Emcon 1 1.5 mg

Indications

Emcon 1 is an emergency contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. It is designed to work as a backup option to prevent fertilization in situations such as:

• When no contraceptive method was used during intercourse.
• If you missed three consecutive contraceptive pills.
• If a condom broke, slipped, or was removed improperly, or if it was forgotten to be used.
• If there is a concern that your intrauterine device (IUD) was expelled.
• If your vaginal diaphragm or contraceptive cap has shifted or was removed prematurely.
• If the coitus interruptus method failed or if intercourse occurred during a fertile period while using the rhythm method.
• In the unfortunate event of rape.

Take this medicine according to the advice of a registered healthcare professional.

Composition

• 1.5 mg: Each tablet contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel, a progestogen. Each pack contains one round, white tablet.
• 0.75 mg: Each tablet contains 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel. Each pack contains two round, white tablets.

Description

Emcon 1 is a type of emergency contraception for women. It should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse and is not intended to be used as a regular birth control method. It is commonly known as the Morning After Pill or Post Coital Pill. The active ingredient in Emcon 1 is levonorgestrel, which helps to prevent pregnancy following unprotected sex.

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Contraception:

The menstrual cycle is the period between two menstrual periods, typically lasting 28 days but varying from one woman to another. Ovulation, when an ovum is released from one of the ovaries, typically occurs around the middle of the cycle. During this time, if sperm encounters the egg, fertilization can occur. If fertilization is successful, the fertilized egg implants in the womb, resulting in pregnancy.

Contraception methods work in different ways:

• Preventing ovulation (e.g., contraceptive pills).
• Preventing fertilization (e.g., condoms).
• Preventing implantation of a fertilized egg (e.g., IUDs).

Emergency contraception works by blocking ovulation or preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg if used after unprotected intercourse, particularly when fertilization is most likely to occur. However, it is ineffective once implantation has begun.

It is important to consult your doctor if you are not using regular contraception, as they can advise on the most suitable contraceptive method for you.

Advice Regarding Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):

If you fear a pregnancy due to the lack of condom use or improper condom use during intercourse, there is a potential risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or the AIDS virus. It is recommended to seek medical advice for early detection and treatment. For future protection, it is advisable to take necessary precautions to avoid both pregnancy and STDs.

Pharmacology

Levonorgestrel in Emcon 1 works by suppressing gonadotropins, which inhibits ovulation. Specifically, it binds to progesterone and androgen receptors, reducing the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. This results in the suppression of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that typically precedes ovulation, preventing the release of a viable egg from the ovaries. Levonorgestrel is most effective when taken before ovulation.

Dosage

• 1.5 mg Tablet: Take one tablet as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours of unprotected intercourse. It can be taken within 72 hours (3 days), but the earlier it is taken, the more effective it is. Levonorgestrel can be taken at any point in your menstrual cycle.

• 0.75 mg Tablet: Take the first tablet within 72 hours of intercourse, and the second tablet 12 hours after the first one. It should be taken within 48 hours after unprotected intercourse, as its effectiveness diminishes after this time. Levonorgestrel can be taken at any point during the menstrual cycle.

After using emergency contraception, it is recommended to use a barrier method (such as a condom) until your next menstrual period. You can continue regular hormonal contraception after using Emcon 1. If you are using oral contraception, continue taking your usual contraceptive pills. If you do not get your period as expected, or if there is a delay of more than 5 days, a pregnancy test should be performed.

Take this medicine according to the advice of a registered healthcare professional.

Administration

The tablet should be taken orally with a glass of water.

Take this medicine according to the advice of a registered healthcare professional.

Interaction

Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants (phenobarbitone, phenytoin, primidone, carbamazepine), rifampicin, and griseofulvin, may reduce the effectiveness of Emcon 1 when taken together.

Contraindications

Do not use Emcon 1 if you are hypersensitive to levonorgestrel or any of its components.

Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness, fatigue, or headache
• Abdominal pain
• Breast tenderness
• Spotting or bleeding after taking the pill

Notify your doctor if you experience any side effects not mentioned here.

Pregnancy & Lactation

This medicine is not meant for use during an existing pregnancy and will not interrupt it. If pregnancy persists after use, studies show no adverse effects of progestogen on fetal malformations. Levonorgestrel is secreted into breast milk, so it is recommended to breastfeed before taking each dose of Emcon 1 and avoid breastfeeding afterward.

Precautions & Warnings

Emergency contraception should be used only in exceptional circumstances, as it is not guaranteed to prevent pregnancy every time. Hormonal overdosing is not advisable with regular use, and it cannot replace regular contraception. After taking Emcon 1, menstruation should typically occur at the expected time, but may be earlier or later by a few days. If there is any abnormal bleeding or a delay in your period, perform a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

Emcon 1 does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is important to take necessary precautions to avoid STDs and HIV transmission.

Do not use this medicine if you have a history of ectopic pregnancy, salpingitis, or a severe digestive disease that impairs drug absorption.

If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking this medicine, take another dose immediately.

Overdose Effects

No acute toxicity has been reported from taking multiple doses of this medicine. However, efficacy is not guaranteed if the dose is missed.

Therapeutic Class

Emergency Contraceptive Pill, Oral Contraceptive Preparations

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place (below 30°C). Keep the medicine in its original packaging, out of reach of children, and do not use after the expiry date.