EContra EZ is an emergency contraception. The main component – levonorgestrel – prevent the egg maturation. As a result, the pregnancy doesn’t come.
Contents:
Indications for use
This drug is prescribed as a form of emergency contraception.
Mechanism of action
Most often, levonorgestrel is applied as a emergency contraception. It suppresses the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the anterior pituitary, preventing the ovulation. Under the action of levonorgestrel, the composition of mucus in the cervix changes. It becomes thicker, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Together with estrogens, levonorgestrel interferes with the physiological process of preparing the endometrium to implant a fertilized egg.
Mode of application and dosage
EContra EZ in a dose of 1.5 mg is recommended applying within 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sexual intercourse. This medication can be used for a whole 5 days (120 hours) after sexual intercourse, which greatly increases the risk to protect from unwanted sexual intercourse.
Contraindications
The drug may be taken by women over 18 years old.
There are the following contraindications:
- severe hepatic impairment;
- pregnancy;
- rare hereditary diseases, such as lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption;
- hypersensitivity to EContra EZ components.
Side effects
- The nervous system: nervousness, sharp mood swings, a tendency to depression.
- Contact lens intolerance may occur.
- Frequent headaches are possible.
- The occurrence of digestive system disorders in the form of nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
- The reproductive system: there may be a change in the amount of menstrual bleeding, both in both quantities. There may be spotting in the intermenstrual period or uterine hemorrhages. Swelling and pain in the mammary glands can also be the consequences of taking hormone tablets. In addition, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, vaginal candidiasis are rare, and the probability of breast cancer increases.
- Allergic skin rashes in the form of eczema, hives, acne accompanied by itching may be observed.
- The application may be accompanied by pain, bleeding, fainting, dizziness.
All side effects may worsen when the drug is applied in overdosed, so you should strictly follow the regimen and the number of tablets. In the case of the intrauterine system, there can be no overdose if there is no additional source of levonorgestrel.
Interactions
At the simultaneous reception of drugs-inducers of liver enzymes, the metabolism of levonorgestrel is accelerated.
The following drugs may reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel:
- lansoprazole;
- nevirapine;
- oxcarbazepine;
- tacrolimus;
- topiramate;
- tretinoin;
- barbiturates, including primidone, phenytoin and carbamazepine;
- preparations containing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum);
- rifampicin;
- ritonavir;
- ampicillin;
- tetracycline;
- rifabutin;
- griseofulvin.
The contraceptive means reduces the effectiveness of hypoglycemic and anticoagulant (coumarin derivatives) drugs. It enhances plasma concentrations of glucocorticosteroids. Women who take these drugs should consult a doctor. Preparations containing levonorgestrel may increase the risk of toxicity of cyclosporine, because of its metabolism suppression.
EContra EZ and pregnancy
EContra EZ cannot be prescribed during diagnosed or suspected pregnancy. If the pregnancy occurred when using an emergency method of contraception, the negative effects on the fetus are not discovered. Levonorgestrel may enter the breast milk. After taking the drug, it is better to postpone the breastfeeding for 24 hours.