Everything You Need To Know About The Morning-After Pill

Introduction

The morning-after pill, or Plan B, is a medicine that can be used for emergency contraception. It is also available under the name “Levonorgestrel”.

Levonorgestrel helps you terminate a possible pregnancy. This pill is effective if taken 72 hours after engaging in unprotected sexual activity. However, it should not be used as a routine method of birth control.

What Is An Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception is a common and powerful method to forestall pregnancy when something has not worked out with your go-to method of contraception. It can be used if you’ve had unprotected intercourse, or have severe menstrual cramps.

There are two sorts of emergency contraception- the morning after pill, and a copper intrauterine device (IUD).

You Can Take The Morning After Pill If:

• You have not used any contraception while engaging in sexual activity.
• You suspect that the contraception has not worked.
• Your diaphragm has slipped out of its place.
• You’ve been forced to engage in non-consensual sexual activity.

Do Not Take The Morning After Pill If:

• You suspect that you are pregnant.
• You’ve already had one in the last 24 hours.
• You have a history of allergic reactions.
• You have a history of irregular vaginal bleeding.
• Not above the age of 18

Side Effects Of The Morning-After Pill

The morning after pill is typically considered safe for most women. However, a few common side-effects may occur. Some of these include:

• Acne
• Non-acne scars like pimples
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness

These side-effects have been noted in users and are not a cause for concern. However, if these effects do not heal in a day or two, consult your doctor immediately.

The rarer, but severe side-effects of the morning after pill may include:

• Vomiting
• Severe back pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Accelerated heartbeat
• Abdominal bleeding

In case you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Allergy Warning

Due to the various components that are inside the tablet, you might have an allergic reaction. Let your doctor know immediately in case this happens.

It is also very important that your doctor knows your medical history, to prevent the possibility of an allergic reaction in the first place.

Mention to the doctor any family history of heart diseases, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and diabetes. These conditions may not mix well with the effects of the tablet, and it may end up harming you. Transparency with your doctor is mandatory.

Some symptoms of an allergic reaction due to the morning-after pill may include:

• Severe stomach ache
• Swollen face
• Red eyes or blurred vision
• Teary eyes
• Itching of the skin
• Severe breakout on the face

If you suspect that you are having an allergic reaction to the morning after pill, contact the emergency room immediately.

Doses

The morning-after pill is only effective if it is taken 72 hours after engaging in sexual activity. It may still work after 72 hours, but it becomes 80% less effective.

It is not advisable to take multiple doses of the morning after pill within 24 hours. It may interact with other drugs, resulting in an overdose, or harm your reproductive system. Speak to your doctor about the right method to take the morning-after pill, how frequently you can take it, and what doses work best for you.

Interaction With Other Drugs

The morning after pill may end up interacting with your other medications. While some combinations are safe, some can be detrimental. Taking this pill with drugs that have nitrates could cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Following are some common drugs that you should be careful with:

• Griseofulvin
• Modafinil
• Drugs used to treat seizures
• HIV medication drugs
• Cancer medications
• Antifungal medications
• Heart medications
• Asthma medications

In case you take the morning after pill with these medications, your pulse could unexpectedly drop to low levels that are hazardous. This could make you bleary-eyed or cause you to blackout.

It is advisable to maintain a list of drugs that you are taking to make sure any unrecommended interactions do not occur.

Signs Of An Overdose

If you’ve consumed an extreme quantity of morning-after pills, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Accelerated heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Difficulty in breathing
• Dizziness
• Blacking out

Contact the emergency room and your doctor immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Frequently Asked Questions On The Morning-After Pill

What can I expect after having the morning after pill?

Ordinarily, you need not contact your doctor after using the morning-after pill. However, in case you notice that there is an excessive amount of bleeding or discharge, and it keeps going on for longer than a week, get in touch with your doctor.

These symptoms can suggest a premature delivery. It can also indicate that the egg has fertilized and it has embedded itself externally on the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.

How do I prepare for the morning after pill?

If you want maximum usefulness, you must take the morning after pill immediately after unprotected intercourse, and within 72 hours.

This pill can be taken during your menstrual cycle as it does not disrupt the flow.

Can I use the morning after pill for my menstrual cramps?

The morning after pill can be used for menstrual cramps. In many instances, it reduces the cramps or eliminates them altogether.

Contact your doctor before deciding to use the morning-after pill to combat your period cramps.

How does the morning-after pill work?

Based on where you are in your menstrual cycle, the morning after pill eliminates pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It might forestall or obstruct ovulation altogether.

It must be noted that the morning-after pill is not at all similar to an abortion pill. It does not cause an abortion or miscarriage. It will not work if you are pregnant when you take it.

How do I store and dispose of the morning after pill?

The storage and disposal rules of the morning after pill are very important and must be taken note of. When it comes to storage, make sure it is kept in a dark and cool area.

Keep the medications away from moisture, as moisture may change the chemical construction of the tablets.

Keep the tablets away from the reach of pets and children. When disposing of the drugs, do not flush them down a toilet or throw them in the drain. Have a conversation with your doctor about the proper method of medical waste disposal.

How do I purchase the morning after pill?

You can purchase the morning after pill from a drug-store following a conversation with the drug specialist. There might be a few inquiries about your overall wellbeing to ensure that this drug is fine for you to choose.

You can purchase the morning after pill like Plan B pill from our official store online.

Likewise, you can converse with them about results. If the drug specialist has any worries about whether this medication is not fine for you, they may encourage you to see your doctor.

How much does the morning after pill cost?

When it comes to expenditure for impotence medication, the morning after pill can be a little expensive. It can cost up to $40-$50.

You can try to spend money on cheaper contraceptives, such as condoms. You can even invest in more permanent methods of contraception, such as getting an IUD or a Nuvaring.

Is there a generic version of the drug available?

Yes, there are multiple generic versions of the drug that are available. Just ask your local pharmacy for the alternative options of the generic morning-after pill.

Try not to be reluctant to purchase the conventional or store-brand versions of Plan B. The brand-name item can cost as much as $50 in certain stores. These versions are equally safe and effective and can save you as much as $40 in certain spots.

Conclusion

The morning after pill is typically a safe medication to use. However, abusing the medication may cause some serious side-effects. It is always better to let your doctor know if you are planning on taking this medication.

It is always a safer and easier method to invest in cheaper contraception and engage in safe and protected intercourse. Take the medications precisely as your doctor advises. In case you have questions or concerns, talk with your doctor, or your pharmacist.