Morning After Pill

The morning after pill should be used for emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex or failure of a different contraceptive method such as a split condom.

The morning after pill is not as effective as a conventional regular method of contraception and is suitable only in emergencies.

There are two commonly prescribed morning after pills available in the UK. Levonelle has been available for some time whilst ellaOne is a more recent introduction.

The important difference between the two treatments is that ellaOne can be taken longer after sex than Levonelle and still be effective.

Levonelle is an effective emergency contraception when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or failure of a contraceptive method. EllaOne is effective when taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or failure of a contraceptive method.

Clinical studies showed that Levonelle taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex prevented 84% of expected pregnancies. It has been shown to be more effective than this if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex and if at all possible should be taken with 12 hours.

After using Levonelle it is recommended to use a condom until your next period starts. The use of Levonelle 1500 does not stop the use of the normal contraceptive pill.

The most common side effects of Levonelle are nausea, bleeding not related to menstruation and tiredness. Less commonly, delay of the period, irregular bleeding, diarrhoea and vomiting, tender breasts, headaches, lower abdominal (stomach) pain, diarrhoea, feel dizzy or feel tired can be experienced.

To use Levonelle, one tablet should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours, and no later than 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking the tablet, another tablet should be taken immediately. Levonelle can be used at any time during the menstrual cycle unless menstrual bleeding is overdue as you should NOT take Levonelle if you might be pregnant.

Please click here for the fill patient information leaflet:-

http://emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/17040/XPIL/Levonelle 1500 microgram tablet

Clinical studies showed that when used between 0 and 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, ellaOne was as effective as Levonelle. The observed pregnancy rate was 1.5% in both studies. In a clinical trial in women who presented for emergency contraception between 48 and 120 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, the observed pregnancy rate was 2.1%, thereby 61% of expected pregnancies were prevented.

After using ellaOne it is recommended to use a condom until your next period starts as it can interfere with the normal contraceptive pill.

Like all medicines, Ellaone can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects are abdominal (stomach) pain, irregular vaginal bleeding, premenstrual syndrome, uterine cramps. Less commonly the following side effects can be experienced: headache, tiredness, dizziness, feeling sick, vomiting, indigestion, menstrual cramps, heavy/prolonged periods, unexpected vaginal bleeding, muscle cramps, back pain, mood swings, infection (e.g. nose/throat infection or urinary tract infection). The following side effects are uncommonly or rarely experienced: breast pain, vaginal pain or itching, vaginal discharge, decreased / increased libido, hot flushes, diarrhoea, constipation, appetite changes, flatulence, frequent urination, dry mouth, pain, muscle and bone pain, trembling, blurred vision, anxiety, trouble sleeping, sleepiness, depression, irritability, acne, itching and skin rash, acid reflux, swollen tongue, toothache, taste disturbance, attention deficit, lack of energy, vertigo, rupture of a pre-existing ovarian cyst, chills, inflammation, feeling ill, fever, thirst, chest discomfort, cough, dry throat, dehydration, nose bleeds, sinus congestion, hives, coloured urine, renal pain and kidney stones.

To use ellaOne, one tablet should be taken as soon as possible, and no later than 120 hours after unprotected intercourse. If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking the tablet, you should consult your doctor in order to take another tablet. EllaOne can be used at any time during the menstrual cycle unless menstrual bleeding is overdue as you should NOT take ellaOne if you might be pregnant.

If you become pregnant after taking ellaOne it is important that you consult your doctor.

Do not use ellaOne if you are breast feeding.

Repeated use of ellaOne within the same menstrual cycle is not advisable.

Please click here for the fill patient information leaflet:-

http://emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/22275/PIL/ellaOne 30 mg - Patient Information Leaflet