Ovral as a "morning-after" contraceptive
Article Abstract:
Large doses of various hormones, such as the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol, are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Ovral, an oral contraceptive containing the estrogen ethinyl estradiol and the progestin norgestrel, has been recommended as a 'morning-after' pill. Although high doses of estrogen prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg in animals, the contraceptive effects of progestin and combined hormones are not clear. The incidence of pregnancy is 20 percent if unprotected intercourse occurs three days before ovulation, 25 percent if intercourse occurs one day before ovulation, and 15 percent if intercourse on day of ovulation. Ovral was effective in preventing pregnancy as indicated by the absence of a positive pregnancy test and onset of menstruation. Adverse effects of the contraceptive include nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness. Four tablets of the oral contraceptive Ovral, taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, is often effective in preventing pregnancy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Plan B: A progestin-only emergency contraceptive
Article Abstract:
An emergency contraceptive pack called Plan B has been approved by the FDA. It is produced by Women's Capital Corp. and contains two tablets of levonorgestrel. This is a hormone similar to progesterone. Doctors are not sure exactly how this product works, but presumably it inhibits ovulation or prevents implantation of the fertilized egg in some way. One pill must be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The other pill is taken 12 hours later. As of January, 2000, the pack costs $21.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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An emergency contraceptive kit
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the Preven Emergency Contrceptive Kit made by Gynetics, Inc. It includes four tablets each containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Women will need a doctor's prescription for the kit, which should be used as soon as possible after an episode of unprotected intercourse. Studies show that using these tablets can reduce the risk of pregnancy 75% after unprotected intercourse.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1998
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