Brief Answer: Thanks for the query. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to health care magic, Thank you very much for the query. I am very happy that you are asking about emergency contraceptive as this is a very good way to prevent unwanted pregnancies in cases of unexpected sexual episodes and many unnecessary abortions and their complications can be prevented by using them. There are two types of pills : Plan B one step: contains levonorgestrel. It can be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex works best if taken WITHIN 12 hours. It delays ovulation and also does not allow the fertilized egg to attach to the uterus if ovulation has occurred. Another plan B two step or routine plan B or levonorgestrel pills are also available and contains two tablets one is to be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours and the next 12 hours later. XXXXXXX one: contains ulipristal: It works in a similar fashion but can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Many brand names are available and can be obtained from the chemist without prescription. Other options are using 4 birth control pills within 12 hours and repeated after another 12 hours. Insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device like copper T can also be used within 5 days of the episode. The problem with pills are they may cause nausea, diarrhea, breast tenderness, headache and vomiting. This can be minimized by taking them after meals and use of antiemetic drugs like domperidone to prevent nausea and vomiting. They may cause delay in the next period or cause an early next period or spotting. Menstrual irregularities are more likely in the next one cycle following the pill. The pills are not advocated if the last menstrual period was more than 4 weeks ago as pregnancy may already be in place. The pills will not work if already there is a pregnancy, there is vomiting within 3 hours of pill use, pill is used twice in the same cycle. Pills are not advised in women with history of previous ectopic or tubal pregnancies and liver disease. The pills are effective in more than 95% cases in preventing pregnancies. The pills protect against only one act and it is advisable to use other methods, preferably barriers like condom for preventing future pregnancies in the same cycle. Repeated use of pills is not advocated as they are not 100% effective and also contain high dose hormones, disrupt menstrual cycle. So better methods like Oral contraceptive pills, depo injections, condoms, implants, intrauterine devices are advised for ongoing contraception. I hope I have provided you as much information about emergency contraceptive pills as possible. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me and I am here to help. Hope I was able to help you. Have a good day. Dr Madhuri Bagde Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist

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Brief Answer: The pack itself contains one pill only. Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the follow up question. Both Plan B and XXXXXXX one are brand names. Plan B contains levonorgestrel and XXXXXXX one Ulipristal acetate. Plan B is the most commonly used one. It is also available as novelle one step, LNG one step and many more. All have similar efficacy and contain single tablet. But the single tablet has a higher concentration of the drug so you may need to use anti vomiting drugs like emset one tablet along with plan B to prevent vomiting. Take it as soon as possible now. Hope this was able to help you. Thanks once again and have a good day. Dr Madhuri.

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