I-pill is single dose emergency contraceptive pill from Cipla which is used within 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy. I-pill is a Levenorgestrel containing emergency contraceptive pill. Levonorgestrel has no effect on implantation (attachment of the fertilized egg or blastocyst to the wall of the womb) of a fertilized egg. Hence, if the pill is taken post implantation it is completely ineffective in preventing progression of pregnancy. The implanted egg is not aborted. Hence there is a specific time-frame within which emergency contraceptive pill can prevent pregnancy.
I-pill (like all oral contraceptives) do not protect against infection with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
I Pill is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization (by altering tubal transport of sperm and/or ova). It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun. There is no adverse effects of i pill on breastfeeding performance, either in the quality or quantity of the milk, or on the health, growth or development of the infant.
Composition of I pill
I-pill contain Levonorgestrel (1500 mcg or 1.5 mg) which is synthetic progestogen used for hormonal contraceptives.
About Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel: Levonorgestrel is single active steroid ingredient of this medicine. It is a totally synthetic progestogen.
Chemical formula: 18, 19-Dinorpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one-13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-, (17α)- (-)-
Levonorgestrel uses: It is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (sex without any method of birth control or with a birth control method that failed or was not used properly.
Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel works by: preventing the release of an egg from the ovary.
Or preventing fertilization of the egg by sperm.
It may work by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent development of a pregnancy.
Levonorgestrel works best if it is taken as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse.
In case vomiting takes place in less than 2 hours after intake of levonorgestrel, call your doctor. You may need to take another dose of this medication.
Use of I pill
Prevent pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure.
Effect of I-Pill
I-pill is 95% effective if taken within 24 hours of sexual intercourse, 85%, if taken within 25-48 hours and only 58% if taken after 49 hours but before 72 hours. It has no role after 72 hours.
It is not always 100 percent effective so if period delayed by one week then do pregnancy test.
I-pill is equally effective for sex several times over a short period. But care should be taken that all acts have occurred within 72 hours before taking i-pill.
If there is a delay in the onset of menses beyond 1 week, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered.
Directions for use:
I-pill is a single dose tablet to be taken orally.
It should be swallowed with some water after a meal. I-pill should be taken as early as possible as and not later than 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Side Effects of I-Pill:
Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside the womb, typically in a fallopian tube)
Abdominal pain
Nausea, Vomiting
Dizziness, Headache
Breast pain or tenderness
When not to take I-pill:
Do not take i-pill if allergic to levonorgestrel.
I pill Effect on Periods
Menstrual bleeding patterns can become irregular.
Periods can start early or late by few days.
Menstrual bleeding can be heavy or less.
Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
Warning
- I pill should not be used as a regular birth control method. I Pill is not as effective as routine contraception since their failure rate.
- It is not effective in terminating an existing pregnancy.
- Risk factor of ectopic pregnancy increases after taking emergency contraceptive.
- It is not an abortion pill.
- The most common side effects of i pill are nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual changes.
Note: It is normal for next menstrual period to begin up to a week earlier or later than expected. If next menstrual period is delayed for longer than 1 week after the expected date, you may be pregnant and pregnancy test should be done.