Emergency Contraceptive (Postinor)

Postinor is an emergency contraceptive medicine containing levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of the naturally occurring hormone progesterone. It is intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or when a regular contraceptive method has failed, such as a condom breaking or slipping, missed contraceptive pills, or sexual assault where pregnancy prevention is required. It is designed for occasional emergency use and should not replace a regular contraceptive method.

Postinor belongs to the progestogen class of medicines and is classified as an emergency hormonal contraceptive. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Although it can be used within 72 hours (3 days), its ability to prevent pregnancy gradually decreases the longer treatment is delayed. Taking the tablet within the first 24 hours offers the highest level of effectiveness.

The medicine works mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. If no egg is released, fertilisation cannot occur. It may also make the cervical mucus thicker, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg. In addition, it can alter the environment within the reproductive tract in ways that reduce the likelihood of fertilisation. However, Postinor does not interrupt an established pregnancy and is not an abortion pill. If implantation has already occurred before the medicine is taken, Postinor will not end the pregnancy.

Postinor is commonly recommended after situations such as:

• Unprotected vaginal intercourse.
• A condom breaking, slipping or leaking.
• Missing multiple combined oral contraceptive pills or taking them incorrectly.
• Failure of barrier methods such as diaphragms or cervical caps.
• Incorrect withdrawal method.
• Sexual assault where emergency contraception is appropriate.

Although highly effective, no emergency contraceptive can guarantee complete prevention of pregnancy. If your next menstrual period is more than seven days late, unusually light or heavy, or if you develop symptoms suggestive of pregnancy, you should take a pregnancy test and seek medical advice.

Postinor is suitable for most women of reproductive age, including adolescents, provided there are no medical reasons why it should not be used. Healthcare professionals may recommend an alternative emergency contraceptive, such as a copper intrauterine device (IUD), in certain situations because it can be more effective, particularly if more time has passed since unprotected intercourse or if ovulation is likely to have already occurred.

The medicine is not intended for routine contraception because it is less effective than regular contraceptive methods such as oral contraceptive pills, contraceptive implants, hormonal injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or contraceptive patches. Women who require ongoing contraception should discuss suitable long-term options with their doctor, pharmacist or family planning clinic after using Postinor.

Most people tolerate Postinor well. Some may experience temporary side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, tiredness, breast tenderness, lower abdominal pain or changes to their next menstrual period. These effects are usually mild and resolve without treatment within a few days. Menstrual bleeding may occur a little earlier or later than expected, and the flow may be lighter or heavier than usual.

Postinor provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis. Condoms remain the most effective method of reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Overall, Postinor is a well-established and widely used emergency contraceptive that offers an important option for reducing the risk of unintended pregnancy when used promptly and correctly. For the best chance of success, it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse, and users should seek medical advice if pregnancy is suspected or if they require ongoing contraceptive protection.

Postinor is primarily used for:

• Emergency contraception after unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Pregnancy prevention following condom breakage or slippage.
• Emergency contraception after missed oral contraceptive pills.
• Contraceptive failure involving diaphragms or cervical caps.
• Pregnancy prevention following contraceptive accidents.
• Emergency contraception after sexual assault when clinically appropriate.

Take Postinor exactly as directed in the product information or by your doctor or pharmacist. The tablet should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, as its effectiveness decreases with time. It works best when taken within 24 hours, but it can still be used up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It may be taken with or without food. If taking it with food helps reduce nausea, this is acceptable. Do not crush, chew or split the tablet unless the product instructions specifically allow it.

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking Postinor, the medicine may not have been fully absorbed. In this case, you should take another tablet as soon as possible and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

After taking Postinor, continue using a reliable barrier method such as condoms or resume your regular contraceptive method as advised by a healthcare professional, as Postinor does not provide ongoing protection against pregnancy during the rest of your menstrual cycle.

Allergy

Do not take Postinor if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the other ingredients in the tablet. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread skin rash.

Pregnancy

Postinor is not intended for use during an existing pregnancy and should not be used to terminate a pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, taking Postinor is not expected to harm the pregnancy, but it will not be effective. If your period is more than seven days late, unusually light or heavy, or you have symptoms of pregnancy, take a pregnancy test and consult your doctor.

Breastfeeding

Levonorgestrel passes into breast milk in small amounts. Postinor is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. To minimise your baby's exposure, you may take the tablet immediately after breastfeeding and avoid breastfeeding for at least 8 hours afterwards where practical. If you have concerns, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Kidney Disease

There is limited information on the use of Postinor in people with kidney disease. No specific dose adjustment is generally recommended, but women with severe kidney problems should seek medical advice before use.

Liver Disease

Postinor should be used with caution in people with liver disease. It is not recommended in severe liver impairment because levonorgestrel is metabolised by the liver, and severe liver disease may affect how the medicine works.

Heart Disease

There is no specific restriction for most women with heart disease. However, if you have a significant cardiovascular condition or multiple cardiovascular risk factors, consult your healthcare professional before taking Postinor.

Diabetes

Women with diabetes can generally use Postinor. It is not known to significantly affect blood glucose levels when used as a single emergency dose. Continue monitoring your blood sugar as advised by your healthcare provider.

High Blood Pressure

Postinor is generally considered suitable for women with well-controlled high blood pressure because it is used as a single emergency dose. If you have severe or uncontrolled hypertension, seek medical advice before use.

Asthma

Postinor is not known to worsen asthma and can generally be used by women with asthma. Continue using your prescribed asthma medicines as directed.

Elderly

Postinor is not intended for use after menopause. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established in postmenopausal women.

Children

Postinor is intended for women of reproductive age, including adolescents who require emergency contraception. Younger children who have not reached reproductive maturity should only receive this medicine under specialist medical advice.

Alcohol

Alcohol does not appear to directly reduce the effectiveness of Postinor. However, excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of vomiting, which could reduce absorption of the medicine. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, another dose may be needed.

Smoking

Smoking is not known to reduce the effectiveness of Postinor. However, stopping smoking is recommended to improve your overall reproductive and cardiovascular health.

Existing Medical Conditions

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Postinor if you:

• Have severe liver disease.
• Have a history of an ectopic pregnancy.
• Have previously had inflammation or surgery affecting your fallopian tubes.
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Have a known malabsorption disorder, such as severe Crohn's disease, which may reduce absorption of the medicine.
• Are taking medicines that may reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel (such as certain medicines for epilepsy, tuberculosis or HIV).
• Think you may already be pregnant.

Important: Postinor provides emergency contraception only. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. It should not be used as a regular method of contraception, and if emergency contraception is needed repeatedly, you should discuss a more reliable long-term contraceptive method with your healthcare provider.

Most people tolerate Postinor well. If side effects occur, they are usually mild, temporary, and resolve within a few days without treatment.

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Lower abdominal pain or cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Changes in the timing of your next menstrual period (earlier or later than expected)
• Heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding
• Spotting or irregular vaginal bleeding between periods

If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking the tablet, another dose may be required because the medicine may not have been fully absorbed.

Store Postinor at room temperature, preferably below 25°C, or according to the storage conditions stated on the product packaging.

For safe storage:

• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack until it is time to take them.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink where humidity is high.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
• Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Dispose of unused or expired tablets safely. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer need.