Different Morning-After Pills

Emergency pills work mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation; they do not end an established pregnancy. Different products contain different hormones and have different instructions about when they can be taken. Levonorgestrel is one active ingredient used for emergency contraception. A pharmacist or clinician can help identify the suitable product and explain its local instructions.

Possible short-term effects include nausea, headache, cramps, tiredness, breast tenderness, or a period that arrives earlier or later than expected. These effects do not show whether the pill worked.

Take the tablet as soon as possible after the contraceptive problem, following the product leaflet or a clinician’s directions. Tell the pharmacist about regular medicines, allergies, breastfeeding, recent vomiting, and where you are in your menstrual cycle. If you vomit soon after taking it, contact a pharmacist or clinician because another dose may be needed. The pill does not protect against later unprotected sex in the same cycle, so discuss ongoing contraception.

Seek advice if your next period is noticeably late, unusually light, or accompanied by persistent lower abdominal pain. Take a pregnancy test if advised or if pregnancy symptoms develop. Get urgent care for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so testing may be appropriate after exposure.

Ask which ingredient suits your timing and medicines, when to test for pregnancy, and when to restart or begin regular contraception. If you use hormonal contraception, ask whether the emergency pill changes when you should take your next dose.