Morning-After Pill

Patient Information Sheet

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What is the Morning-After Pill?

The morning-after pill prevents unwanted pregnancies. It is actually not a single pill; you must take 2 Ovral tablets together and then, 12 hours later, take 2 more Ovral tablets.

Does it Work?

Yes. The morning-after pill is 95-98% successful in preventing pregnancy BUT, the first 2 tablets must be started within 72 hours (3 days) of an unprotected sexual intercourse.

Are There Any Side Effects?

• 50 to 60% of women have nausea and vomiting. To prevent this, take a medicine like Gravol 50 mg 30 minutes before you take your first 2 tablets of Ovral. Repeat the dose of Ovral if you throw up within 1 hour of taking the pills. You will need to come back to get more pills for your 12-hour dose.
• 20% of women will have their period earlier than expected.
• 50% of women will have their period at the expected time.
• 30% of women will have their period later than expected.
• Breast tenderness, headache and dizziness sometimes happen for a short period of time.

What Should You Do If You Miss a Period?

If your next period is late by 1 week, get a pregnancy test done.

What happens if you are already pregnant, but didn't know it and took the morning-after pill?

Experts all agree that no problems for the baby are expected to happen.

 

Better birth control than the morning-after pill is needed if you are having sex. Follow up with your family doctor soon. Click here for more information on community-centered local health services available.

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