Emergency contraception for emergencies. "Postinor": analogues, contraindications What other pills besides postinor

1 tablet contains 750 mcg , as well as anhydrous colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, potato and corn starch, talc, lactose monohydrate.

Release form

Tablets packaged in blisters of 2 pcs. The package contains 1 blister.

Contraceptive pills Postinor are flat, approximately 6 mm in diameter, with a chamfer, almost white, on one side they are engraved with the inscription "INOR".

pharmachologic effect

The drug helps to prevent pregnancy, causes effects in the body similar to the action of hormones of the corpus luteum of the ovaries, and also suppresses the effects caused by .

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

What is Postinor?

Postinor is a remedy with a pronounced antiestrogen and progestogenic activity. These properties of the drug make it difficult to conceive at an early stage and help prevent pregnancy.

Pharmacodynamics

How Postinor works is not exactly known. Contained in tablets levonorgestrel prevents ovulation and fertilization of the egg if UPC (unprotected sexual intercourse) happened before ovulation (when fertilization is most likely).

Levonorgestrel also causes changes in the endometrium, which make it difficult for a fertilized egg to enter the mucous layer of the uterine cavity. In cases where the attachment of the fetal egg has already begun, the drug does not give the expected effect.

Wikipedia states that the mechanism of action levonorgestrel is most successful when the size of the dominant follicle is 17 mm. Best of all, the drug suppresses ovulation no later than three days before it.

The effectiveness of tablets

The probability of pregnancy after the use of Postinor tablets is 15-42%. The action after taking the better, the less time has passed after NPC.

If the drug was taken within 24 hours, its effectiveness is 95%, in the next 24 hours it decreases to 85%, on the third day - up to 58%. It makes no sense to take the drug later than 72 hours later.

Is Postinor harmful?

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption in the alimentary canal when ingested is rapid and complete. In the body, the drug binds to SHBG and albumin: approximately 65% ​​of the dose taken is associated with SHBG, only 1.5% is in the free form.

96 minutes after taking the tablet, the plasma concentration levonorgestrel reaches 14.1 ng/ml. Then there is a 2-stage decrease in Cmax.

The drug is well distributed in tissues and organs.

Its biotransformation is carried out in the liver. The resulting metabolic products (conjugated glucuronates) are pharmacologically inactive.

Levonorgestrel It is excreted from the body exclusively in the form of metabolic products. About half of the dose taken is excreted in the urine, the rest - in the faeces. The value of T1 / 2 varies from 9 to 14.5 hours.

With milk, about 0.1% of the dose enters the body of an infant when a nursing woman takes Postinor.

Indications for use

“Urgent” contraception in case of failure of the chosen method of contraception or after CPD.

Contraindications

A contraindication to the use of the drug is intolerance levonorgestrel or any of the auxiliary ingredients contained therein.

The drug is used in pediatric practice. Data regarding its use in girls under 16 years of age are limited, therefore, in adolescence, Postinor is not recommended to be taken without medical supervision.

Side effects of Postinor: why is the drug dangerous?

In the annotation to the drug, the manufacturer reports that the most common reaction to the use of levonorgestrel is an nausea .

In addition, the following side effects of Postinor were recorded during the studies:

• dizziness;
• headache;
• and vomit ;
• nausea;
• not related to the menstrual cycle ;
• failure of the menstrual cycle (namely, a delay in menstruation after taking the pill for more than a week);
• increased fatigue.

Post-marketing observations have shown that sometimes (quite rarely) the use of the drug may be accompanied by: hypersensitivity reactions ( , the appearance of rashes on the skin, skin itching), , pain in the pelvis and / or in the abdomen, swelling of the face.

What is harmful Postinor?

Reviews of side effects allow us to conclude that the most unpleasant, according to women, phenomena after taking Postinor:

• bleeding (in some reviews it is mentioned that, not knowing how to stop the bleeding after Postinor, the woman was forced to seek medical help);
• severe hormonal imbalance and severe cycle disorders (many cases have been described when, after taking Postinor, there are no periods for several cycles; it takes up to a year for someone to restore the regularity of menstruation).

This list can include the appearance of "male" signs, metabolic disorders and acne .

Sometimes the consequences of taking Postinor tablets manifest themselves in the form of miscarriage of subsequent pregnancies and infertility.

To minimize harm to the body, the drug should be used no more than 3-4 times a year.

Tablets Postinor: instructions for use

How to take Postinor?

The instructions for Postinor indicate that the contraceptive effect is provided by taking two tablets (provided that the first tablet is drunk in the first 3 days after the NPC). Between doses 1 and 2 doses withstand a twelve-hour interval.

If within 3 hours after the drug was drunk (regardless of whether 1 or 2 doses), you should immediately take another 750 mcg levonorgestrel (3rd tablet).

The tool can be used in any phase of the menstrual cycle. A prerequisite is the absence of a woman's delay in menstruation.

After taking the pills before the start of the next menstruation, it is recommended to use funds barrier contraception (cervical cap or condoms).

Taking the drug is not a contraindication for the continued use of hormonal contraceptives for regular use.

How to understand that the drug has worked?

The tablet begins to act immediately after dissolution and absorption in the intestinal tract.

The evidence that the drug "worked" is menstruation.

Bleeding after consumption excludes pregnancy in about 95-85% of cases if it begins 3-6 days after taking the pill.

What can the delay after Postinor indicate?

If there is no bleeding after taking the drug, or if the bleeding begins later than the indicated dates, the woman is recommended to do and undergo an examination by a gynecologist to exclude pregnancy.

It is worth consulting a doctor not only with a delay in menstruation, but also if, after taking Postinor, the consequences are expressed in the form of unusually strong bleeding for a woman. The causes of such bleeding may be an excess of the recommended dose and the negative impact levonorgestrel on the uterine endometrium .

Sometimes women note that they have brown discharge after taking it. The phenomenon is considered the norm if the discharge appears within a few days, thus completing the menstruation artificially induced by the pills. However, for some women, spotting can last up to a month.

Most likely, this is an individual reaction to severe stress for the reproductive system, but only a doctor can accurately diagnose the cause of the discharge.

Cause for concern are menstrual bleeding lasting more than 14 days, the absence of a full period, the appearance of clots or heavy brown discharge, pain.

When should my period start after taking the pills?

It is impossible to say exactly when menstruation will begin after the use of Postinor. The tablets contain a large amount levonorgestrel Therefore, even a single use of the drug does not pass without a trace for the body.

In most cases, after taking the remedy, the menstrual cycle remains the same. Sometimes bleeding may start earlier or later. Normally, the delay should not be more than 5-7 days. Otherwise, pregnancy should be excluded.

After taking levonorgestrel a woman is advised to visit a doctor who will help her choose the most suitable method of regular contraception.

Is it worth taking Postinor if NPK occurred during menstruation?

Women with irregular cycles are more likely to get pregnant even during their menstrual bleeding. The appropriateness of the use of "urgent" contraceptives, if the NPC occurred during menstruation, can be determined by the doctor.

How often can I take Postinor?

To the question “How often can I take emergency contraceptive pills?” doctors answer that Postinor-type drugs are not intended for systematic use. They are used only in emergency situations and no more than 3-4 times a year.

Overdose

Clinical picture of overdose hormonal means emergency contraception not described. Most likely, the first signs of poisoning will be nausea and breakthrough bleeding.

Postinor does not have a specific antidote.

Interaction

In combination with liver enzyme inducers, metabolism is activated levonorgestrel .

The effectiveness of drugs that contain levonorgestrel , may decrease with simultaneous use with:

• barbiturates ;
• preparations of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum);
• rafibutin ;
• ritonavir ;
• phenytoin ;

Women taking these drugs should consult a doctor before taking Postinor.

Levonorgestrel-containing drugs can lead to increased toxicity , which is associated with the possible suppression of its metabolism.

Terms of sale

On prescription.

Storage conditions

Tablets should be stored at 15-25°C.

Shelf life

special instructions

Means of "urgent" contraception are intended for occasional use and do not replace the regular method of contraception.

“Emergency” contraception does not always prevent pregnancy. If there is any doubt as to the timing of CPP, or if an unprotected intercourse has taken place more than 72 hours during the same cycle, the possibility that a fertilized egg has already implanted in the uterine wall cannot be ruled out.

In this regard, the use of tablets at the next sexual contact may be ineffective. If the cycle is delayed by more than 5 days, if atypical bleeding develops on the day of the expected menstruation, as well as if there are other reasons to suspect the occurrence of pregnancy, the fact of pregnancy should be excluded.

After taking levonorgestrel there is a risk of developing ectopic pregnancy . The absolute probability of this is low, since the drug interferes with ovulation and fertilization.

Ectopic pregnancy may persist despite the occurrence of uterine bleeding.

most likely in women who noted fainting or severe abdominal pain, as well as in the presence of a history of surgery on the fallopian tubes, , or PID .

Based on this, patients at risk are not recommended to take Postinor tablets.

Taking pills can slightly change the nature of bleeding, but in most cases the next menstruation begins a maximum of a week after the usual date.

With a delay in menstrual bleeding for more than 5 days, it is necessary to exclude the fact of pregnancy.

The drug should not be used in women with serious liver pathologies. The effectiveness of tablets can be negatively affected by severe malabsorption (eg, granulomatous enteritis ).

For women suffering from similar diseases, before carrying out emergency contraception it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Postinor tablets contain lactose, which should be warned in patients with lactase deficiency and malabsorption of glucose and galactose .

The drug is ineffective as regular contraceptives and is not an alternative. It should also be remembered that this tool does not replace the necessary precautions related to protection against STD .

If a woman seeks repeated use of Postinor, the doctor should recommend that she use long-term methods of contraception.

Impact Studies levonorgestrel on the ability to drive a vehicle or work with mechanisms have not been carried out, but one should forget about the possibility of dizziness. levonorgestrel. Only in the first case, its concentration is 1.5 mg / tab., And in the second - 0.75 mg / tab.. That is Escapelle in the case of NPC, it should be taken once, and Postinor - in 2 doses with an interval of 12 hours.

Which is better - Genale or Postinor?

Active substance Jenale - synthetic antiprogestin . The substance is a derivative norethisterone and is used to terminate early pregnancy. Its content in each tablet is 10 mg.

Mifepristone is an non-hormonal agent , which reversibly and briefly blocks only peripheral PR (receptors progesterone ). Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, the drug prevents the release of luteotropin , delays or blocks ovulation and causes disturbances in the transformation of the endometrium, which, in turn, makes it difficult for the implantation of the egg.

WHO data indicate that the use of low doses mifepristone more effective and safer than emergency contraception using levonorgestrel .

In addition, it has been experimentally proven that the contraceptive effect mifepristone does not decrease with an increase in the interval between NPK and reception Jenale up to 120 hours. This is also a significant advantage of the latter over Postinor.

If necessary "urgent" contraception it is enough to take 1 tablet during the first 72 hours Jenale . The drug is used 2 hours before meals.

Which is better - Postinor or Ginepriston?

active substance Ginepriston is also mifepristone at a concentration of 10 mg / tab .. Thus, the drug has the same advantages over Postinor as Jenale .

The tool is highly effective, characterized by the absence of pronounced side effects and can be used for episodic contraception in women with an irregular sexual life.

In addition, the drug is more affordable than Postinor. Its price in Russian pharmacies is about 100-120 rubles lower than the price of Postinor.

Postinor and alcohol

Is it possible to combine Postinor tablets with alcohol? There are no recommendations in the manufacturer's instructions for this.

However, it should be remembered that alcohol is not compatible with the vast majority of pharmaceutical products.

The use of alcoholic beverages in combination with Postinor can cause a sharp expansion, and then an equally sharp vasoconstriction, which in turn will complicate the woman's condition when the drug provokes rejection of the uterine mucosa.

In addition, alcohol increases the level of liver enzymes, thereby speeding up the metabolism. Since biotransformation levonorgestrel carried out in the liver, the contraceptive effect of Postinor while taking alcohol can be very doubtful.

Postinor is used after unprotected intercourse in cases of emergency contraception. The main active ingredient of the drug is levonorgestrel. In pharmacies, the remedy is not always on sale, but there are postinor analogues with a similar composition.

The drug reduces the likelihood of ovulation, has high bioavailability and is completely absorbed in a short period of time. The effectiveness of the drug depends on the time factor. It is recommended to use the tool as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

The instructions say that you can avoid the onset of ovulation in 95% if you use postinor within the next 24 hours. The cost of packing tablets 0.75 mg, 2 pcs. is 350 rubles.

List of postinor structural analogues

This list indicates the means most closely corresponding to postinor. The active substance is levonorgestrel.

1. Escapelle (Gedeon Richter, Germany). It is a synthetic gestogenic agent capable of preventing fertilization. When you receive escapela during the first 24 hours after intercourse, the effectiveness of the drug is 95%, on the second day 85 percent, on the third day only 58%.

It is used as an emergency method of contraception. It has a list of restrictions for admission: age up to 16 years, individual intolerance to components, dangerous sensitivity to lactose, lack of lactase, impaired absorption of simple carbohydrates in the intestines, pregnancy, liver failure.

After taking Escapelle during lactation, you should stop feeding the baby for a day, since levonorgestrel is absorbed into mother's milk. One of the best analogues of postinor with an identical composition.

• The cost of packaging 1.5 mg, 1 pc. - 390 rubles.

2. Eskinor-F (Fami Ker Limited, India). Used for the next 72 hours as a way to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The action of the drug is associated with a local effect on the endometrium, fallopian tubes and the viscosity of the mucus in the cervical canal, which creates obstacles for the movement of spermatozoa. Contraindications coincide with the drug described above (Escapel).

P.S. At the time of writing Eskinor-F was not found in stock in most online pharmacies.

• Packing price tab. 0.75 mg 2 pieces - 340 r.

Analogues by pharmacological group and action

1. Genale (Izvarino Pharma, Russia). Active substance mifepristone. The action of the drug is associated with blocking ovulation and reducing the likelihood of a fertilized egg attaching to the walls of the uterus. Helps to avoid unintended pregnancy.

Jenale quickly absorbed, bioavailability approaches 70%. Contraindication: intolerance mifepristone, pregnancy, lactation, liver and kidney disease in the acute phase, low hemoglobin levels, weakening of adrenal function, prolonged use of glucocorticosteroids.

• Price tab. in a blister 10 mg 1 piece - 330 rubles.

2. Ginepriston (Obninsk CFC ZAO, Russia). Active substance mifepristone. Under the influence of the drug, the functional layer of the endometrium is exfoliated. Taking after unprotected intercourse in the first 72 hours prevents pregnancy. It has a large list of contraindications, use strictly under medical supervision.

• Tablet in a pack of 10 mg 1 pc. - 340 r.

These postinor analogues can cause side effects: urticaria, dizziness, spotting, nausea, cycle disorder. The medication is prescribed by a gynecologist, taking into account chronic and current diseases. Only a doctor is able to assess the possible risk of taking these drugs.

To date, there are many contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. And, despite this, not all women choose this method of protection. But there are cases when you need to resort to emergency help, and postinor can become such help. Postinor is like a pill for the next day, and if you had unprotected sexual intercourse, then you can protect yourself with it.

Postinor is a hormonal contraceptive drug that contains a large dose of the hormone levonorgesterel, the main active ingredient. With its help, ovulation stops, preventing sperm from reaching the egg.

The most famous analogues of Postinor are:

• Escapelle;
• Microlute;
• Genale;
• Eskinor-F;
• Ginepriston;

Such analogues and postinor cannot be considered a contraceptive, because their action is a little different than in real contraceptives. They are not designed for permanent use, since with frequent use the structure of the endometrium changes, side effects appear in some organs, with prolonged use, addiction occurs and the effect of the drug decreases, uterine bleeding may even open. Based on this, postinor and analogues are recommended to be taken only in emergency cases: in case of accidental unprotected intercourse, if the condom broke, rape and other unforeseen cases.

What to take - postinor or analogues?

If you cannot take the drug due to individual intolerance, contraindications to the use of any of the components or its absence in the pharmacy, then you can. Girls think that after taking postinor analogues there will be no consequences, and if there are, they will be insignificant. But they are wrong, because they also contain a large amount of levonorgesterel, which means that they are not inferior to Postinor in terms of the number of side effects.

Among such drugs, postinor began to be released before anyone else, and after taking it, women experienced nausea. And during pregnancy, it can affect her negatively. Postinor analogues act in the same way. Although there are some differences.

For example, analogue of Escapelle later created and does not have as many side effects, and you can take it a little longer than postinor. If we take, in general, then all new drugs have more effect and are not so harmful.

But if we compare analog Ginepriston with Postinor, they are very similar in side effects. Ginepristone also causes nausea, vomiting, discharge, and even disrupts the menstrual cycle. When taking one of these drugs, weakness, dizziness, urticaria, hyperthermia often appear. For these reasons, taking postinor and analogues without a doctor's prescription is not welcome, since the consequences can be very serious.

Postinor analogues are cheaper

4 (80%) 1 vote

Postinor and its analogues are hormonal drugs used after unprotected intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancy. There are 2 tablets in the Postinor package, the first must be taken as soon as possible, the second in a day. The drug is relatively cheap, but in many pharmacies you can find its safe counterparts at the same price or cheaper.

Jenale

Genale is a cheap analogue of Postinor, which can be found in almost all cities of Russia. Produced in the form of convex on both sides, round yellow tablets with a pale green tint. Each of them contains 10 mg of the active substance of the drug - mifepristone, while in the drug Postinor the active ingredient is levonorgestrel.

This analogue is used as an urgent contraceptive within three days after unprotected intercourse. Dosage - 1 tablet, 2 hours after a meal.

The action, like that of Postinor, is aimed at:

• blocking the functions of progesterone at the receptor level;
• delayed ovulation;
• changes in the composition of the uterine mucosa;
• obstruction of the fixation of the fetal egg on the walls of the uterus;
• the end result of taking the pill is the release of the fetal egg.

Before taking the medicine, as well as other analogues of Postinor, it is important to make sure that there are no contraindications indicated in the instructions: chronic diseases of the kidney and liver, pregnancy and lactation.

The use of this Postinor substitute has side effects on the nervous, digestive and reproductive systems, and can also cause general weakness and skin rashes.

Genale, like Postinor and similar similar drugs:

• does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection;
• able to terminate a pregnancy in the first trimester or adversely affect the condition of the fetus and reproductive organs of a woman;
• does not guarantee 100% termination of pregnancy. If the fertilized egg does not come out, the consequences can be very dangerous for the fetus, so it is recommended to have a surgical or medical abortion.

After taking the drug, the use of medicines, the action of which is aimed at relieving inflammatory processes, is not allowed. If a woman is breastfeeding, she needs to take a two-week break.

Genale is stored for a maximum of 3 years in a dry place at room temperature.

Escapelle

A worthy replacement for Postinor - the drug Escapel - is cheaper and no less effective. It is a postcoital emergency contraceptive used by mouth once. If a woman vomited within three hours after using the remedy, it is necessary to take the drug again. The medicine is produced in white tablets.

The action of Escapelle, like other analogues, is aimed at:

• Suppression of ovulation and fertilization even in the most favorable period from the point of view of physiology;
• Obstruction of implantation of a fertilized egg due to changes in the composition of the uterine mucosa;
• Conclusion of the fetal egg.

It is important to remember that the effectiveness of the drug and analogues directly determines the time of sexual intercourse: during the first day, the probability of abortion is 95%, the second - 85% and the third - only 58%. Approximately the same indicators for other analogues.

This analogue of Postinor is categorically contraindicated in the following cases:

• Chronic kidney disease;
• Diseases of the adrenal glands in acute or chronic form;
• Periods during which there is a violation of the hormonal background: adolescence, pregnancy, lactation, menopause;
• With individual intolerance to lactose and other components of Escapel.

Breastfeeding mothers should stop lactating for up to 12 days.

The drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Like analogues, it can cause adverse reactions: allergies, symptoms of intoxication, fatigue, pain in the reproductive organs, bleeding and menstrual irregularities.

To preserve the properties, it is necessary to store the tablets in a dark, dry place at an air temperature of at least 25 degrees.

Both Postinor and Escapel can be purchased at a pharmacy without a gynecologist's prescription, but this does not mean that the drugs are safe. They are considered analogues of each other, have an identical list of contraindications, side effects and the active ingredient is levonorgestrel, only in different dosages. Therefore, they differ only in the way they are used. If the question arises which is better - Postinor or Escapel - the answer is unequivocal: the funds are the same, both are cheap, you just need to drink two tablets first, and one second.

Ginepriston

Postinor's analogs can be dispensed without a doctor's prescription or with it. Ginepristron belongs to the second group of drugs. It is not as cheap as Postinor, Escapelle and Genale, on average its price is 100 rubles higher per pack. Pharmaceutical form - yellow-green tablets. Each of them contains 10 mg of mifepristone, like Genale's tablets, so Ginepristron, like other Postinor analogues, is a synthetic drug.

It is used as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse, it is desirable to maintain a two-hour interval between meals. The algorithm of action of the active and excipients looks like this:

• Blocking of progesterone receptors responsible for a healthy pregnancy;
• Due to the disruption of the work of the main female hormone in the uterus, unfavorable conditions are created for the implantation of a fertilized egg;
• Not being able to gain a foothold on the walls of the uterus, the fetal egg comes out.

Like Postinor tablets, its analogue Ginepriston does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.

The drug has an impressive list of contraindications, the absence of which must be verified before use:

• Diseases of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production of steroid hormones;
• kidney and liver health problems;
• Diseases of any organs in a severe form of leakage;
• Pregnancy;

With the preliminary intake of drugs, the action of which is aimed at blood clotting, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.

Like all analogues of Postinor, Ginepriston affects lactation. If the drug was taken by a woman who is breastfeeding, feeding should be stopped for at least 2 weeks.

Side effects include the same as for other Postinor analogues: symptoms similar to manifestations of intoxication, pain in the genital area, menstrual cycle failure, general loss of strength.

The main requirements for the storage of the drug - a dry place inaccessible to sunlight, air temperature up to 30 degrees. Prices for Ginepriston are close to the cost of Postinor, but slightly cheaper.

Microlute

Among the analogues that can replace Postinor, Microlute differs in the form of release and method of application. The drug is a dragee, 35 pieces in each package. For the price, it's just as cheap. The complexity of the use in comparison with other analogues lies in the regularity and continuity, as well as the need to control the time of admission. But the action of Microlut, unlike other analyzed contraceptives, is aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancy, and not its disruption. The fact that the drug does not have harmful effects is its main advantage.

The active substance is levonorgestrel, 0.03 mg per tablet. It is this component that affects the composition of the uterine mucosa, which contributes to the formation of an unfavorable environment for embryo implantation. Among the frequently asked questions regarding the effectiveness of the drug, women ask if Microlut can prevent conception completely. The answer is no, like any analogue of Postinor - cheap or expensive, this drug does not give a 100% guarantee.

It is used according to the doctor's prescription, in the absence of any of these contraindications:

• Genital bleeding of uncertain cause;
• Onco diseases of the reproductive system;
• Any kidney disease;
• Pregnancy;
• Diabetes;
• Individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Due to the gentle dosage of the synthetic substance, this analogue of Postinor rarely has side effects. If they still happen, then they are expressed as follows:

• Disorders of the digestive system;
• Depressive state;
• Menstrual irregularities;
• Headaches;
• Weight gain or loss;
• Allergic reaction;
• Changes in the microflora of the vagina;
• Rashes on the skin and others.

It is necessary to store the drug at room temperature in a dry, dark place for no more than 5 years.

Conclusion

Postinor is considered to be the most popular emergency contraceptive. The analogues described above are almost all the same cheap, but no less effective. Each of them is a synthetic drug due to the nature of the active substance. Contraindications and side effects are similar, as is the method of application. The exception is Microlute, which must be applied constantly. All these cheap analogues are sold in pharmacies in Russian cities.

In this article, you can read the instructions for using the drug Postinor. Reviews of site visitors - consumers of this medicine, as well as opinions of doctors of specialists on the use of Postinor in their practice are presented. A big request to actively add your reviews about the drug: did the medicine help or not help get rid of the disease, what complications and side effects were observed, perhaps not declared by the manufacturer in the annotation. Postinor analogues in the presence of existing structural analogues. Use for emergency contraception. Menstruation, pain and possible pregnancy after taking birth control. Effect of alcohol on drug availability.

Postinor- a synthetic drug with a contraceptive effect, pronounced gestagenic and antiestrogenic properties. With the recommended dosing regimen, the active substance of the drug levonorgestrel inhibits ovulation and fertilization if sexual contact occurred in the pre-ovulatory phase, when the possibility of fertilization is greatest. It can also cause changes in the endometrium that prevent implantation. The drug is not effective if implantation has already occurred.

Efficacy: Postinor tablets can prevent pregnancy in about 85% of cases. The more time elapsed between sexual intercourse and taking the drug, the lower its effectiveness (95% during the first 24 hours, 85% - from 24 to 48 hours and 58% - from 48 to 72 hours). Thus, it is recommended to start taking Postinor tablets as soon as possible (but no later than 72 hours) after sexual contact, if no protective measures have been taken. At the recommended dose, levonorgestrel does not have a significant effect on blood coagulation factors, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, Postinor is rapidly and almost completely absorbed. Absolute bioavailability is almost 100% of the dose taken. Levonorgestrel is excreted approximately equally by the kidneys and through the intestines exclusively in the form of metabolites. Biotransformation of levonorgestrel corresponds to the metabolism of steroids.

Indications

• emergency (postcoital) contraception (after unprotected intercourse or unreliability of the contraceptive method used).

Release form

Tablets 0.75 mg.

Instructions for use and method of use

The drug is taken orally. It is necessary to take 2 tablets in the first 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The second tablet should be taken 12 hours (but not later than 16 hours) after taking the first tablet.

To achieve a more reliable effect, both tablets should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse (no later than 72 hours).

If vomiting occurs within 3 hours after the 1st or 2nd dose of the Postinor tablet, then another Postinor tablet should be taken.

Postinor can be used at any time of the menstrual cycle. In the case of an irregular menstrual cycle, pregnancy must first be excluded.

After taking emergency contraceptives, local barrier methods (eg, condom, cervical cap) should be used until the next menstrual period. The use of the drug during repeated unprotected intercourse during one menstrual cycle is not recommended due to an increase in the frequency of acyclic spotting / bleeding.

Side effect

• urticaria, rash, itching, swelling of the face;
• vomiting, diarrhea;
• dizziness, headache;
• soreness in the chest;
• delayed menstruation (no more than 5-7 days; if menstruation is delayed for a longer period, pregnancy must be excluded);
• nausea;
• fatigue;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• acyclic spotting (bleeding).

Contraindications

• adolescence up to 16 years;
• severe liver failure;
• pregnancy;
• rare hereditary diseases such as lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Postinor is contraindicated for use during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurred while using an emergency method of contraception, then, based on the available data, an adverse effect of the drug on the fetus was not detected.

Levonorgestrel is excreted in breast milk. After taking the drug, breastfeeding should be stopped for 24 hours.

special instructions

Postinor should only be used for emergency contraception. Repeated use of the drug Postinor during one menstrual cycle is not recommended.

The effectiveness of Postinor tablets after unprotected intercourse, in which contraceptives were not used, decreases over time.

The drug does not replace the use of permanent methods of contraception. In most cases, Postinor does not affect the nature of the menstrual cycle. However, there may be acyclic spotting and a delay in menstruation for several days. With a delay in menstruation for more than 5-7 days and a change in its nature (scanty or heavy discharge), pregnancy must be excluded. The appearance of pain in the lower abdomen, fainting may indicate an ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy.

Adolescents under 16 in exceptional cases (including rape) need to consult a gynecologist to confirm pregnancy.

After emergency contraception, a consultation with a gynecologist is recommended to select the most appropriate method of permanent contraception.

Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

With violations of the function of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, with Crohn's disease), the effectiveness of the drug may decrease.

Simultaneous administration of the drug Postinor and alcohol increases the risk of bleeding and increases the load on the liver (hepatotoxicity).

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and control mechanisms

The effect of Postinor on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms has not been studied.

drug interaction

The following drugs may reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel: amprecavil, lansoprazole, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, tacrolimus, topiramate, tretinoin, barbiturates, including primidone, phenytoin, and carbamazepine, drugs containing St. rifabutin, griseofulvin. Levonorgestrel reduces the effectiveness of hypoglycemic and anticoagulant (coumarin derivatives, phenindione) drugs. Increases plasma concentrations of corticosteroids. Women taking these drugs should contact their doctor.

Preparations containing levonorgestrel may increase the risk of cyclosporine toxicity due to suppression of its metabolism.

Analogues of the drug Postinor

Structural analogues for the active substance:

• Levonorgestrel;
• Microlute;
• Mirena;
• Norplant;
• Escapelle;
• Eskinor-F.

In the absence of analogues of the drug for the active substance, you can follow the links below to the diseases that the corresponding drug helps with and see the available analogues for the therapeutic effect.