Morning after pill

Morning after pill

Levonelle (the morning after pill) is a single dose tablet which, if taken within 72 hours (3 days) of intercourse, normally prevents pregnancy.

For women who are eligible we supply 1, 2 or 3 doses of the morning after pill to keep as a standby treatment for use when needed

Effectiveness

If taken within 12hrs of intercourse the morning after pill is 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. This falls to 58% if is taken at 72 hours (three days) after intercourse. If these pills are taken after the period of 72 hours it does not work.

When to use the morning after pill

·         After intercourse where other contraception has not been used.

·         After intercourse where a condom has failed (split, come off, etc.)

·         Where a couple are using withdrawal and this has failed.

·         Where the contraceptive pill has been missed prior to intercourse and unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place (See details about missed pills in the information leaflet supplied with all pill packs).

If you have already had intercourse and need the morning after pill you should see a pharmacist or doctor straight away - do not use this service when you need immediate treatment because there will be a delay of a day or two before your tablets arrive.

Side effects

·         About one in a hundred women vomit after taking the morning after pill. If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking the tablet the dose needs to be repeated.

·         Nausea, tiredness and headaches are quite common.

·         The next period after taking the morning after pill may be a few days late or early. If the period is more than 5 days late a pregnancy test is required.

How does the morning after pill work

The morning after pill stops ovulation and prevents the fertilised eggs implanting. It works best if taken at an early stage.

Cautions

·         Regular contraceptive pills should not be stopped after the morning after pill has been taken

·         The morning after pill should not be used more than once in a menstrual cycle.

·         The morning after pill is for use after intercourse, not before.

·         The morning after pill is for occasional emergency use. There are better methods of contraception for routine regular use.

·         There is no increased risk of ectopic pregnancy after taking the morning after pill. However ectopic pregnancy can still occur. Seek medical advice if there is abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding 4-5 weeks after taking the morning after pill as there is a chance these are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.

·         If a woman becomes pregnant after taking the morning after pill, or was already pregnant when it was taken, the baby will not be affected.