RU 486, also called mifepristone, is a drug used to induce abortion in early pregnancy. ... Within a few hours of taking the second drug, uterine contractions will empty the uterus, ending the pregnancy, Dr. Dunn explains. This experience is similar to an early miscarriage, usually causing cramping and heavy bleeding
The morning after pill - can be effective up to 5 days post unprotected intercourse.
Levonorgestrel is a hormone that can be used for
emergency contraception. Emergency contraception should not be used as a routine method of birth control.
Levonorgestrel can prevent
pregnancy after unprotected
sex. People sometimes call it the "morning after pill." But you don't have to wait until the morning after
sex to take it. In fact,
levonorgestrel is more effective the sooner you take it. It is a one-dose regimen: you take one pill. The pill contains 1.5 milligrams of
levonorgestrel, which is used in lower doses in many
birth control pills.
Levonorgestrel brands include Econtra EZ, My Way, Next Choice One Dose, Plan B One Step, Preventeza, and Take Action.
How Does Levonorgestrel Work?
Depending upon where you are in your cycle, levonorgestrel may work in one of these ways:
- It may prevent or delay ovulation.
- It may interfere with fertilization of an egg.
It is also possible that this type of emergency
birth control prevents implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus by altering its lining.
Levonorgestrel is not the same as RU-486, which is an
abortion pill. It does not cause a miscarriage or abortion. In other words, it does not stop development of a
fetus once the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. So it will not work if you are already pregnant when you take it.
How Effective Is Levonorgestrel?
If you take it within 72 hours after you've had unprotected sex, levonorgestrel can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. If you take Plan B One-Step within 24 hours, it is about 95% effective.
But you should know that Plan B One-Step is not as effective as regular
contraception. So don't take it as your main form of
birth control. And, it does not protect you against
sexually transmitted diseases. Think of it as a backup -- not for routine use. That's why it's called Plan B.
How to Take Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel can be purchased over the counter at drugstores without a prescription or proof of age. Because it is most effective when taken as soon as possible (up to 72 hours after sex), consider having a ready supply in your medicine cabinet. Better yet, use a reliable form of birth control, and plan for a backup method of birth control.
For readers FYI