Lydia Postpil is an emergency contraceptive pill that contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone. It is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure and is most effective when taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours.
Key Features
- Active Ingredient: Each tablet contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel, which works primarily by:
- Delaying Ovulation: Preventing the release of an egg from the ovary.
- Thickening Cervical Mucus: Making it more difficult for sperm to reach any egg that may have been released.
- Altering Uterine Lining: Making it less suitable for implantation of a fertilized egg.
Dosage and Administration
- Recommended Dosage: Take one tablet (1.5 mg) orally as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, but no later than 72 hours afterward.
- Instructions for Use:
- Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew or crush it.
- If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking the pill, consult a healthcare provider about whether to take another dose.
Effectiveness
- The effectiveness of Lydia Postpil decreases the longer you wait to take it after unprotected sex:
- Approximately 95% effective if taken within 24 hours.
- Effectiveness declines to about 58% if taken between 48 to 72 hours.
Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in menstrual cycle (e.g., irregular bleeding)
Serious side effects are rare but can include:
- Severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling)
- Abdominal pain (especially if it occurs several weeks after taking the pill)
Precautions
- Contraindications: Not recommended for individuals who are already pregnant or have a known hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare provider before use if pregnant or breastfeeding, as levonorgestrel may enter breast milk.
- Drug Interactions: Certain medications that induce liver enzymes may reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel.
