Contraceptives emergency

Discuss how emergency contraception may be employed to prevent accidental pregnancy. 

Compare and contrast the available emergency contraceptive (EC) options for this patient, and provide a recommendation for this patient. 

TABLE 45-5. Emergency Contraception Methods Available in the United States49... 

Emergency contraception (EC) has not been associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events. 

Take two pills as soon as possible0 Finish the pill pack Use emergency contraception if necessaiy Yes... 

Postcoital contraception can be defined as the use of a drug or device to prevent pregnancy soon after intercourse. It has been estimated that the use of emergency contraception in the USA has prevented over 2 million unwanted pregnancies. 

Several methods of emergency contraception have been, or are being, used ... 

Emergency contraception (Plan B and Proven only) For prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. To obtain efficacy, take the first dose as soon as possible within 72 hours of intercourse. The second dose must be taken 12 hours later. Emergency contraceptive pills are not indicated for ongoing pregnancy protection and should not be used as a woman s routine form of contraception. 

Emergency contraception If a positive pregnancy result is obtained, advise the patient not to take the pills in the kit. 

Take the initial 1 Plan B) or 2 (Preven) pills as soon as possible but within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. This is followed by the second dose of 1 Plan B) or 2 Preven) pills 12 hours later. Emergency contraception can be used at any time during the menstrual cycle. If the user vomits 1 hour or less after taking either dose of the medication, she should contact her health care professional to discuss whether or not to repeat that dose or take an antinausea medication. 

Emergency contraceptives The most common adverse events in the clinical trial for women receiving emergency contraceptives include nausea abdominal pain/cramps fatigue headache menstrual irregularities dizziness breast tenderness vomiting diarrhea. 

Cheng L, Giilmezoglu AM, Van Oel CJ, Piaggio G, Ezeurra E, Van Look PEA. Interventions for emergency contraception. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004. 

WHO/HRP Task Force on Postovulatory Methods of Fertility Regulation. Randomised controlled trial of lev-onorgestrel versus the Yuzpe regimen of combined oral contraceptives for emergency contraception. Lancet 1998 352 428-33. 

Emergency contraceptive Levonorgestrel, 0.75 mg tablet taken as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours after unprotected intercourse repeat dosage 12 hours later Plan Levonorgestrel prevents ovulation and may inhibit fertilization or implantation. Reduces the chance of pregnancy by up to 89% when taken as directed within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. Plan is available behind the counter at pharmacies and sold under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. A prescription is needed for women < 17 years of age. 

Lake SR, Vernon SA. Emergency contraception and retinal vein thrombosis. Br J Ophthalmol 1999 83(5) 630-1. 

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