking the tablet, you may have an ectopic pregnancy, and should seek immediate medical checkup.

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STI/HIV

Post pill does not protect against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs): use a condom.

Drug Interactions

Drugs or herbal products that induce enzymes such as CYP3A4, may decrease the effectiveness of progestin-only emergency contraceptives such as postpill. Such drugs include: barbiturates, carbamazepine, ciclosporin, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, ritonavir, rifampicin, st. John's wort, topiramate etc.

Over Dosage

No serious risk associated with overdose, although the common side effects of nausea and associated vomiting should be anticipated.