ASK THE PHARMACIST | What are the side effects of abusing morning-after pills?

This week, I am answering two questions relating to the morning-after pill.

1. What are the side effects of abusing morning-after pills?

The morning-after pill is also referred to as an emergency contraceptive. This name is more suitable because it should be used for exactly that: in an emergency after sexual intercourse, when typical birth control failed or wasn’t used.

Emergency contraception should be taken as quickly as possible after unprotected sex. It is available without a doctor’s prescription from such healthcare facilities as pharmacies and family planning clinics. You do not necessarily have to wait until the “morning-after”, but — depending on the specific product you use — it must be taken within three to five  days after unprotected sex. The earlier you use it, the more effective it is.

Emergency contraception has an excellent safety profile in nearly all women.

Side effects might include dizziness, tiredness, feeling or being sick (vomiting), headache, breast sensitivity, changes in your period, and lower stomach cramps. These are usually mild and will resolve within a few days without the need to take more medications.

There is no limit to how many times you can take emergency contraception. However, you shouldn’t use it routinely or as a method of birth control. It is a temporary way to prevent pregnancy and not for long-term use. It can be used more than once in a menstrual cycle if needed, but if you use it often, you should consider regular birth control, which is more appropriate (and probably less stressful!).

Although continual use of emergency contraception poses no known health risks, this can result in an increase in the side effects mentioned above. Taking emergency contraception involves pumping high levels of hormones inside your body; excessive and unnecessary use should be avoided.

Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy and doesn’t end an already established pregnancy. It works mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation. It also doesn’t protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and there are some instances where it shouldn’t be used - for example, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, have bad asthma or take additional medication that is likely to interfere with it.

2. For how long is the morning-after pill effective?

Emergency contraception doesn’t offer lasting protection from pregnancy. If you have unprotected sexual intercourse at any time after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, you can fall pregnant. In other words, if you have unprotected sex after taking emergency contraception, you should take another dose to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Rather discuss a long-term contraceptive method with your healthcare provider and don’t have sexual intercourse until you start or resume another method of birth control.

Do you have a question for our pharmacist? E-mail: pharmacist@timeslive.co.za

Unfortunately, not every question can be published and our pharmacist cannot enter into private correspondence with readers. If your question is not published, keep an eye out for information that relates to the topic in future columns.

Disclaimer: Though every effort has been made in compiling and checking the information in this column to ensure it is accurate, the author, publisher or their agents shall not be responsible or liable for the continued accuracy of the information or for any errors, omissions and inaccuracies, whether arising from negligence or otherwise, or for any consequences arising therefrom. The information contained in this column is not a substitute for a medical doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read in this column or on this website.

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