What preparations are available in Poland?
In Poland, there are two substances registered for use as emergency contraception – levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate. The effectiveness of the preparations is comparable.
What are the indications for emergency contraception?
The Day Po tablets are used to avoid pregnancy when it is suspected that the contraceptive used is not working properly or after intercourse without adequate contraceptive measures. Regular use of the pill for contraceptive purposes is not recommended due to the limited effectiveness of the method compared to other methods of contraception.
How does the preparation with levonorgestrel work?
Levonorgestrel is available as a 1.5 mg tablet. The preparation should be swallowed as soon as possible after intercourse without using an effective method of contraception. The manufacturer indicates that the tablet should be taken no later than 72 hours after intercourse. In the event of vomiting up to 3 hours after taking the preparation, another tablet should be taken immediately.
The main mechanisms of action of levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive pill are prevention of conception by inhibition of ovulation in the pre-ovulatory period, the effect on the uterine mucosa blocking embryo implantation, and the effect on the density of the cervical mucus.
What side effects can the Levonorgestrel “Day After” pill cause?
Very common side effects of levonorgestrel include dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal and lower abdominal pain, delayed periods, heavy periods, vaginal bleeding and tiredness. Common side effects are also diarrhea, vomiting and painful periods.
How does the preparation with ulipristal acetate work?
Ulipristal acetate is available as a tablet in a dosage of 30 mg. The tablet should be taken within 120 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse or when contraceptive use has failed. In the event of vomiting up to 3 hours after taking the preparation, another tablet should be taken. Before using the product, pregnancy should be excluded.
Ulipristal acetate works by inhibiting or delaying ovulation by inhibiting the release of luteinizing hormone. When ovulation occurs, the drug is not effective. Therefore, the tablet should be taken as soon as possible after intercourse.
What side effects can the Day After pill with ulipristal acetate cause?
Common side effects include abdominal pain, mood disturbances, muscle aches and back pain, as well as temporary irregular or disturbed periods. Ulipristal acetate tablets may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception containing progesterone.
What are the contraindications for emergency contraception?
Pregnancy is a contraindication to accepting emergency contraception. After pill is not a method of terminating pregnancy. Hypersensitivity to any active or excipient substance in the tablet is also a contraindication to taking tablets.
What else is worth knowing?
Emergency contraceptives containing ulipristal acetate and levonongestrel should not be combined due to the risk of reducing the effectiveness of contraception.
How to buy the “After Day” contraceptive pill?
The Day After tablets in Poland are available on prescription. To obtain the drug, consult a physician. Every doctor has the right to write out a prescription for the “After Day” tablets. The prescription must then be filled at the pharmacy. Receiving an e-prescription for an emergency contraceptive pill is possible through a medical telemedicine consultation.
Literature:
Practical Medicine [INDEKS]: ellaOne [online]: https://indeks.mp.pl/leki/desc.php?id=7970
Practical Medicine [INDEKS]: Escapelle [online]: https://indeks.mp.pl/leki/desc.php?id=5782
Bręborowicz G: Obstetrics and Gynecology. PZWL Medical Publishing House; 2015
