Opcicon One-Step is an emergency birth control pill containing levonorgestrel intended for use after contraception failure or unprotected sex.
Contents:
Indications for use
Opcicon One-Step is used as a hormonal emergency contraceptive. The drug is effective in use within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.
Mechanism of action
Levonorgestrel belongs to the group of drugs containing hormones secreted by the sex glands, intended for emergency contraceptive effect.
Its effectiveness is due to the fact that the drug has the property of interfering with the fertilization of the ovum due to inhibition of ovulation. It is especially effective when used in the first phase of the period, before the ripening of the ovum in the ovary.
Levonorgestrel also causes changes in the endometrium, which prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Dosage and mode of application
The package of Opcicon One-Step emergency contraception contains only one tablet with a full dose of levonorgestrel (1.5 mg), which must be taken within the next 12 hours after unprotected intercourse and no later than 72 hours after it. It is important that levonorgestrel is not an abortifacient – it only hinders the onset of pregnancy, while also reducing the risk of abortion. If the pregnancy has already occurred, the levonorgestrel pill will not stop this condition.
If vomiting occurs within the first 3 hours after taking the pill, another one should be taken immediately.
Taking the drug is possible on any day of the menstrual period if there is no delay in menstrual bleeding.
Use of this drug is not a contraindication to the continuation of regular systemic hormonal contraception.
When using this medication in the first 7 days of taking oral hormonal contraceptives of systemic action, barrier methods of contraception should be used.
Overdose
An overdose of Opcicon One-Step was never reported. Theoretically, an overdose of levonorgestrel can cause:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- tension of mammary glands;
- vaginal bleeding.
If you have any of the above symptoms, it is necessary to wash the stomach, take sorbents, establish monitoring of the patient’s condition, and, if necessary, carry out a complex of a standard maintenance symptomatic therapy.
Contraindications
Opcicon One-Step is contraindicated in the following conditions:
- pregnancy;
- established or suspected malignant neoplasms of genital organs and mammary gland;
- uterine bleeding of unclear etiology;
- acute liver disease;
- liver tumors;
- thromboembolic disorders, thrombophlebitis;
- cerebrovascular diseases;
- coronary artery disease;
- hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel or other drug components.
Side effects
Opcicon One-Step may cause the following adverse reactions:
- headache, increased fatigue;
- nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pains, constipation, dyspeptic symptoms, pancreatitis, jaundice;
- allergies, rash, allergic urticaria;
- swelling of the mammary glands, pain in the mammary glands, pain in the small pelvis;
- edema of the face;
- delay of menstruation for 7 days (with a delay of more than 5 days, a test should be done to exclude a possible pregnancy), vaginal bleeding, irregular menstruation.
If any unusual, undesirable side effects occur, you should consult your doctor.
Interactions
Levonorgestrel can interact with the following drugs and substances:
- amprenavir, lansoprazole, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, tacrolimus, topiramate, tretinoin, barbiturates (including primidone), phenytoin and carbamazepine;
- preparations containing St. John’s wort;
- rifampicin, ritonavir, ampicillin, tetracycline, rifabutin, griseofulvin;
- derivatives of coumarin, phenindione;
- preparations containing levonorgestrel.
Opcicon One-Step and pregnancy
Emergency contraception is not used during pregnancy.
If there is a need to take this medication during breastfeeding, lactation should be suspended for 24 hours.
Special instructions
Emergency birth control pills cannot be used as a permanent contraceptive method – it is dangerous and not as effective as the drugs designed specifically for the purpose of prolonged pregnancy prevention.
The tablet does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
In patients who are overweight, the contraceptive effect of levonorgestrel is less effective.
Opcicon One-Step should be used exclusively for emergency contraception. The effectiveness of emergency contraception with delayed use of Levonorgestrel 1.5 pill is reduced.
The drug does not replace the use of permanent methods of contraception.
The repeated use of emergency contraception during one menstrual period is not recommended.
In most cases, the medication does not affect the character of the menstrual period. However, acyclic bleeding may occur and menstruation may be delayed for several days. If you have a delay in menstruation for more than 5-7 days, you should exclude pregnancy. The appearance of pain in the lower abdomen or fainting can indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
The use of levonorgestrel is not recommended in women with a high risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy.
Use of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg in girls under 16 years is possible only in exceptional cases (including rape) and only after consultation of the gynecologist. After an emergency contraception, a second consultation with a gynecologist is recommended.
In case of violations of the function of the gastrointestinal tract, the effectiveness of the contraceptive may be reduced.
The effect of Opcicon One-Step on the ability to drive vehicles and work with mechanisms has not been studied. If you have dizziness after taking a pill, care should be taken when performing actions that require a high concentration of attention and speed of psychomotor reactions.