Postinor (levonorgestrel) 1,5 mg 1 comprimido

What Postinor is and what it is used for
Postinor is an emergency contraceptive that can be used within 72 hours (3 days) after having unprotected sex or if the usual method of contraception has failed.

It is used in the following cases:
    If contraceptives were not used during sexual intercourse.
    If the contraceptive was not used in the right way, for example if the condom broke, slipped or was used in the wrong way, if the position of the diaphragm was altered or if it was punctured, broken or removed prematurely, or if interruption failed during coitus interruptus (eg, sperm was ejaculated into the vagina or external genitalia).

Postinor contains as active ingredient a substance called levonorgestrel. Avoid about 84% of expected pregnancies when taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. It will not always prevent pregnancy and is most effective if taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex. It is better to take it in the first 12 hours than to delay it until the third day.

Postinor could work:
    preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg;
    preventing sperm from fertilizing any egg that may have been released.

Postinor can only prevent you from becoming pregnant if you take it within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. It does not work if you are already pregnant. If you have unprotected sex after taking Postinor (also if this occurs during the same menstrual cycle), the medicine will not exert its contraceptive effect and there is a risk of pregnancy again.

Postinor is not indicated for use before the first menstrual bleeding (menarche).

How to take Postinor
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take the tablet as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours, and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after having unprotected sex. Do not delay taking the tablet. The medicine works best the sooner you take it after having unprotected sex. It can only prevent you from becoming pregnant if you take it within 72 hours after having unprotected sex.

You can take Postinor at any time during the menstrual cycle except if you are already pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Take the entire tablet with a little water and do not chew it.
If you are using one of the medicines that can prevent Postinor from working properly (see section "Using other medicines and Postinor") or if you have used one of these medicines in the last 4 weeks, Postinor may be less effective for you. Your doctor may prescribe another type of emergency contraception (non-hormonal), that is, a copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD). If this is not an option for you or if you cannot see your doctor quickly, you can take a double dose of Postinor (i.e. 2 tablets taken at once).
If you are already using a regular method of contraception, such as oral contraceptives, you can continue to take it as regularly.

If you have another unprotected sexual relationship after taking Postinor (also if this occurs during the same menstrual cycle), the tablet will not exert its contraceptive effect and again there is a risk of pregnancy.

It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned about any problem related to taking emergency contraception.

What to do in case of vomiting
If you vomit within three hours of taking the tablet, you should take another tablet immediately.

After taking Postinor
If you want to have sex after taking Postinor, and you are not using an oral contraceptive, you should use condoms or a more spermicidal diaphragm until your next period, as Postinor will not work if you have unprotected sex again before having your next menstruation.
After taking Postinor, it is advisable to make an appointment to see your doctor about three weeks later to confirm that you are not pregnant. If your period is more than 5 days late or is exceptionally low or severe, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you become pregnant after taking this medicine, it is important to consult your doctor.
Your doctor will also advise you about long-term contraceptive methods that are most effective in preventing you from becoming pregnant.
If you continue to use regular hormonal contraception like oral contraceptives and do not have bleeding during the period when you are not taking the contraceptive, see your doctor to make sure you are not pregnant.

Your next period after taking Postinor
After using Postinor, the period is usually normal and will start on the usual day; however, sometimes it will occur a few days before or after. If your period starts more than 5 days later than expected, if “abnormal” bleeding occurs at that time, or if you think you may be pregnant, you should have a pregnancy test.

If you take more Postinor than you should
Although no serious harmful effects have been observed after taking several tablets at once, you may feel dizzy, vomit, or have vaginal bleeding. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist or your family planning center for advice, especially if you have vomited, as the tablet may not have worked properly.
In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist or call the Toxicological Information Service, telephone: 91 562 04 20, indicating the medicine and the amount ingested.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

LEAFLET