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AfterPill

Generic Name: Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive [LEE-voe-nor-jes-trel]
Brand names include: AfterPill, Curae, EContra EZ, EContra One-Step, Fallback Solo,… display all 16 brands.
Drug Class: Contraceptives.

What is AfterPill?

AfterPill is a medication used to prevent pregnancy following unprotected sexual activity or the failure of other types of birth control (such as condom breakage or the loss of two or more birth control pills).

AfterPill is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.

Adverse reactions of After-Pill 

Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, like hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

Contact your physician or seek medical attention in an emergency if you experience extreme discomfort in your lower stomach or on your side. This could be the sign of a tubal pregnancy (a pregnancy that is implanted in the fallopian tube, not the uterus). A tubal pregnancy can be an emergency medical situation.

  • Stomach pain;

  • Tenderness or pain in the breasts.

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

  • Headache, dizziness;

  • Getting exhausted, getting tired

  • Changes in your menstrual cycle.

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other things could happen. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

AfterPill does not stop pregnancy if a fertilized egg is already attached to the uterus.

Consult a physician or pharmacist prior to taking levonorgestrel in the event that you frequently take medication to treat seizures, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS. Certain other medicines can make the drug less efficient.

Before you take this drug

AfterPill is not designed to be used as a regular method to control births. Discuss with your physician the various options for birth control that are available.

Don't take this medication if you are already expecting a baby. AfterPill is not able to end the pregnancy that has already started (the fertilized embryo has been inserted into your uterus). Not suitable for use by anyone less than 17 years old. Levonorgestrel should not be used when you are allergic to it.

Consult a physician or pharmacist prior to taking levonorgestrel if you routinely take medication to treat seizures, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS. Certain medications may cause levonorgestrel to be less effective as contraception in emergency situations.

How to take AfterPill?

Use only as indicated on the label or as recommended by your physician.

AfterPill should be taken as soon as possible following a sexual encounter that is not protected (no longer than 72 hours following the sex). Contact your doctor immediately if you have a bowel obstruction within 2 hours of taking the AfterPill. Don't take another dose without consulting your physician. If your cycle is delayed by one week or more beyond the time you expect, then you could be pregnant. Test for pregnancy and inform your doctor to confirm if you're pregnant. AfterPill is not a way to end a pregnancy if the fertilized egg has bonded with the uterus.

Within 3 weeks of taking AfterPill, your doctor must confirm that you're not pregnant and also confirm that this medication hasn't resulted in any adverse side effects. Keep at room temperature.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because AfterPill is only one dose, it doesn't provide a daily dose schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since AfterPill is sold as a single tablet with an exact dose, the risk of overdose is less likely to occur when the levonorgestrel dosage is followed. Take only one tablet at a time.

What should be avoided?

AfterPill is not able to protect you against sexually transmitted

illnesses, including HIV or AIDS. Utilizing a condom is the best way to safeguard yourself against these illnesses. Beware of sexual contact that is not protected.

Interaction with other drugs

Other medications could make AfterPill less efficient and result in pregnancy. Ask a doctor or pharmacist to determine if AfterPill is safe to use if you use any of the following drugs:

  • Efavirenz.

  • Rifampin.

  • Seizure medication—carbamazepine, felbamate, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone.

This list is not comprehensive. Other drugs can interact with levonorgestrel, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies. There are many possible interactions between drugs. are included here.

DRUG STATUS

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Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation

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