There are three main types of EC pills: Progestin only pills containing levonorgestrel, combined pillscontaining both progestin and an estrogen (the “Yuzpe” regimen), and pills containing ulipristal acetate.In a few countries, mifepristone is used for EC.
Both levonorgestrel and combined pills are simply a higher dose of regular birth control pills. EC with progestin only has been found to produce fewer side effects and be somewhat more effective than a combination of progestin and estrogen. EC with progestin only has been available as a “dedicated” product since the mid 1990’s, specially labeled for use as “emergency contraception”, while the pills combining progestin and estrogen are more commonly marketed as birth control pills, but have also been used for EC since the 1970s.
Ulipristal acetate pills have been found to be highly effective and well-tolerated. They were introduced in Europe in 2009 and in the US in 2010.
All three types of EC pills can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex; the Levonorgestel and Yuzpe regimens, are more effective the sooner they are taken.
The table below shows the formulation of common EC
pills. For more detailed information of products available
by country, please consult the ICEC
pills database.
Note: Many progestin-alone (levonorgestrel) brands of EC pills contain two pills, with instructions to take the second pill 12 hours after the first. However, research has found that levonorgestrel-only EC pills are more effective the sooner they are taken and can safely be taken as a single dose. ICEC therefore recommends taking Levonorgestrel EC pills as a single dose, even when using two-pill products. (See our Regimen
Policy Statement).
Many brands of regular combined oral contraceptives
can be used to make EC. For information on what regular
birth control pills are for EC use and are available
in your country, please go to www.Not-2-Late.com.
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