Let's learn about emergency contraceptive pills? - Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol

There are times in life when unexpected things happen to all of us, right? Sometimes, when we have unplanned, unprotected sex, we can feel a lot of fear and anxiety, "Will I get pregnant?". Today, we are going to talk about a type of medicine that can be used to help prevent pregnancy in such an emergency. This is, to be precise, a method of birth control used in an emergency . The common name for this is `(Emergency Contraceptive)`.

What exactly is this medicine?

Simply put, it contains two hormones, Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol. These are combined and are used for emergency birth control. This is done by taking these pills within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, preventing pregnancy. Remember, sometimes a condom can break, or another form of birth control may not be used properly. That's when this comes in handy.

The most important thing is: If you are already pregnant, this medicine will have no effect. That is, it is not an abortion pill.

This medicine may sometimes be used by doctors for other things. So if you have any questions, it is best to ask your doctor or the person at the pharmacy. `Preven` is also a brand name for this type of medicine. However, the availability of these medicines may vary from country to country. So it is wise to ask about the situation in your area.

What are the things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine?

Before you take these emergency contraceptive pills, it is very important to be clear about some things with your doctor . This is because this medicine may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, or they may need special attention.

If you have, or have had, any of these conditions, be sure to tell your doctor :

• Blood vessel problems or blood clots: If you have blood clots anywhere in your body, or if you have a disease related to your blood vessels.
• Sugar level problems like diabetes: If you have `(Diabetes Mellitus)`.
• Cancer conditions: Especially cancer of the breast, cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Gallbladder Disease: If there is any problem with the gallbladder.
• Heart disease or recent heart attack: If you have heart disease, or have had a heart attack.
• High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure.
• Liver diseases:If there is any disease in the `(Liver)`.
• Migraine headaches: If you get migraines frequently.
• If you are a smoker: If you are a smoker, you should also say that.
• Stroke: If you have had a stroke in the past.
• Allergy to hormones: If you have an allergy to hormones such as estrogens and progestins, or to other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This is very important because this medicine is not given to pregnant women.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are breastfeeding your baby, tell your doctor about that as well.

By saying these things, the doctor can give you precise advice on whether this medication is right for you or not, or how to use it safely.

How exactly should I use this medicine?

This is a pill that you take by mouth. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Your doctor may ask you to take a pregnancy test before taking this pill.

• First pill: Take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within the first 24 hours . However, it is essential to take it within 72 hours (3 days) .
• Second pill: The second pill should be taken exactly 12 hours after the first pill. It is important to keep to the exact time.
• Don't take more pills: Don't think that taking more pills will reduce your risk of getting pregnant. That won't happen. However, the risk of side effects may increase.

Is this medicine given to young children?

This medicine has been used in young girls who have started menstruating. However, it is imperative to seek advice from a pediatrician at such times. Special care may be required.

When you are given this medicine, you will receive a patient package insert with it. It contains information about this medicine. Always read the insert carefully . The information may change slightly.

What happens if you take too much? (`Overdosage`)

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, or call a poison control center.

Remember: This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else.

What do you do if you miss a dose or vomit?

If you miss a dose, or vomit within an hour of taking a pill, you should definitely seek advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. It is very important.

What other things can interact with this medicine? (Interactions)

There are some medications that can cause problems when taken with these emergency contraceptive pills. That is, they can either reduce the effectiveness of these pills or increase the side effects.

Do not use this with the following medications:

• ``dasabuvir; ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir`
• `ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir`

Also, there are other medications that can cause side effects with this one. Here are a few examples:

• Acetaminophen (like paracetamol)
• Antibiotics or medicines for infections (especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, griseofulvin, and sometimes penicillins or tetracyclines)
• Aprepitant
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
• Atorvastatin (cholesterol medication)
• Barbiturate-type medications (e.g. phenobarbital)
• Bosentan `(bosentan)`
• Carbamazepine (medicine for things like seizures )
• Caffeine
• Cyclosporine
• Medicines for insomnia and anxiety (e.g. diazepam, temazepam)
• Diabetes medication
• Grapefruit juice
• `St. John's wort` (this is an herbal supplement)
• Thyroid hormones
• Warfarin (blood thinner)

Not all medications on this list can be effective. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you take (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some things can interact with this medication.

What are the things to be careful about when using this medicine?

This is not a permanent birth control method, except for emergency use. Talk to your doctor about a permanent birth control method that is right for you.

• See your doctor again: After taking this medicine, it is a good idea to see your doctor again in about 3-4 weeks.
• Spotting: It is normal to have some vaginal bleeding (spotting) after taking this medicine. However, if your next period is not due, you should check if you are pregnant. See a doctor as soon as possible and take a pregnancy test.
• Smoking and risk: If you smoke while taking birth control pills, you are at higher risk of developing a blood clot or stroke. It is best to not smoke, especially if you are over 35 years old.
• There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases:This medicine does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Other methods of protection, such as condoms, should be used.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. However, in most cases, serious side effects are rare.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately:

Although severe side effects are uncommon, they can occur. So it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about these things and stay informed. For example, if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling in your legs, see a doctor right away.

Side effects that do not usually require medical attention, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:

• Stomach pain or cramping
• Breast pain or tightness
• Headache (headache)
• Dizziness
• Nausea/vomiting (if you vomit within an hour of taking a pill, be sure to tell your doctor )
• Spotting (bloody discharge)

Not all of the side effects on this list can go away. If you notice anything else unusual, consult your doctor.

How should you store your medicine?

• Keep it out of reach of children. This is very important.
• Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
• Do not use expired medicine and throw it away.

Finally, things to remember

Okay, so let's remind you again of some of the things we've talked about that we think will be important to you.

These ``Emergency Contraceptive'' pills are meant to be used only in emergencies, not as a daily method of birth control. Keep that in mind.

• This should be taken as soon as possible, within 72 hours, after unprotected sex.
• If there are two pills, take the first one and take the second one exactly 12 hours later .
• If you're already pregnant, this doesn't matter.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking and any illnesses you have.
• This does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
• After taking these pills, it's a good idea to see a doctor in a few weeks.
• If your next period is late, check to see if you are pregnant.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any questions or doubts, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or family health worker. They will help you.

` Emergency contraceptive pills, levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol, pregnancy prevention, unprotected sex, women's health, birth control