Product Description
ECP Tablet is an emergency contraceptive pill used to treat or prevent pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected sexual intercourse.
ECP Tablet Formula
ECP Tablet contains Levonorgestrel which belongs to the class of medicines known as progestins.
ECP Tablet Uses
If you face any emergency contraception situation, then you can use an ECP tablet to prevent pregnancy. It is an emergency contraceptive pill to prevent conception. If you have any contraceptive failure (missed birth control pill or broken condom) or unprotected sexual intercourse, then you can use this tablet to avoid conception.
Moreover, it is not intended for use as a regular contraceptive pill. In addition to this, it should not be used to terminate pregnancy.
ECP tablet is effective when taken as early as possible right after intercourse. It is preferred to take the tablet within 72 hours; however, it is also effective up to 120 hours after intercourse.
ECP tablet has Levonorgestrel which is a progestin and works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary. It also prevents fertilization of the egg by sperm. Moreover, it can also change the lining of the womb (uterus) to prevent pregnancy. It makes the lining of the uterus thin which makes the fertilized egg hard to stick to the uterus lining.
- Taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse, reduces the pregnancy chances by up to 95%.
- Taken within 48 hours of unprotected intercourse, reduces the pregnancy chances by up to 85%.
- Taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, reduces the pregnancy chances by up to 58%.
Some of the ECP Tablet uses are given as follows:
- Emergency Contraception in Women
- Reduces the Chances of Fertilization
Doctors usually prescribe the drug to those who have an emergency contraception situation.
ECP Tablet Alternatives
There are alternatives to this drug present in the market, such as Ella, Take Action, My Choice pills, Paragard IUD, etc.
Medicinal Forms
Dosage and Administration
- Doctors recommend taking one tablet within 72 hours after having unprotected intercourse and then taking a second dose after 12 hours.
- Females weighing more than 70 kg may need to take 2 tablets at a time for effectiveness.
- It is not recommended to take any other birth control pills simultaneously with the ECP tablet.
- Do not consume alcohol for the next 36 hours after taking the first dose of the ECP tablet.
- It is best to take this medicine within 72 hours; however, you can also take the tablet within 120 hours after intercourse.
- Avoid crushing or chewing the tablet; instead, swallow it whole along with some water.
- If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the ECP Tablet, then take another dose as early as possible.
- Follow the dosing instructions as advised by your doctor.
ECP Tablet Side Effects
Some of the commonly occurring side effects of ECP tablets are as follows:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Abdominal Pain
- Dizziness
- Irregular Menstrual Bleeding
Risks and Warnings
There are some circumstances under which the use of medicine can be alarming. So before using the medicine, know its risks and warnings. Some of the risks and warnings associated with it are:
Mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding their babies should consult a doctor before taking this medicine. It can harm your baby’s health. So, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider before taking any antibiotic.
The liver aids in the metabolism and excretion of drugs. Therefore, in case of any liver-associated disease, drugs can build up in the body. So, before taking ECP Tablet or any other antibiotic, always consider taking it to your doctor first.
If you’re allergic to ECP Tablet or any other drug like ECP Tablet, then do not take it. It can lead to a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylactic shock is a rare but very severe allergic reaction and can lead to death if not treated at the right time. Its signs and symptoms are pale skin, itching, labored breathing, hives, a weak and rapid pulse, runny nose, nausea, excessive salivation, swollen tongue and lips, dizziness, tingling feet, mouth, hands, or scalp, vomiting, sneezing, etc.
It is better to inform your doctor about any allergies you may have.
One thing should be kept in mind ECP tablets may not be effective in preventing pregnancy if the pregnancy has already occurred outside the uterus.
Drug Interactions
When you take more than two drugs together, they can cause a reaction in the body. Sometimes the reaction is not obvious. But sometimes, it can cause adverse reactions. Therefore, it is better to consult your doctor before taking any other medicines along with ECP tablets.
It is an emergency contraceptive and may interact with the following drugs:
- Antiepileptic Drugs
- Herbal Supplements
- Drugs That Induce Liver Enzymes
To avoid any drug interactions, it is better to tell your doctor the complete medical history and the medicines that you’re already taking.
Overdose of ECP Tablet
Some of the symptoms of an overdose of ECP Tablets are:
- Breast Tenderness
- Drowsiness
- Discolored Urine
- Heavy Vaginal Bleeding (2-7 Days After the Overdose)
- Headache
- Nausea And Vomiting
- Emotional Changes
- Rash
In case of an overdose, it is advised to talk to your doctor immediately.
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dry place, and avoid refrigerating it
- Store it at room temperature (20–25°C)
- Keep it away from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture
- Keep it away from children and pets
- Do not use the medicine once it has passed its expiration date
