Morning after pill brands
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Overview of Morning After Pill Brands
Introduction to Morning After Pills
The morning after pill, also known as emergency contraception (EC), is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is not an abortifacient, as it works before pregnancy is established3 5. The effectiveness of these pills is higher the sooner they are taken after intercourse, with some formulations being effective up to 120 hours post-coitus5.
Common Brands and Their Availability
Plan B One-Step
Plan B One-Step is one of the most well-known brands of the morning after pill. It contains levonorgestrel and is available over-the-counter for women aged 15 and older in the United States4. Initially, it was only available to women aged 17 and older without a prescription, but recent FDA changes have made it more accessible4.
Levonelle
In the UK, Levonelle is a popular brand of the morning after pill. It also contains levonorgestrel and is available over-the-counter without a prescription2. This move by the UK government has been widely welcomed and is expected to significantly reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies2.
Tetragynon
Tetragynon is a brand available in Germany since 1985. It is administered in two doses taken 12 hours apart and is highly effective when used correctly7. The pill is recommended for use only once per menstrual cycle to avoid disrupting the natural hormonal cycle7.
Historical Context and Development
The concept of the morning after pill has been around since the 1960s, with the first oral regimen published in 1974 by Yuzpe and colleagues3. Early research, including pioneering studies at Yale School of Medicine, laid the groundwork for the development of effective emergency contraceptives6.
Regulatory and Social Perspectives
FDA and Labeling Issues
In the United States, there has been significant pressure on the FDA to include explicit instructions for using certain combined oral contraceptives as morning after pills. Brands like Ovral, Nordette, and Triphasil are used off-label for this purpose in various health services1. The lack of clear labeling has led to concerns about incorrect dosage and limited contraceptive choices for women1.
Media Influence and Public Perception
Media coverage has played a crucial role in shaping public perception and regulatory actions regarding the morning after pill. For instance, the media's portrayal of Diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a morning after pill in the 1970s led to significant health issues, highlighting the need for accurate information and careful regulatory oversight9.
Conclusion
The morning after pill is a critical tool in preventing unplanned pregnancies and is available under various brand names worldwide. Brands like Plan B One-Step, Levonelle, and Tetragynon have made emergency contraception more accessible, though regulatory and social challenges remain. Continued efforts to improve labeling, access, and public education are essential to maximize the benefits of these contraceptives.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Pressure for "morningafter" pill in USA
The Center for Reproductive Law and Policy petitions the FDA to include instructions on using oral contraceptives as a "morning after" pill, potentially reducing unwanted pregnancies by 1.7-2.2 million per year.
UK improves access to “morning after pill”
The UK government has made the so-called "morning after pill" available over-the-counter, aiming to improve access to emergency contraception for unplanned pregnancies.
THE ‘MORNING AFTER’ PILL
The Morning after pill is an effective emergency contraception method for preventing unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse.
US approves “morning after” pill without prescription for women 15 years or older
Plan B One-Step is now available without prescription for women aged 15 years or older, allowing them to access the contraceptive in store aisles alongside other family planning and women's health products.
Rigorous Journal