I-Pill - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

Overview:

Accidents do happen. That is the reason we have emergency contraceptive pills such as I-pill available. However, these are not regular birth control pills. They are meant to be used only in emergency situations.

They are never to be used as the primary method of contraception. Also, this tablet is recommended for use by women aged 25 to 45. It is important to note that it is not intended to be used by teenagers whose reproductive organs are still maturing.

Composition:

This tablet contains,

1. Levonorgestrel 0.15 mg - Active ingredient.

2. Ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg.

The active ingredient enters the bloodstream and blocks the formation of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. These hormones are responsible for the development and release of eggs from the ovaries. So, emergency contraceptive pills work depending on the reproductive cycle by delaying ovulation.

What Is I-Pill Used For?

I-pill is the quick solution if you are worried about an unplanned pregnancy after:

• An act of unprotected intercourse.

• Failure of the condom.

• Missing regular birth control pills.

• Forced sex or sexual assault.

I-pill is to be used only before a pregnancy is established. It does not cause abortion in an already pregnant woman. Also, it does not affect pregnancy.

How Does I-Pill Work?

During menstruation, the mature eggs are released from the ovaries, and it is called ovulation. The ovaries produce progesterone, the female sex hormone, to avoid the release of more eggs and prepare the womb (uterus) for pregnancy.

During fertilization, the progesterone levels remain elevated, and the womb lining is retained. However, if there is no pregnancy, the progesterone levels decrease to cause menstruation.

Depending on where you are in your cycle, the I-pill works in two ways to prevent pregnancy.

• It prevents the ovaries from releasing the egg.

• If the egg has already been released, it prevents the egg from getting fertilized or implanted.

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The Onset of Action:

These are not regular birth control pills and are meant to be used only in emergency situations. It should be taken orally within 24 to 72 hours of having unprotected sex because the sooner the pill is taken greater the effect. Therefore, it is most effective when taken immediately after the act for up to 24 hours and is advised to be taken within 72 hours (90 to 95 % effective). The effectiveness comes down to 85 % when taken from 25 to 48 hours after and to 58 % when taken between 49 to 72 hours after. If it is taken after 72 hours, it may not work at all.

What Is the Dosage of I-Pill?

It comes as a single tablet box which is to be taken with water after food to prevent vomiting. It should not be taken regularly and should be used for emergency purposes only. This is because I-pill contains high doses of hormones that can alter the hormonal response of the body when taken on a regular basis. If you vomit within three hours after taking the I-pill, it is recommended to take another I-pill as quickly as possible. In case of any doubts or side effects, consult a doctor. Follow-up with the doctor after three weeks of taking I-pill to rule out pregnancy, both uterine and in the tube.

What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?

1. I-pill is to be stored in a cool place at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees celsius.

2. Secure the pill against moisture and protect it from light.

3. Do not freeze it.

4. Place it away from children's reach.

5. Always consult a doctor before taking this pill.

6. Before using the medication, have a look at the leaflet carefully.

7. People with a history of porphyria should take the medication with caution.

8. People with arterial disease and breast cancer should not take this drug.

9. People with lung problems should avoid taking this drug.

What Are the Side Effects of I-Pill?

Short-term side effects include:

• Unexpected spotting or vaginal bleeding.

• It adversely affects the libido.

• Nausea.

• Breast tenderness.

• Headache.

• Lower abdomen pain.

• Levonorgestrel induces allergies, and it is the active component of the pill.

• Weight gain.

• Dizziness.

• Altered periods (late, early, or absent).

• Hormonal imbalance.

• Mood swings.

• Rarely an allergy, causing skin rashes.

• Fatigue.

• Drug interactions.

When a heavy dose of I-pill is taken, most of the side effects occur.

Essential Tips for I-Pill:

1. Do not use it routinely and use it for emergency purposes only as it has a high dose of hormones.

2. Do not confuse it for standard oral contraceptive pills or abortion pills, as I-pill is an emergency contraceptive pill and not recommended for abortion purposes.

3. Do not start taking the drug if you missed your periods; instead, take a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant.

4. Do not take this pill if you are allergic to Levonorgestrel, as it is the active ingredient.

5. If you vomit after taking the pill, take another pill as soon as you vomit to absorb the components of the drug.

6. Contraceptive pills do not safeguard against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and avoid these diseases by using condoms.

7. It should be by women between 25 and 45 years of age and is not approved for adolescents.

8. It is not 100% effective against preventing pregnancy and does not work if you are already pregnant.

What Are the Interactions of I-pill?

I-pill does not cause adverse effects when taken with other medications. But sometimes, it modifies the metabolism and pharmacological activity of various other drugs such as:

• Tetracycline.

• Rifampicin.

• Phenobarbital.

• Phenytoin.

• Primidone.

• Anticoagulants.

• Benzodiazepines.

• Beta-blockers.

• Caffeine.

• Corticosteroids.

• Tricyclic antidepressants.

So, it is better to consult a doctor before taking an I-pill with other medications.

What Happens When I Take an I-Pill Without Sperms Entering?

If you had an unprotected exposure but are not sure of your risk of getting pregnant, it is still recommended to take an I-pill as there are no special side effects if taken when you were not exposed to sperms.

When Should I Use Regular Birth Control Again?

If you took an I-pill because you missed taking your regular oral contraceptive pills for three days in a row, you could start using your regular pills from the next day onwards.

Reason for Bleeding After Intake of I-Pill

Many women have intermenstrual spotting or bleeding, commonly known as 'withdrawal bleeding' five to seven days after taking I-pill. But, if you do not get your periods within three weeks, it is advised to take a pregnancy test.

Will I-Pill Cause Infertility?

While the I-pill is not proven to affect fertility and future pregnancies directly, they are hormonal pills that are meant to disrupt the natural cycle of the body. So, when it is taken more than twice in a span of six months, it can throw the menstrual cycle off balance and make ovulation unpredictable. Your periods can become irregular, and the flow can become heavier or lighter.

Does I-Pill Cause Abortion?

I-pill prevents pregnancy from happening in the first place. It is to be used only before a pregnancy is established. It does not cause abortion in an already pregnant woman. It has no effect on pregnancy.

If you miss your period even after taking an I-pill, it is possible that the pill did not work for you. In that case, consult your doctor for the next course of action.

Is Pregnancy Still Possible After Taking I-Pill?

I-pill has a good success rate when taken within the stipulated time. Still, like with any other type of contraception, there is a slight chance of failure with the I-pill too. So, it is still necessary to consult a doctor for a follow-up three weeks after taking I-pill to rule out pregnancy, both uterine and in the tube.

What Are the Substitutes for an I-pill?

There are few substitutes for i-pill; they are,

• Postpone-72 Tablet.

• Niel 72 Tablet.

• Unwanted 72.

• Plan B One-Step.

• Take Action.

Consult a doctor if you do not feel good about taking an I-pill and avoid self-medication.