What is UNWANTED?
Unwanted is a progestin-only emergency contraceptive pill manufactured by Ohm Pharmaceuticals Labs (P) Ltd. It can be used by women to prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. To obtain optimal efficacy tablet should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours of intercourse. Unwanted is intended solely as emergency contraception and is not suitable for regular contraception.
What is Emergency Contraceptive?
It refers to back up -method for contraceptive emergencies which women can use within the first few days after unprotected intercourse to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Emergency Contraceptive is not suitable for regular use.
Any women of reproductive age may need EC at some point to avoid an unintended pregnancy. It is meant to be used in situations such as:
- Unprotected Intercourse
- Contraceptive Failure
- Incorrect Use of Regular birth control method
- Sexual Assault
How UNWANTED works?
Unwanted works in following ways:
- It prevents the release of egg from the ovary, so no egg will be available for sperm to fertilize.
- It prevents fertilization( by altering tubal transport of sperm and /or ova)
- It may inhibit implantation by altering the lining of uterus which prevents the fertilized egg to attach into uterine wall.
It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun and will not cause abortion.
When does one use UNWANTED?
Unwanted should be taken as soon as possible with a glass of water (do not chew the pill) within 120 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The sooner Unwanted is taken, the more effective it will be. The pill is most effective when taken as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours. It can be taken at any stage of the menstrual cycle.
If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking tablet, you should return to your pharmacy, doctor or clinic. You may be given another dose as the first one may not have been absorbed completely.
Is UNWANTED safe and effective to use?
Unwanted contains Levonorgestrel as its active ingredient which is approved by FDA and recommended by WHO for preventing an unintended pregnancy.
When taken as directed, within 120 hours, the chance of getting pregnancy is reduced significantly. The regimen is more effective the sooner it is taken.
What are the possible side effects of UNWANTED?
It is safe for most women when it is used as directed. Nausea, Vomiting, headache, dizziness is common side effects after taking Unwanted. Breast tenderness and lower abdominal pain are other side-effects. These side effects usually cease within 48 hours of taking Unwanted. There are chances of unexpected vaginal bleeding but this is not dangerous and should settle by the time of next period. After taking Unwanted, changes in period can be experienced. In some cases, the next period may be heavier or lighter, or earlier or later. It is important to go for the pregnancy test if your scheduled period is more than 1 week late.
How often can UNWANTED be used?
Unwanted can be used more than once within the same menstrual cycle. Association of Reproductive Health Providers (ARPH) states that “there is no contraindication to repeated ECP use, and women shouldn’t be denied repeat access to ECPs if needed.” Side effects such as menstrual irregularities and headaches have been reported. However, it remains best used as a back-up method and is not recommended for regular birth control. It is recommended only as an emergency contraceptive. Make sure to continue regular methods of contraception for preventing pregnancy.
When is UNWANTED less appropriate to use?
Unwanted is not recommended if:
- you had an ectopic pregnancy in the past (when the baby develops outside of the uterus)
- history of inflammation in the fallopian tubes
- serious liver disease with reduced liver function
- intestinal disease which reduces absorption of medicine(e.g Chron’s disease)
- you suffer from ischaemic heart disease
- you have or had a breast cancer
Earlier ectopic pregnancy and inflammation of the fallopian tubes increase the risk of another ectopic pregnancy. If above applies you should contact your doctor before taking Unwanted.
What is the effect of UNWANTED in existing pregnancy?
UNWANTED is not effective in terminating existing pregnancy. You should consult your doctor, if you wish to do so.
Can pregnancy be continued in case of emergency contraceptive failure?
If you wish to continue with your pregnancy, Unwanted will not cause any harm to your baby. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience severe lower abdominal pain after taking Unwanted, in order to be checked for an ectopic pregnancy.
Can UNWANTED be used while breastfeeding?
It is safe to take during breastfeeding. However, precautions should be taken as small amount of levonorgestrel is excreted into breast milk. It is sensible to breastfeed the baby immediately before taking Unwanted. Mothers should discontinue nursing for at least 8h, but not more than 24h after taking Unwanted.
Is check-up by doctor is necessary before taking UNWANTED?
A medical check-up is not required for taking Unwanted. However, in case of any serious ailment, it is advisable to consult doctor.
What are the possible drug interactions of UNWANTED?
Drug or herbal products that induce enzymes, including CYP3A4, that metabolizes progestin may that decrease the plasma concentration of progestin, and may decrease the effectiveness of progestin-only pills. Some drugs or herbal products that may decrease the effectiveness of progestin-only pills include Barbiturates, Carbamzepine, Felbamate, Phenytoin, Rifampin, St. John’s Wart, Topiramate.
Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma levels of the progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration with HIV protease inhibitors or with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Unwanted is ineffective if you are already pregnant. It should not be used as regular birth control method. It does not offer protection against HIV/AIDS or other Sexually Transmitted Diseases. There is only limited information available when taken by women aged 14-16 years and no information on its use in younger women or children
